Frequently Asked Questions

A: In today’s digital era, technology is integral to business operations. Managed IT Services are the solution to the IT needs of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), allowing them to outsource their IT operations to specialized third-party providers known as Managed Services Providers (MSPs).

Managed IT Services include:

• • 24/7 Monitoring and Network Management
  • Cyber Security
  • Data Backup and Recovery
  • End-User Support (Helpdesk)
  • Licensing Management
  • Asset Management
  • Strategic Planning (e.g. Project Roadmap)
  • A Proactive Process backed by a dedicated vCIO and Compliance Analyst

For us at SIRKit Ltd., it means offering protection, trust, and comfort, allowing you to focus on building your business while we take care of your IT needs.

What is the value of Managed IT Services for SMBs?

Managed IT Services offer several benefits to SMBs, making them a strategic move for businesses looking to leverage technology for growth.

• Cost-Effective: Avoid the expenses of an in-house IT department with our subscription-based services, allowing for predictable monthly costs and better budgeting.
• Access to Expertise: Benefit from a team of IT professionals with diverse expertise, ensuring your IT operations are in knowledgeable hands.
• Focus on Core Business: Allocate more resources to strategic initiatives that drive growth by leaving IT operations to the experts.
• Enhanced Security and Compliance: Protect your valuable data with our advanced security measures and ensure your business is compliant with relevant regulations.
• Scalability: Easily scale your IT services to align with your growing business needs.

Managed IT services can benefit companies of various sizes, but they are especially advantageous for businesses with a specific range of endpoints:

• Small to Medium Enterprises (10-500 computers or users): These businesses often find the most value in Managed IT services. They might not have the resources or expertise to manage their IT infrastructure in-house, yet their operations are complex enough to require advanced IT support. Partnering with a Managed IT service provider offers them access to a team of experts, advanced tools, and technologies without the overhead of a full-time IT department.
• Businesses with More Than 500 Endpoints: Larger enterprises with more than 500 computers or users often have specific IT needs that require a high degree of complexity, attention, and control. As a result, they tend to build their own internal IT teams to cater to these specialized requirements.
• Startups or Very Small Businesses (Less than 10 computers or users): These businesses might not yet have reached a point where they need advanced IT services. However, as they grow, the value of Managed IT services becomes more apparent, and they might consider such services in the future.

In conclusion, while Managed IT services can benefit a wide range of businesses, those with 10-500 computers or users typically find the most value in what we offer. As always, the specific needs and goals of each company play a crucial role in determining the best IT approach.

Even if you have an internal IT support team, partnering with SIRKit can bring a multitude of benefits to your organization. Our Hybrid IT program is specifically designed to complement and enhance the capabilities of in-house IT teams. Here's how we can collaborate:

• Infrastructure & Helpdesk Division: We can manage your infrastructure while your team handles the helpdesk, or vice versa. This division of responsibilities ensures that each area receives specialized attention.
• Access to Advanced Enterprise Systems: As a mature MSP, SIRKit offers access to advanced enterprise systems that are often costly to set up, license, support, and manage. By partnering with us, your business gets an instant upgrade, leveraging these high-end systems without the associated overhead.
• Supplementary Expertise: There might be areas where your internal team lacks expertise. We can step in to provide the necessary knowledge, ensuring that no aspect of your IT operations is left unattended.
• Oversight & Redundancy: Our involvement ensures that there's always a backup plan in place. Whether it's providing oversight or acting as a redundancy, we ensure that your IT operations run smoothly even in the face of unexpected challenges.
• Risk Mitigation: Employee turnover can pose risks, especially in specialized roles. With SIRKit on board, you reduce the risk associated with key employees leaving, ensuring continuity in your IT operations.
• Staying Updated: The tech world is ever-evolving. We ensure that your in-house team remains compliant and aligned with emerging best practices, trends, and technologies.
• Internal Tools Access: Many larger businesses already benefit from our suite of internal tools designed for security, automation, monitoring, maintenance, asset management, and remote access. Your internal IT team can leverage these tools to enhance their capabilities further.

In conclusion, having SIRKit involved doesn't replace your internal team; it amplifies their capabilities. We bring a wide range of expertise, advanced tools, and best practices to the table, ensuring that your IT operations are always at the forefront of technological advancements.

