MSPs vs. Solo IT Consultant Debate: What’s Best for Your Business?

Your tech support can have a huge impact on your operations, security, and growth, so it's important to choose the right structure for you. 

Two of the most common options are hiring a solo IT consultant and partnering with a managed service provider (MSP). Each has its own advantages and challenges, and understanding these in the context of your business needs can help you make an informed decision.

Let's explore the pros and cons of both tech support options and take a look at how ICS is uniquely positioned to give you the best of both worlds, serving as your trusted, long-term IT partner.

Solo IT Consultants

The rates of a solo IT consultant can vary widely—sometimes lower or even higher than those of a typical managed services provider—depending on how they price their services. However, one potential advantage is the personalized attention they can offer, as they often become familiar with your business and its needs.

However, because your IT team will be made up of just one person, you may not have access to expertise in all areas (such as cybersecurity, compliance, the cloud, rapid response, etc.), and you may be left without support when they are sick or out of town.

Pros

• Personalized service

• Familiarity with your business

• Easy, direct communication

Cons

• Limited availability

• Narrower expertise

• Reactive support rather than proactive support

• Lack of 24/7 monitoring or helpdesk services

• Slower response times

• If your solo consultant becomes unavailable—whether due to illness or going off the radar—there’s a risk that your credentials and critical business information could become inaccessible or lost.

Managed Services Providers (MSPs)

MSPs at times have higher initial costs than solo IT consultants because they offer a wider variety of expertise and services. 

Some MSPs may also take a more corporate approach, providing less personalized service and locking clients into long-term agreements without delivering any real results. However, the right MSP will treat you like a partner and offer tailored, high-quality service at an affordible price.

Pros

• Scalable support

• Full team of experts with varied specialties

• Proactive maintenance, monitoring, and security

• Access to advanced tools and technology

• Business continuity planning

• Strategic IT roadmapping

• 24/7 support with guaranteed response times

• Expert guidance on industry-specific compliance and regulatory standards

• Your IT knowledge doesn’t live with just one person—an MSPs team ensures continuity, even if someone is unavailable

Cons

• Possible lack of personalization

• Potential longer-term agreements

Factors to Keep in Mind

In the end, the most important thing to consider is your business's current needs. In addition to the basic pros and cons of each option, be sure to keep the following considerations in mind:

• Size and Complexity of Your Infrastructure: A larger business or more detailed setup may require the advanced capabilities of an MSP.

• Compliance Requirements: Ensure that the IT consultant you choose can provide support for HIPAA, CMMC, GDPR, and other regulations.

• Tolerance for Downtime and Data Loss: How well can your business recover? You may need the advanced security measures and backup & disaster recovery offered by MSPs.

• Long-Term IT Goals vs. Short-Term Fixes: Know what you need from your IT consultant. A solo provider can provide quicker solutions for small things, while an MSP may be a better option if you're looking for big, long-term changes.

• Cybersecurity and Cloud Needs: Whoever you choose, ensure that they have the expertise to meet your needs. Make sure you can get expert advice on cybersecurity, cloud computing, hardware, etc.

• Business Continuity and Reduced Single Point of Failure: Having an MSP ensures uninterrupted service and data security. In the event of unforeseen circumstances affecting an individual technician, the larger team structure guarantees continued access to your critical data, systems, and credentials, mitigating the significant risk associated with reliance on a single point of contact.

ICS: Smart Service from a Long-Term Partner

If you're looking for long-term, reliable, personalized IT support, you won't find a better match than ICS:

• We combine the personal touch of a solo consultant with the power and resources of a full-service MSP.

• We offer tailored solutions that align with your business goals and industry needs.

• We have a proven track record of helping businesses successfully achieve and maintain compliance with a wide variety of regulations.

• We offer 24/7 support, proactive network and threat monitoring, and strategic IT planning for the future of your tech.

• We have a comprehensive team of techs with a wide variety of specialties and expertise—you'll never run into bottlenecks or be without support.

• We're in it for the long run, with a partnership focused on your growth and security.

Learn more about our managed IT services and what our team can do to propel your business into the future by talking with one of our techs. Premium IT support is just around the corner.

SCHEDULE AN IT Assessment