Having access to reliable IT support services is a significant step in improving your business operations. However, many business owners and managers aren’t sure on how much they should be spending. So, how much are IT support service costs in London?
Frustratingly, there’s no universal figure when it comes to the average cost of IT support services in London. This is because the costs associated with IT support services vary depending on several factors. These could include the size of your business, the scope of the services you require, and the nature of your tech infrastructure.
For example, take a small business with 15 workstations, versus a large-scale enterprise with hundreds of employees. The small business may request only IT helpdesk support, inevitably paying less than the enterprise that relies on end-to-end managed IT services.
However, knowing which factors affect the cost of IT support services in London will help you to determine what you can expect to pay. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how IT support services in London are categorised. From here, we’ll determine which options prove to be the most cost-effective.
Cost of break/fix IT support services in London
As the name suggests, break/fix IT services allow you to access technical support when things go wrong. If something breaks, you call an IT support service company to fix the issue. Usually, they operate an hourly rate plus the cost of any parts needed to resolve the issue, if required. So, the overall cost of break/fix IT services vary depending on the complexity of the problem and the time it takes for it to be resolved.
Are break/fix IT support services cost-efficient?
At first glance, ad hoc break/fix IT support can seem like a cost-effective way to minimise downtime in London. However, you’ll typically pay a higher hourly rate for this type of service in comparison to other measures. In the long run, having an ongoing arrangement with an IT support provider, such as a service level agreement (SLA), can prove more worthwhile for these fixes.
In addition, you must consider the financial implications that a break/fix approach can have on your business. With no proactive monitoring, maintenance, or management, issues may be more likely to occur, which can increase company downtime. Furthermore, the speed of the fix is often dependent on an IT professional’s availability when something goes wrong. This can mean longer waiting times and in more severe cases, extended operational disruption.
As a result, break/fix IT support services are rarely the most cost-efficient option for businesses, particularly if your operations are heavily reliant on your IT infrastructure.
Cost of specific IT support services in London
The nature of your business may mean you want to select specific IT services to facilitate your operations, rather than a full end-to-end support service. For example, you might commission an IT support service provider to undertake an IT audit or request consultancy services. These solutions can help you determine which IT services are right for your business.
Depending on the services you require, this may involve a one-off fee or an ongoing service legal agreement (SLA). The flexibility of this approach can be beneficial for businesses, especially if you want to remain in control of your IT management. Some companies also choose this option to supplement an in-house IT team with additional support or expertise.
Are specific IT support services cost-efficient?
Choosing a range of specific IT support services can be cost-efficient, providing you choose the right services for your business and the best support provider!
For example, a one-off IT audit can be a valuable investment for your business. But this choice is only worthwhile if you implement the recommended actions based on the outcome. Similarly, paying for data backup can be advantageous, but overlooking the importance of network protection could be a costly mistake.
If you’re looking for advice regarding a specific IT issue or you want to boost an in-house team, then paying for specific IT support services can be a cost-efficient solution. However, it’s always important to be aware of the pitfalls of this approach. If you don’t have additional support available from in-house experts, this may not be the most suitable option. This is because without internal IT staff you may not have the advantage of regular maintenance to assist with outsourced services.
Cost of Managed IT Support Services in London
Managed IT services are the most comprehensive level of support available, which means you can benefit from a variety of technical support. Sometimes known as end-to-end IT services, these packages can incorporate numerous aspects of IT support, such as:
- Online, email and phone support
- 24/7 Helpdesk
- Cybersecurity
- Tech procurement
- On-site support
However, it’s important to remember that managed IT services vary from one provider to the next. In fact, you might find that a single managed IT service provider offers different levels of packages. Therefore, ensure you’ve considered all the options when deciding what type of IT support is right for your business.
Are Managed IT Support Services in London Cost-Efficient?
The cost of managed IT support services can be calculated in different ways. Some companies may charge based on the number of devices or workstations you have. Other managed IT service providers offer only a fixed monthly fee with usage limits.
Similarly, some providers don’t incorporate on-site support into their managed IT service bundles. Also, guaranteed response and resolution times tend to vary, so take these as an approximate measure. However, comparing providers and their packages will give you the opportunity to find the most cost-efficient and effective solution for your business.
Despite this, managed IT support services are often one of the most cost-efficient solutions for businesses. Tailored services ensure you are always able to access critical technical support when needed. For example, making sure that proactive IT services are incorporated into your managed IT package can reduce the risk of downtime. These can include network monitoring or cyber threat management, utilised to minimise operational disruption.
Moreover, having ongoing support from your managed IT service provider means you can seek procurement advice when you’re investing in new IT solutions. Subsequently, this IT expertise can help reduce your company’s tech spend and maximise its ROI. So, you could even find that your managed IT services end up paying for themselves!
What type of IT service is right for your business?
IT support might be essential for your business, but this doesn’t mean you have go over budget to access professional and reliable support. Begin with comparing the options available, and then you can determine how important IT functionality is to your business. Once you feel confident, you can soon determine what type of IT support is best suited to your company.
At totality services, we’re committed to providing bespoke and flexible IT support services to London businesses. From on-site visits as part of our IT support package, to ad hoc services and consultancy, we’re on hand to provide the custom IT solutions you need.
To find out more, contact our friendly team now on 020 3744 3105 or message us here.