Not All IT Support Is Created Equal
For small to mid-sized businesses, figuring out the right level of IT support can be a real challenge.
Building a fully staffed in-house IT team often comes with a hefty price tag. On the flip side, relying on a single person to manage everything remotely or on-site can mean your IT isn’t fully supported.
In general, there are five types of IT solutions available to businesses with 200 or fewer employees. These are:
The IT Tech
Many small to mid-sized businesses start by hiring an independent IT tech who supports a few clients on a part-time basis. While this contractor might have one or two assistants, they are ultimately the primary point of responsibility.
The main advantage of this approach is its cost-effectiveness. However, relying heavily on a single individual can become a significant risk as the company grows and its IT needs become more complex.
The IT Shop
The next step up from solo IT support is a more established IT shop, often made up of 5 to 10 team members, offering more comprehensive services. These firms typically implement tools like ticketing systems to manage tasks and centralized monitoring to proactively minimize downtime.
To remain profitable, though, these companies usually serve between 10 and 50 clients. With limited staff and no fully specialized departments — meaning team members juggle multiple roles — smaller clients may not receive top-tier attention if they aren’t among the firm’s largest accounts.
The Basic MSP
A basic IT managed services provider (MSP) offers enhanced services when compared to the IT shop, but with limited strategy and customization. Their one-size-fits-all approach can be a strong option for businesses that need a higher level of service but do not have overly complex needs.
Typically, services are offered at a fixed monthly pricing model and are structured to serve as an all-in-one IT solution. Basic MSPs may struggle if you need a partner to develop a strategic approach to IT with customized solutions to your unique business needs.
The Strategic IT & Security Partner
This IT service model represents the highest tier of outsourced IT support available to small and mid-sized businesses.
Strategic IT & Security Partners take a proactive role in guiding technology investments, optimizing IT operations, and driving innovation to create long-term value while also providing comprehensive MSP services. They work closely with the executive leadership of your organization to understand the company's vision, growth targets, and operational challenges.
The Internal IT Department
As companies transition from small to mid-sized, they often set up an in-house IT department to manage and support their technology needs.
This approach has its advantages: the team is dedicated to your business and can respond quickly to internal needs.
But it also comes with steeper costs, including salaries and benefits. Keep in mind that an internal team may need to rely on various specialized vendors for broader support, which can introduce extra expenses.