How much does IT support cost, and what’s the best way to pay for it?
If you’re looking for IT support in Devon, one of the first questions you’re likely to ask is: how much should it cost?
The answer depends on the size of your business, the level of support you need and, importantly, how your IT company chooses to charge you.
Across the UK, managed IT support typically costs somewhere between £40 and £150 per user, per month, depending on what’s included. Generally, we find that basic support packages sit towards the lower end, while more comprehensive services, including additional security and proactive management, cost more.
But comparing IT support purely on price can be misleading. Different IT companies charge in different ways, and what appears to be a cheaper option initially may not necessarily offer the best value.
It’s worth understanding the different approaches before deciding what’s right for your business.
How do IT companies charge for support?
There are three common approaches:
Hourly support
You have a problem, call your IT company, they fix it and you pay for the time used. This can work for businesses that rarely need help, but it can discourage people from reporting smaller problems. It also means the IT company’s income depends on there being work to do, rather than on everything running smoothly.
Per-device support
You pay according to the number of computers, servers and other devices being supported. It sounds straightforward, but as your business changes, so does the list of devices. New laptops, home working and replacement equipment can all complicate what’s included.
Per-user support
Probably the most common managed support model. You pay a monthly amount for each person being supported, rather than counting individual devices. It’s relatively straightforward, but staff joining, leaving or changing roles can affect the monthly cost.
None of these approaches is necessarily wrong, but they aren’t the only way to provide IT support.
Why Apollo prefers fixed-price IT support
We believe your IT company’s interests should be the same as yours.
With Apollo’s agreed fixed-price support, we don’t make more money because something goes wrong or because you need more help.
Quite the opposite. It’s in everyone’s interest for your IT to work properly, problems to be prevented and your business to run smoothly.
We don’t want to make money from your IT problems. We want to prevent them.
The easiest way to explain our approach is to think of Apollo as your own IT department.
You wouldn’t expect an invoice every time someone forgot their password, needed help with a printer or had a problem with their computer. You’d simply ask your IT team to sort it out.
That’s how we want our clients to think about us.
We’re your IT department.
We get to know your people, your systems and your business. When something needs doing, the first question shouldn’t be whether a particular user or device is covered. It should be how best to get the problem sorted.
Every business is different, so fixed-price doesn’t mean everyone pays the same. We look at your business, its IT and the level of support required before agreeing a monthly price.
Once agreed, you know what your ongoing support costs will be, without worrying about every phone call, small problem or request for help generating another invoice.
What should you look for when comparing IT support?
Don’t just compare the monthly figure. Ask what’s included.
Is day-to-day support covered?
Are routine tasks and requests included?
Is your IT proactively monitored and maintained?
What security and backup services are provided?
Are there additional charges for users, devices or everyday support?
At Apollo, we’ve always believed good IT support is about building a long-term relationship with a business. Our job isn’t simply to fix today’s computer problem. It’s to keep your systems running, reduce disruption, protect your business and help you make sensible decisions about technology.
Just like having your own IT department, but without the cost of building one yourself.
If you’re considering IT support for your business in Devon, we’re always happy to have a conversation about what you need and how we can help.
Looking for IT support in Devon?
Apollo provides friendly, fixed-price IT support to businesses and organisations across Dartmouth, Newton Abbot, Torquay, Paignton and the wider South Devon area.
If you’d like to understand what IT support should cost for your business, talk to us. We’ll explain the options in plain English and help you work out what you actually need.