When choosing an IT support model, most businesses are offered one of two extremes:
Time & Materials (T&M) or Managed Service Provider (MSP) contracts.
But at Inspired, we believe there’s a better way — one that gives you proactive support and predictable coverage, without locking you into expensive monthly retainers.
The Traditional T&M Model
Under a Time & Materials agreement, you only pay when something breaks. You’re billed hourly for every support request, and there are no fixed costs.
Pros:
- You only pay for what you use.
- Simple and flexible, especially for small companies with limited needs.
Cons:
- No proactive monitoring — problems are usually found after they’ve caused downtime.
- No guaranteed response times (no SLA).
- Costs can spike unexpectedly if major issues arise.
In short, T&M is reactive. It’s like calling a mechanic every time your car won’t start — instead of getting regular oil changes.
The Full MSP Model
A Managed Service Provider (MSP) contract is the opposite. You pay a flat monthly fee for comprehensive coverage: proactive maintenance, monitoring, and unlimited support.
Pros:
- Predictable monthly cost.
- Proactive monitoring and management to prevent downtime.
- SLAs for guaranteed response and resolution times.
Cons:
- Typically much higher monthly costs, with long contracts.
- Many MSPs charge for every user or device — which adds up fast.
- Some companies overpay for services they rarely need.
- Most MSPs charge on top of their fees for any special projects, and often user onboarding or other routine needs depending on your plan.
MSP agreements offer peace of mind, but for many small and midsize businesses, they can feel like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.
Inspired’s Middle Ground: Smart, Affordable IT Support
At Inspired, we’ve developed a hybrid model that delivers the best of both worlds.
We charge a low monthly fee with no extended contracts, that covers:
- A service-level agreement (SLA) for fast response times.
- Suitable Backup Solutions
- 24/7 monitoring of your network and systems.
Then, we bill separately for incidental requests — like user or hardware setups, special projects, or on-site visits.
This model gives you predictability and proactive care, without the overhead of a full MSP plan.
Why It Works
Our approach is designed for growing businesses that:
- Want professional IT coverage and accountability.
- Prefer to control costs rather than commit to high retainers.
- Need peace of mind that experts are watching over their systems — but don’t require constant helpdesk use.
It’s simple, fair, and built around your real needs — not a “one-size-fits-all” contract.