Questioning whether your Managed Service Provider (MSP) is the right fit? MSPs are typically built to serve large organizations that require full, external management of their systems. But for most small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), MSPs no longer make sense.

Outdated pricing structures often lock SMBs into paying for more than they need, while the absence of centralized visibility leaves customers in the dark when it comes to day-to-day operations.

MSP Alternatives

Electric’s self-managed solution empowers SMBs to take control of IT and security in-house. No ticketing systems, no pricing headaches, just enhanced visibility and control over your IT environment.

With transparent pricing, predictable billing, and full visibility, you can respond to incidents faster, tailor security to your business, and stop paying for what you don’t use. The Electric IT Hub, allows non-technical users to secure company devices and deploy security solutions across your business.

What to Expect When You Transition From an MSP

Leaving your MSP may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right solution, you’ll immediately see a number of benefits:

• Visibility and control: see what’s happening in your IT environment in real time. No more waiting for third-party feedback or resolutions.
• Operational efficiency: automate and tailor processes like onboarding, offboarding, application management, and device procurement to your needs.
• Better integration: take a more holistic approach to your IT with HRIS integration and centralized security management.
• Cost savings: replace costly MSP contracts with a more flexible and transparent alternative.

Why IT and Cybersecurity Matter for SMBs

It’s a common misconception that cyber threats only target large businesses. In reality, a lack of in-house security expertise puts SMBs at heightened risk of attack:

• 43% of cyber attacks happen to small businesses, yet only 14% of SMBs are able to combat cyber attacks by reducing their vulnerabilities and limiting risks.
• 59% of small business leaders express difficulty implementing and rolling out new technologies.
• 59% of SMB owners believe they are at a competitive disadvantage as compared to larger companies in terms of IT costs.

Switching From Your MSP is Easier Than You Think

Ready to make the switch to Electric? Once you’ve signed up, ask your MSP to remove their security and monitoring software from your devices, and ensure you have full admin access to all of your apps and systems. After that, simply follow the “Getting Started” workflow in the Electric IT Hub to configure your settings and install our app.

Not sure what you need from a security perspective? Electric’s Customer Success team will put together a free personalized security roadmap that makes sense for your business — contact us today to get started!

FAQ: Moving from an MSP to an IT Management Solution

What are the drawbacks of an MSP for SMBs?
Managed Service Providers (MSPs) best serve the needs of large organizations that require full external management of their systems. For small businesses, MSP pricing structures and SLAs often mean paying for more than they need, while ticketing systems and delayed response times can impact productivity.

What is the best MSP alternative for SMBs?
Electric’s all-in-one platform empowers small businesses to take control of IT and security in-house, without the need for technical expertise. With transparent pricing, predictable billing, and enhanced visibility and control, Electric offers a cost-effective, self-managed alternative to MSPs.

Why is cybersecurity important for SMBs?
Cybersecurity is critical for small businesses as they are a common target for threat actors. A lack of in-house security expertise can leave SMBs especially vulnerable to attack compared to larger enterprises with dedicated IT resources.

How can SMBs transition from an MSP to a self-managed IT solution?
Making the switch from an MSP to a self-managed IT platform like Electric is quick and easy. Simply ask your MSP to remove their security and monitoring software from your devices, and ensure you have admin access to all of your apps and systems. Then, follow the “Getting Started” workflow in your new solution to configure your settings.