Managed IT is an arrangement where a provider takes ongoing responsibility for your technology, monitors your systems proactively, and supports your staff, all for a predictable flat monthly fee.
How it is different from break-fix
Break-fix IT is reactive. Something stops working, you call someone, they fix it and send an invoice. It sounds simple, but the problem is you have no idea what you will spend on IT each month, and your provider has no financial incentive to prevent problems.
Managed IT is proactive. Because you pay the same amount regardless of how many issues occur, your provider is motivated to catch problems before they cause downtime. They are watching your systems continuously, not waiting for a call.
What a managed IT contract typically includes
What it costs
Pricing varies by provider and scope. Most managed IT contracts for small businesses are priced per user or per device, typically ranging from $50 to $150 per user per month depending on what is included. EagleOnyx starts at $60/user/month for a foundational managed IT plan, including monitoring, patching, endpoint protection, and help desk.
To put that in context: a single hour of emergency IT support from a break-fix provider typically costs $100 to $200. One bad day can cost more than a full month of managed IT coverage.
Is it worth it for a small business?
If you have 5 or more computers and no dedicated IT staff, yes. The ROI calculation is straightforward: predictable cost, better security, less downtime, and staff who can get help quickly instead of waiting hours for a callback.
The businesses that say managed IT is not worth it have usually had a bad experience with a specific provider, not a problem with the model itself. A good managed IT arrangement should feel invisible most of the time. Your systems just work.
Managed IT for Central Florida businesses, starting at $60/user/month.
Sub-5-minute response on active issues, zero outsourcing, flat-rate pricing. Otto personally handles every new inquiry.
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