Frequent questions

• Cloud Services: Including migration, management, and optimisation.
• Software Licensing: We handle the procurement and management of licenses for key software like Microsoft 365, Adobe, IBM, and more.
• Cybersecurity: Robust measures to protect your data and ensure compliance.
• IT Infrastructure and Equipment Procurement: We set up, integrate, and support IT systems. Additionally, we source and supply hardware from leading brands like HP, Dell, APC, and D-Link, and provide full installation and ongoing support.

• Servers and Networking: Essential hardware to support your infrastructure.
• Workstations and Laptops: High-performance devices for professional use.
• Peripherals and Accessories: Including printers, monitors, and more.
• Cloud-Optimised Devices: For enhanced mobility and productivity.

Many organizations rely on 1-2 person “break/fix” vendors who don’t have all the skills or bandwidth to do much more than fix problems and fight fires as they occur. “Break/fix” simply means that your IT vendor only responds when you have an issue. Something breaks. They fix it.

With a break/fix model, the more IT problems you have, the more money the IT company charges you. It’s not in their best interest to get to the root cause of your problems. In fact, they might not have the expertise or the time to accurately diagnose and present solutions for recurring issues.

OPENSHOP instead proactively manages your IT by performing ongoing system and application maintenance, providing 24/7 helpdesk support, and billing monthly so that your IT costs are controlled.

Some of the benefits associated with managed IT services include:

• Predictable monthly IT costs and flat-fee billing
• Operational efficiencies
• Minimal downtime
• 24-hour support services
• Advanced cybersecurity protections
• Proactive network monitoring
• Preventative network maintenance
• Regular software updates
• Regulatory compliance assistance

The hardest part about evaluating different managed IT service providers is that they all define “managed IT” a little bit differently. Here are some guidelines for your conversation:

• Does the provider talk about business results? A managed IT services provider should be ultimately focused on helping you use IT to meet your business goals.
• Does the provider have a proven process? Anyone can provide services, but it’s how services are delivered that affects results.
• Is the provider open about what’s included - and what’s NOT included? No one likes surprise charges.
• Do they provide a comprehensive IT department, or are they just handling pieces? Either situation can be fine, but you'll want to be clear about the arrangement ahead of time.
• Do they look at IT as a whole, whether you outsource all of IT to them or not? A holistic approach to IT ensures you get the business results you need.

Pricing for managed IT support services varies greatly from provider to provider. Just as important as knowing your price is to understand exactly what your contract includes. The quantity of workstations, servers, and devices that are managed, and the level of service to be provided, are factors that guide pricing. Your pricing will generally be “per device.” Another factor that will affect pricing will be the complexity of your network.