If handling IT for your growing business feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. With so many moving parts—network security, software updates, data backups, and more—many Wisconsin business owners find it difficult to keep up.
That’s where managed IT services come in, allowing you to offload the complexities of technology management to the IT experts.
However, just like with any business investment, it’s important to understand what you’re paying for and the costs involved. Whether you’re in Appleton, Oshkosh, Green Bay, or the surrounding areas, understanding the pricing structure of managed IT services can help you make the best choice for your budget and needs.
What Are Managed IT Services?
Managed IT services refer to outsourcing your technology needs to an IT company like Computer Corner. Instead of handling IT systems in-house, you partner with computer experts who monitor, maintain, and support your company’s technology. It’s like having a dedicated IT department without the full-time staffing costs.
Key managed IT services for Wisconsin businesses include:
- Email, messaging, and other business productivity systems set up and management
- Network monitoring and management
- Cybersecurity and threat detection
- Data backup and disaster recovery
- IT help desk support
- Software updates and patch management
- Cloud services and infrastructure management
- Vendor management for hardware and software
Why Wisconsin Businesses Choose Managed IT Services
Managed IT services take the stress of technology off your plate. Whether you run a non-profit in Oshkosh or an industrial facility with multiple locations across Wisconsin, partnering with a Wisconsin IT provider means you can:
- Focus on Running Your Business: Instead of troubleshooting complex IT issues, you can focus on serving your customers and growing your company.
- Reduce Downtime & Disruptions: Taking a proactive approach to monitoring potential IT issues means problems are avoided or resolved before they cause major disruptions. When problems do occur, IT experts can troubleshoot quickly and efficiently to get you back up and running.
- Access Expert Support: Managed IT support means you’ll always have access to enterprise-level IT expertise, even if full-time employees come and go or your business IT needs shift.
- Predictable Costs: Contracts, flat-rate pricing, and proactive management mean there are rarely surprises when it comes to your IT expenses. You’ll always know what your monthly expenses are and be able to plan ahead for technology upgrades, licensing agreements, and more.
Understanding the Cost of Managed IT Services
All that sounds great, but if you’re considering outsourcing IT support, there’s probably one major question on your mind: “How much is this going to cost?”
For small to medium-sized businesses, the average cost of managed IT services is $125-$250 per user per month.
That said, pricing depends on several factors, including your business size, needs, and the level of service you require.
Typical Pricing Models
Wisconsin managed service providers (MSP) usually offer a few different pricing models. Here’s how we break things down at Computer Corner depending on your needs:
- Per-User Pricing: With this pricing model, you’ll pay about $125–$250 per user per month. Each employee is covered, including their laptop, desktop, tablet, mobile device, and other company-supplied technology. This pricing model is best for businesses and organizations with employees using multiple devices who need comprehensive coverage.
- Flat Rate Pricing: With a flat fee pricing contract, you’ll pay a fixed fee on a monthly basis for a set amount of IT services. The cost ranges based on the size and complexity of your business, but consider $1,500–$10,000 per month is a good ballpark. This option works well for medium or large companies needing predictability in their IT budget and services.
- Hourly (Ad-Hoc) Pricing: This as-needed model costs you about $125–$250 per hour. You pay for IT support only when you need it, which is great for businesses with minimal IT needs or if you need support with a specific IT project (like transitioning to Windows 11 in 2025).
What IT Services Typically Included in the Pricing
Services can vary depending on which managed IT service provider you choose to work with. Here at Computer Corner, our pricing includes core IT services:
- IT Monitoring & Help Desk Support: We’ll handle proactive monitoring of your network and offer support with day-to-day IT issues with printers and other technology.
- Basic Cybersecurity Measures: To protect you and your customers, we install firewalls, antivirus software, password management systems, and more to block common threats.
- Backup Solutions: We’ll schedule and monitor regular data backups and assist with recovery if needed.
Factors That Impact Managed IT Services Pricing
As noted, pricing can vary depending on your business needs and which Wisconsin IT service provider you choose to work with. The size of your business, specific IT challenges, and your business operations and IT goals all play a role in pricing here at Computer Corner.
- Number of Employees and Devices: The cost will increase based on the number of users and devices (computers, phones, servers) associated with your business. A small dental office in Neenah with 10 employees will have very different IT needs and pricing than an Appleton HVAC contractor where their team is constantly on the road and at job sites.
- IT Infrastructure Complexity: Complex networks, custom software, and legacy systems can be difficult to maintain and upkeep. Pricing tends to be higher to manage these more advanced infrastructures.
- Availability: Does your business need 24/7 IT support or just coverage during regular business hours? Around-the-clock monitoring and assistance will increase costs.
- Industry Compliance Requirements: If your business has additional compliance regulations like HIPAA, additional safeguards like encryption and audit-ready reporting are a must. These services require expertise and tools that increase pricing.
- On-Site vs. Remote Support. While we’re always ready and willing to help, the amount of time on site can increase pricing due to travel and additional labor costs.
Each of these factors adds a layer of customization to your IT strategy, ensuring you get the exact technology support you need. While this may adjust your costs, it also means your IT investment is directly aligned with your business goals.
Are Managed IT Services Worth the Price?
The short answer? Yes, managed IT services are often worth the price—especially when you consider the long-term value and peace of mind they provide.
The average cost of a data breach in the United States is about $9.4 million dollars. For retailers or manufacturers here in the Fox Cities, every minute of downtime could mean thousands of dollars in lost sales and productivity. When comparing those costs, investing in IT support for your company seems like a no brainer.
How Much Will My Managed IT Support Cost?
Great question! As noted, every business is different.
Give the team at Computer Corner a call to get a free estimate tailored to your specific IT needs. We’ll ask some questions to learn more about your business, budget, and IT network and provide an accurate quote.
