You’ve probably had a tech issue drag on longer than it should. Maybe a staff member couldn’t log in, or your backup failed right before an important deadline. When your IT support is slow, every minute can cost you. 

A good managed service provider (MSP) is easy to reach and focused on your success. They protect your systems and give your team the tech support they need to stay productive. 

If you’ve ever wondered what a good MSP costs or how to hire IT for your Burlington business, this guide breaks it all down so you can find the right partner. 

Understand Your Business Needs

Before starting your search for an MSP or looking up “What is a Service Level Agreement?”, get clear on your goals. Do you need help staying compliant with privacy laws? Want 24/7 support or better backup systems? Once you know your priorities, it’s easier to compare providers and avoid paying for services you won’t use.

When you meet with our team, one of the first questions we’ll ask is what matters to you. At Joe Apps, we offer audits and assessments to help small businesses in Ontario, Quebec, and BC choose the right level of support. 

What Does an MSP Do?

An MSP manages your company’s technology, often replacing or supporting an in-house team. 

Responsibilities include system monitoring, updating software, protecting data, and providing ongoing support. 

Unlike companies that only react when things break, Joe Apps prevents downtime with regular maintenance and fast issue resolution. Our services include 24/7 monitoring, helpdesk service, cloud management, and secure data backups. 

How Much Does a Good MSP Cost?

Every MSP is different, but most charge using one of these models:

  • Pay Per Device or Employee: You pay a set price for each computer, server, or employee. It’s simple to plan for, but the cost increases as your team grows.
  • Set Monthly Plan: You pay one fixed price each month for a bundle of services like monitoring and remote support. It keeps costs simple and predictable.
  • Pay as You Go (Break/Fix): You pay only when something breaks. It sounds cheap at first, but the bills can add up fast if problems happen often.

For most small businesses, flat-rate plans work best. Joe Apps offers simple, monthly pricing with no surprise bills, just reliable support you can count on.

What to Check in an MSP Contract

Your MSP agreement should be easy to understand. You should know exactly what’s included and what you’re paying for. Here are some terms you’ll see used:

  • Service Level Agreement (SLA): Explains how quickly the MSP responds when something breaks, how much uptime they promise, and what happens if they don’t reach that goal.
  • Scope of Work: A list of what the MSP will do, like software updates or backups.
  • Pricing Model: Shows how much you’ll be charged. Check if the plan is per user or a flat monthly fee, and see if there are extra costs for after-hours or on-site visits. 

At Joe Apps, our SLAs are written in plain language, and our pricing is flat-rate. You’ll always know what you’re getting and what it costs.

Questions to Ask Before Signing with a IT Provider

Don’t choose a provider based on promises. Before you agree to anything, ask these questions:

  • How fast do you fix urgent problems?
  • Do you offer in-person support?
  • What’s included in your base price?
  • Can you share a reference from another business like mine?

Joe Apps is upfront about everything. Our reports and service details are always clear, so you’re never left guessing.

We recommend comparing providers and contracts to find the best fit. If you’re looking at multiple quotes, we can review the fine print and explain the details in terms you can understand. 

Building a Long-Term Partnership with Your IT Provider

Good MSPs don’t just fix problems; they focus on your success and adjust support as your needs change. 

Joe Apps builds long-term partnerships with small businesses across Ontario, Quebec, and BC. We provide dependable IT support without locking clients into rigid terms.

Ready to Make Your Decision About Your MSP?

Don’t wait for the next tech issue to slow you down. Joe Apps can help you find the right IT support to keep your systems secure and your team productive.

Get in touch today for a quick review of your setup. We’ll walk you through your options and build a plan that keeps your systems running so your team can focus on serving your customers.