Not All IT Service Proposals Are Created Equal
When comparing IT providers and managed service plans, understand what you're actually buying — and what level of service your organization needs.
Most business owners and city administrators receive IT proposals without a clear way to compare them. This guide breaks down the 6 most common IT service models so you can make an informed decision.
Know What You're Buying Before You Sign
Time & Materials
Pay-as-you-go. You call when something breaks. Pros: Only pay for what you use, no contracts. Cons: No preventative maintenance, unpredictable costs, extended downtime.
Pre-Purchased Block Hours
Buy support hours in advance at a discount, but you still drive when IT gets attention. Still reactive by nature.
Basic Helpdesk MSP (MSP 1.0)
Monitoring tools + helpdesk. Alerts when things are already wrong. Limited strategy or proactive work.
Proactive MSP (MSP 2.0)
Adds structure and accountability. Quarterly business reviews, some proactive maintenance. Better, but still relies on generalists.
Truly Proactive MSP (MSP 3.0)
The most advanced level. Dedicated departments with specialized roles: Auditing & Alignment, Business Innovation Advisor, Technology Assurance, Solutions Delivery, and Rapid Response. This is the DaZZee model.
Co-Managed IT
If you already have internal IT staff, DaZZee fills the gaps — providing structure, tools, and depth your internal team can't cover alone.
Before You Sign Anything, Ask These Questions
- Per-user vs. per-device pricing — both have tradeoffs.
- Contract length and exit clauses — what happens if it's not working?
- What's included in onboarding — and what costs extra?
- Does the provider use generalists or specialized departments?
- How are response time SLAs defined and measured?
“The right MSP isn't just a vendor — it's a partner in your business success. Choose the level of service that aligns with your growth goals, risk tolerance, and budget.”
Ready to See What MSP 3.0 Looks Like?
Schedule a free 30-minute discovery call with DaZZee. We'll walk you through exactly how our model works.