Most managed IT providers charge a flat monthly fee per user or per device, plus separate quotes for one-off projects. What you pay depends on headcount, how many servers and cloud services need looking after, the hours you want covered, and whether backup and security are included.
How providers price it
There are three common models. Per user: one monthly amount for each person, covering their devices and accounts. Per device: a price for each computer, server and network device. Flat fee: one figure for the whole company, usually set after an assessment.
Cloud hosting, backup storage and disaster recovery are normally priced by size, on top of the support plan.
What moves the number
- How many people and locations you have
- How many servers you run, in your office or in the cloud
- Whether you want cover outside office hours
- Whether backup, security tools and Microsoft 365 licensing are bundled in
- How old your equipment is, because older systems take more looking after
Where the surprises are
Three things are most often billed separately: projects such as migrations and office moves, new hardware, and after-hours work. Ask for a written quote that lists what is covered and what is extra.
Also ask how fast the provider commits to respond, and who answers the phone.
How LiveIT prices
Every LiveIT plan is quoted to fit the company. One-off work is quoted per project, in writing, before anything starts. You can try the service first with a two-week free trial of remote support.
Take the two-minute IT health check to see where your own setup stands, or read more answers.