IT support for small businesses: what it costs and what's included

In many small businesses, IT is handled by "someone who knows their way around". That works until a laptop is stolen, an email account is hacked or the backup has silently stopped running for months. External IT support brings peace of mind without an in-house IT department.

What good IT support includes

• Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace: adding and removing users, managing licences, keeping sharing under control.
• Email and domain: deliverability, spam protection and records such as SPF, DKIM and DMARC so your emails don't land in spam.
• Backups: not just set up, but monitored and regularly tested to make sure restores work.
• Security: two-factor sign-in or passkeys for everyone, up-to-date devices, clear password rules.
• Support: a dedicated contact who knows your setup and helps quickly via remote access.
• Documentation: who has which access? What runs where? Without documentation, every change of provider is expensive.

What IT support costs

There are three common models:

1. One-time setup: a clean setup of Microsoft 365, domain and email. With us from CHF 590.
2. Monthly subscription: ongoing care with user management, backup monitoring, support and an hours quota. With us from CHF 149 a month.
3. Pay as you go: no subscription, billed by time, with an estimate up front.

Licences for Microsoft 365, Google Workspace or backup services come on top. All prices exclude VAT.

Subscription or pay as you go?

A subscription pays off once you have more than a handful of staff or depend on IT that works. The biggest benefit isn't the price but prevention: problems are spotted before they bring your business to a halt. Pay as you go suits very small teams with a simple setup.

How to recognise a good partner

• They explain clearly what they do and why.
• They document your setup, and the documentation belongs to you.
• They are open about what they don't cover, such as a 24/7 emergency service.
• They are local and can come on site when needed.

Bottom line

Good IT goes unnoticed. That is the goal. We support small businesses in the Zug, Lucerne and Zurich regions, mostly remotely and on site when needed. See all packages on our IT support page. Tell us briefly about your team and tools, and we'll recommend the right package.