Is Managed IT Services Right for Your Company? 6 Key Things to Consider. - Verve IT - Managed IT Services for the Central Valley

If you found this article, you’re probably a little frustrated with the state of IT in your business and you rely on technology systems to serve your customers. You’ve heard of Managed Services and you’re trying to figure out if this tool will work for you. Managed IT Services can be a great strategy, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. Here at Verve IT, we’ve served 100’s of clients over the years and we’ve gained perspective on when it’s a great fit – and when it’s not.  Here are some real considerations when navigating this critical decision.

Are the Costs Worth It?  

Let’s get right to it—cost matters. If your IT needs are light, Managed Services might feel like an unnecessary expense. Most Managed Service Providers (MSPs) charge a monthly fee, which could be more than what it costs to handle IT issues on a reactive basis. If your systems are simple and don’t need constant oversight, you might save more by sticking with an in-house team or calling in outside help only when necessary.   

What to Ask Yourself:   

• Are you technology dependent? If a little down time is “no big deal”, then a MSP may be an expense you can live without.  

• What about future growth? If your company is expanding, would having an MSP in place now make scaling easier and allow your to focus on your customers more?

Are There Hidden Costs?  

It’s easy to get blindsided by extra charges with Managed IT agreements. Need to add a new wireless access point? That’s likely extra. Adding staff will include more MSP expenses. Hidden costs can sneak up on you and blow your budget if you’re not on top of them.   

What to Ask Yourself:   

• What’s included—and what’s not? Make sure you thoroughly review the proposal and agreement to understand the scope of services.   

• How much will you really need? Work with an MSP that helps you accurately roadmap  your IT spending to ensure that you are staying on budget.   

How Comfortable Are You with Security Risks?  

Here’s the reality: cybersecurity is non-negotiable. When you partner with an MSP, you’re trusting them with sensitive business information—and that comes with risk. Whether it’s customer data, financial records, or proprietary systems, a data breach could cost you in more ways than one. And let’s be honest, not all MSPs are created equal when it comes to security and compliance.   

What to Ask Yourself:   

• Do they have a process for background checking employees? Is there a Non Disclosure Agreement (NDA) in place that protects you?   

• What’s their track record? Look at their history & reputation. How well have they handled security incidents?   

Do You Already Have a Strong IT Team?  

If you’ve built a capable in-house IT team, outsourcing might not add much value. Your internal staff already knows your systems, processes, and business goals. That kind of familiarity isn’t easy for an external provider to match. If your team is performing well, you might be better off investing in their development instead of outsourcing.   

What to Ask Yourself:   

• Is your team overloaded? If they’re struggling to keep up, an MSP could help relieve the pressure.   

• Is your team able to focus on the right things? An MSP may allow your IT team to focus on growth and advancement, not the day-to-day issues that have been bogging them down.

Will Response Times Be Fast Enough?  

Let’s face it – support doesn’t always mean instant support. While many MSPs promise quick responses, time zone differences, communication gaps, or internal red tape can slow things down. If your business relies on fast fixes, those delays could cause downtime and lost productivity.   

What to Ask Yourself:   

• What’s the typical response times and can they prove it? Have you tried calling their support line to test the experience?   

• Do you need things done yesterday? Will the MSP move at the same speed as your business, or will you experience delays?    

How Much Control Are You Willing to Give Up?  

Outsourcing your IT means giving up some control over your systems—and that can be a challenge. If your business depends on quick decisions or custom configurations, you might find working with an MSP frustrating, as they typically strive to standardize their clients to align with best practices. This may not be ideal for your specific business if you are in an industry with lots of “one-off” solutions. 

What to Ask Yourself:   

• How much visibility do you need? If you want full transparency into every aspect of your IT operations, will the MSP offer reporting and dashboards that meet your expectations? 

• Are you comfortable with shared responsibility? Even with an MSP, you will need to stay involved. Are you ready to manage that relationship and ensure nothing falls through the cracks? 

The Bottom Line   

Managed IT Services can be a powerful tool—but only if they align with your business goals. By evaluating these six factors—costs, hidden fees, security risks, in-house expertise, response times, and control—you can make a well-informed decision.   

Here’s the truth: the right solution is the one that makes your life easier, improves efficiency, and drives growth. Whether that’s outsourcing, sticking with your internal team, or a combination of both, the goal is to find the approach that works best for you.   

Have questions or need a second opinion? We’re here to help. Let’s figure out the best path forward for your business.