What do managed IT services cost?

A: The cost of Managed IT services can vary widely based on several factors, including your location, the size of your company, the specific services you require, and the service level agreements in place. To give you a clearer picture, we've observed three general pricing ranges in the industry:

1. $80-$120 per user per month: Providers in this range tend to be more budget-friendly. However, they might offer fewer services, especially in areas like security, strategic planning, and proactive processes. While cost-effective, it's essential to ensure that the services offered align with your business needs and don't compromise on essential aspects.
2. $120-$150 per user per month: This is the mid-range, where you'll find a balanced combination of cost and comprehensive services. MSPs in this range, including SIRKit, typically offer more security, proactive processes, and strategic planning. We believe this range offers the best value, as it bundles more services and security measures, ensuring that businesses are well-protected without any surprise expenditures.
3. $150+ per user per month: These are often larger MSPs or those that offer specialized services that come at a premium. While they might have higher costs, they could provide unique services that certain businesses might specifically require.

When considering an MSP, it's crucial to look beyond just the price. A low-cost provider might have numerous exclusions in their contracts, leading to unexpected costs down the line. We always recommend businesses to choose quality and comprehensive services over just the cheapest option.

Why Invest in Quality IT Services? Investing in robust IT services is not just about keeping your systems running; it's about protecting your business. Recent statistics highlight the importance of cybersecurity:

• Nearly 1-in-5 businesses were affected by a cyber-attack or data breach in the last two years.
• Canadian small businesses spend an average of over $12,000 per employee to recover from a data breach.
• After suffering a breach, Canadian small businesses experienced an average downtime of 59 hours, resulting in significant financial losses.

Source: ibc.ca and Varonis.com

Considering these statistics, it's evident that the potential cost of a cybersecurity breach far outweighs the investment in quality IT services. We recommend budgeting 3-4% of gross revenue for technology, with the average technology budget across all sectors being around 3.28%. This budget should encompass Managed IT services, cybersecurity insurance, hardware, cloud services, and other related expenses.

At SIRKit, we're committed to protecting our clients. We believe in offering comprehensive services that ensure businesses are not only operational but also secure. We'd love to discuss how we can tailor our services to meet your specific needs.

At SIRKit, we're not just another Managed Service Provider; we're your dedicated technology partner. Here's why:

• Relationships Matter: We believe in forging long-term partnerships. Our track record speaks for itself, with a remarkable retention rate of ~90% of our Managed IT clients for over 15 years. We're not just here for the short term; we're here to grow with you.
• Security First: In an age where cyber threats are ever-evolving, our "Security First" approach ensures that your business is always protected. We understand that technology and security are intertwined, and we prioritize both.
• We Genuinely Care: Our core value, "We F***ing Care," isn't just a statement; it's a commitment. We're passionate about what we do, and we go above and beyond to ensure that our clients receive the best possible service.
• Proactive Approach: We don't wait for problems to arise. Instead, we identify potential issues, rectify them, and maintain a long-term technology plan. This proactive approach ensures that you can anticipate and budget for projects, keeping your operations smooth.
• Extensive Onboarding Process: Before we even begin, we conduct a thorough audit to understand your systems, create documentation, and build recommendations. This process aligns with many best practices from NIST and CIS security standards, ensuring that you're always compliant. We commit to the relationship by cover the 60+ hour commitment for clients that proceed with a Managed IT Support Plan.
• Award-Winning Service: Our dedication to excellence has been recognized time and again. We were ranked #2 in Canada on the MSP501 list in 2022 and made the top companies list again in 2023. These accolades are a testament to our commitment to providing top-tier services.
• Direct & Transparent: We're sincere in our approach, and we hold our clients to a high standard. We stand behind our recommendations and have been leading the space for over a decade. We work with clients who understand the importance of doing things right.

In conclusion, choosing SIRKit means opting for a partner who truly understands the intricacies of technology and security. We're here to ensure that your business not only stays operational but thrives in today's digital landscape. If you're looking for a partner who genuinely cares, is proactive, and holds both themselves and their clients to the highest standards, then SIRKit is the right choice for you.