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If you're running a small business in Greeley, Windsor, or anywhere in Northern Colorado, you've probably heard the term "managed IT" thrown around. Here's what it actually means and whether you need it.

What Is Managed IT?

Managed IT means you pay a monthly fee to have someone proactively watch over your technology instead of only calling them when things break. Think of it like the difference between going to the doctor only when you're sick vs having regular checkups to catch problems early.

At NOCO TechWorks, here's what I actually do for managed IT clients:

• Monitor your computers, servers, and network for problems before they take you down
• Keep Windows and software updated so you're not vulnerable to known security issues
• Check your backups are actually working (most people don't do this until it's too late)
• Plan ahead for technology purchases so you're not scrambling when something dies
• Answer your "quick questions" without you worrying about the clock ticking
• Fix problems before they impact your work (or at least catch them early)

Who Actually Needs Managed IT?

Managed IT makes sense for you if:

• You have 5-20 employees and technology downtime costs you real money
• You're tired of playing IT manager on top of running your actual business
• You want predictable IT costs instead of surprise $2,000 invoices
• You don't have a full-time IT person and probably don't need one
• Your team asks you IT questions and you have no idea what they're talking about

Managed IT probably doesn't make sense if:

• You're a solo operation or very small team with minimal technology
• Downtime doesn't really hurt your business
• You enjoy managing IT yourself and have the time to do it
• You already have a full-time IT person who's doing a good job

Break-Fix vs Managed IT: The Real Difference

How NOCO TechWorks Handles Managed IT

I run things differently than big MSPs (Managed Service Providers). When you work with me:

• You talk to me, not a call center. No ticket system maze, no phone tree, just text or call me directly.
• No long-term contracts. Month-to-month. If you don't like the service, you can leave. Most MSPs lock you in for 1-3 years.
• Honest about what you need. I'll tell you if managed IT is overkill for your situation and suggest a better fit.
• Local and accountable. I live here. If I screw up, you know where to find me.

Typical Managed IT Scenarios in Northern Colorado

5-person law office in Greeley: You need managed IT. Downtime costs you billable hours, client data needs protection, and none of you are IT people. Monthly managed service makes way more sense than scrambling when your server dies.

3-person home services business in Windsor: Probably don't need full managed IT. You can likely get by with occasional break-fix support and me showing you how to manage your own backups. Save the money.

15-person nonprofit in Fort Collins: You need managed IT. Your staff relies on technology daily, you probably handle sensitive donor data, and your executive director shouldn't be the IT manager. Let me handle the technology so you can focus on your mission.

What About DIY + Occasional Help?

Totally valid option. Some businesses do great with this hybrid approach: they handle basic stuff themselves (password resets, printer jams, buying computers) and call me for the complex projects or when things break. It's cheaper than managed IT but requires you to stay on top of updates, backups, and security yourself.

I'm happy to support this model. Just know that if you're not technical and don't have time to manage IT, small issues tend to snowball into expensive emergencies. That's where managed IT pays for itself.

Not Sure What You Need?

I'm happy to talk through your situation and give you an honest recommendation, even if that means telling you not to hire me. No pressure, no sales pitch.