What Should I Pay for IT Support in the Dallas – Fort Worth (DFW) Area?

For many businesses, the cost of IT support can be a confusing and overwhelming topic. With so many options and pricing models available, it can be hard to know what to expect to pay. In this article, we'll explore the different types of IT support options available in the Dallas – Fort Worth area and what you can expect to pay for each.

Hourly Support

$125 - $250 an hour

One common pricing model for IT support is hourly support. Most IT companies in the Dallas – Fort Worth area charge between $125 to $250 per hour, with a one-hour minimum. This model is typically pay-as-you-go, so you only pay for the support you need. However, some companies may try to sell or require you to purchase blocks of hours in advance, which may come with a discounted hourly rate. If you're looking for support for a specific project, be sure to get a detailed scope of work and a fixed budget so you know what you'll be paying ahead of time.

Managed Services or Support Agreements

$200 - $400 (per server/monthly) & $75 - $200 (per desktop/monthly)

Another pricing model for IT support is a managed services agreement. This type of agreement is based on the number of devices or users you have. IT service firms will quote you based on the number of devices or users you have, which can be shown as a quantity and charge per device or user, or as a fixed line item. The pricing model used by an IT company is often just an indication of which one they believe is more accurate or simply their preference.

As a general rule of thumb, if we use a device model to estimate your service cost, most IT service firms in the Dallas – Fort Worth area will quote you somewhere in the range of $200 to $400 per server and $75 to $200 per desktop. However, if you have specific or burdensome needs like compliance, cybersecurity, or a server/infrastructure-heavy network, your cost could be higher than this range. Be sure to sign an agreement or contract that outlines what is included and what should be performed, as well as any limitations. Contracts can range from month to month to up to 3-year terms, depending on the company.

Hybrid Support

The hybrid model is a combination of the managed services model and the hourly model. This type of support can take many different forms and can even be negotiated case by case, depending on your needs. Usually, the services portion will be provided in a fixed monthly bill and any support or labor-type services will be performed on a pay-as-you-go basis. This model is often seen when an IT company is working with a company that already has an IT department and just needs a little bit of implementation. Be sure to get in writing what is or isn't included in your monthly service fees and what you will and won't be charged for.

In conclusion, the cost of IT support in the Dallas – Fort Worth area can vary widely depending on the type of support you need and the pricing model used by the IT company. Be sure to get a detailed scope of work and a fixed budget for any projects and sign an agreement that outlines what is included in your monthly service fees.