Are your managed services supporting Business success?

What are Managed Services?

Managed Services represents a comprehensive approach where specialized providers assume ongoing responsibility for specific business functions or technology systems. Rather than handling everything internally or calling for help only when problems arise, you partner with experts who proactively monitor, maintain, and optimize these systems continuously.

This umbrella term encompasses various service types including Managed IT (network and system management), Managed Print (printer and copier fleet management), Managed VoIP (phone system hosting and support), and other specialized services like mailing systems. The model transforms unpredictable, reactive expenses into stable partnerships with predictable costs. You gain access to enterprise-level expertise across multiple domains without building separate internal departments for each specialty.

What’s the difference between staff augmentation and Managed Services?

Staff augmentation places temporary specialists within your organization to work under your management and direction. You control projects, set priorities, and make decisions while these professionals provide the expertise you’re missing internally—whether IT technicians, print specialists, or telecommunications experts.

Managed Services transfers both responsibility and accountability to an external provider who owns outcomes. They monitor systems proactively, make decisions within agreed parameters, and guarantee performance levels through service level agreements. You’re not managing additional staff—you’re partnering with experts who take full ownership of specific business functions like IT infrastructure, print fleet management, or phone systems.

What is the Managed Services delivery model?

The Managed Services delivery model operates on a subscription basis where providers deliver defined technology services for predictable monthly fees. This contrasts with traditional break-fix support, where you pay separately for each incident or emergency repair.

Providers deploy remote monitoring tools across your systems, creating 24/7 visibility into performance and potential issues. Technicians address problems proactively, often resolving them before users notice anything wrong. Regular maintenance cycles keep systems optimized, while strategic planning sessions ensure your technology roadmap aligns with business objectives.

What services do I get with Managed Services?

Managed Services offerings vary depending on the specific type you select. Managed IT Services include network monitoring, help desk support, security management, backup administration, and strategic technology planning. Managed Print Services cover device monitoring, automated supply fulfillment, maintenance, and print fleet optimization.

Managed VoIP provides hosted phone system infrastructure, calling features, and telecommunications support. Many providers offer comprehensive packages combining multiple service types under unified agreements. The specific services included depend on your needs—detailed information about each service type appears in the dedicated sections below.

What’s not included in Managed Services?

Most Managed Services agreements exclude the actual hardware and equipment costs—you own the computers, printers, copiers, or phone handsets while providers manage and maintain them. Software licensing fees, paper and printing supplies, and internet connectivity charges typically remain separate expenses.

Major infrastructure projects, custom development work, and specialized consulting beyond standard service scope usually fall outside base agreements. Providers offer these services separately, ensuring you only pay for what you need. The specific exclusions vary by service type—for example, Managed Print agreements might include toner but not paper, while Managed VoIP might exclude desk phones but include the phone system infrastructure.

What are the benefits of Managed Services?

Predictable monthly costs replace unexpected expenses—whether emergency IT repairs, printer service calls, or phone system failures. This makes budgeting straightforward and eliminates financial surprises. Your systems become more stable through proactive monitoring and preventive maintenance that catches issues early across all managed areas.

Access to specialized expertise across multiple domains improves both operations and decision-making. Security strengthens through continuous monitoring and rapid response. Your internal team focuses on strategic business initiatives rather than troubleshooting technology issues, managing printer supplies, or coordinating with multiple vendors for different systems. Consolidating multiple technology areas under managed services often provides better coordination and unified support.

Why should I use Managed Services?

Technology complexity across all business areas—IT infrastructure, print operations, telecommunications—has exceeded what most organizations can manage effectively with internal resources. Each specialty requires deep knowledge, continuous monitoring, and rapid response capabilities that are difficult and expensive to maintain in-house.

Beyond risk mitigation from system failures, Managed Services deliver strategic value. Providers stay current with emerging technologies, evolving best practices, and industry innovations across their specialties. This institutional knowledge would take years to develop internally and would require maintaining multiple specialized teams. Managed Services transform these areas from operational burdens into competitive advantages that enable growth.

What is the price range for Managed Services?

Managed Services pricing varies significantly based on the type of service and scope of coverage. Managed IT Services typically range from $75-$200 per user monthly, or $1,500-$20,000+ monthly depending on organization size and complexity. Managed Print Services often use per-page pricing ($0.01-$0.03 for black and white, $0.05-$0.15 for color) or flat monthly rates based on typical usage.

Managed VoIP typically costs $20-$45 per user monthly for hosted phone services. Organizations often bundle multiple service types—IT, print, and telecommunications—under comprehensive agreements that provide better overall value than purchasing each separately. The investment replaces unpredictable break-fix costs and multiple vendor relationships with stable, predictable monthly expenses and unified support.