Bluerydge, one of Canberra's most recommended cyber security services. Photo: Bluerydge.
Businesses large and small experience equal frustration when it comes to information technology. Increased complexity, rising costs, cumbersome procurement and never-ending upgrades are all familiar themes.
Tedious as this may be, the catch is that businesses need technology. Informatics is the backbone of many an operation, with everyone from bakers to builders relying on their services.
While many of us are competent in making tech decisions, we tend to fall short in managing these systems every day. From servicing the needs of remote teams to cloud storage and software, there is plenty to keep us busy.
Indeed, running technological infrastructure for a business can be a drain, not only in terms of resourcing but, most importantly, on time. And if you, like other owners or managers, are feeling time slip away, help is on the horizon.
Our region’s managed IT services are a great solution for keeping businesses’ technology running efficiently. They are also a fantastic option for those businesses without the resources or skills to do so in-house.
Managed IT services effectively take on the responsibility of your network, servers, hardware, software, apps and of course security. They can also offer tech support for your teams as needed.
Many local businesses are augmenting their existing infrastructure by partnering with a service to manage their IT needs. However, finding the right partner for your managed IT services is a critical task. Fortunately, we’ve found some of the best local managed IT services and support crews in the Canberra region.
What makes a great managed IT support service?
Great managed IT services are the lifeblood of any business. They ensure your software and systems run smoothly, allowing your and your team to do what you do best. Here are our tips on evaluating your managed IT and IT support service:
- Certified. Within the IT industry, certifications are the lead currency. They indicate that technicians are trained to the highest of standards across specific vendor products and programs. So, consider your business systems and seek out a service with the skill set and certifications to match. Casting a net to those who manage businesses in a similar category or industry as yours can also prove fruitful. Additionally, consider the vendors they work with – are they reputable, compliant, and do they hold the right ISO certifications? Finally, assess their track record and reputation through customer reviews and of course professional recommendations.
- Always available. If you are looking to contract your technology needs to a third party, ensure they are readily available whenever you may need them. Great service providers offer round-the-clock support spanning every day of the year. They are conveniently located and offer on-site maintenance and support.
- Highly efficient. Great managed IT and IT support services thrive on efficiency. This translates to fast response and service times. If your provider cannot clearly articulate their service level agreements, it is best to move on. Look for providers with swift service response times along with clear processes of whom to contact, for what, and when. The best will be able to provide clear benchmarks on which to assess their performance. Standard metrics, such as ticket-handling time, first-contact resolution, tickets per technician and cost per ticket should be a given.
- Clear in a crisis. The best managed IT and IT support services have it covered in the event of an emergency. Not only are they able to resolve matters urgently, they also defuse escalating issues before they explode. Understand how each service manages things such as data loss, data recovery, security, and cyber attacks. Doing so gives you the confidence that your business will continue to operate under extenuating circumstances.
- Business partners. IT services adopting a partnership approach means they work with you, rather than for you and only when needed. This is all about proactivity, taking the initiative to enhance your business systems and mitigate issues before they occur. This not only saves time, but also improves the bottom line as costly mistakes are avoided. Moreover, an information technology partner will work with you as your business grows, delivering solutions that allow you to transition to the next stage and beyond effectively.
The best managed IT support services in Canberra
Riotact’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Riotact and Facebook as well as maintained a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
Bluerydge
Bluerydge is an Australian owned and operated managed IT services and cyber security firm based in Fyshwick, Canberra.
A team of practical problem solvers, Bluerydge cyber security specialists provide quality outcomes through uncompromising, premium service.
Though their reputation is for cyber security, Bluerydge takes a holistic approach to addressing business challenges through innovation. The leadership team and staff are practising cyber and technology professionals committed to creating robust solutions that are as uniquely effective as their clients.
Bluerydge proudly works to advance Australian interests by supporting homegrown companies alongside global organisations - according to staff, it's not just about securing the digital world. It's about enhancing it.
Bluerydge provides a wide variety of services designed to support business in the early stages of cyber maturity to complex enterprises that require ongoing proactive cyber security management.
- Cyber Security Advisory
- Security Operations Center (SOC)
- Governance, Risk and Compliance
- Training and Awareness
- Offensive Security (penetration testing)
- Vulnerability and compliance
- Support for industry and Defence certifications
- Technical assessments
- Architecture and engineering
The company holds membership to the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) and is ISO 27001 and ISO 9001 certified, also being an award-winning employer of defence personnel, veterans and first responders.
Emma Jovic sings Bluerydge's praises on Google.
"I recently had the pleasure of working with Bluerydge for my business's cyber security needs," she says.
"From the very beginning, the team at Bluerydge was professional, knowledgeable, and responsive. I was particularly impressed with the thoroughness of their assessment and the tailored approach they took to addressing my company's specific needs."
OPC IT
OPC IT is committed to excellence in IT service delivery. It’s motto is “Leave IT to us.”
As a quality technology provider operating in Canberra since 1985, OPC IT adds measurable business value to clients through a wide range of managed IT, web, Cloud and security services. OPC IT’s services back clients to perform in the most efficient and effective way.
Local and family owned, OPC IT works with clients across multiple industries, building professional relationships grounded in mutual trust. Constantly evolving with the times, OPC IT offers end-to-end sophisticated IT services include procurement. Cloud Services include Microsoft's 365 Power Platform, SharePoint and Dynamics. Managed security services are available and OPC IT provides Drupal and GovCMS web development.
OPC IT’s Canberra service desk provides exemplary support. The company partners with industry leading vendors to provide the best hardware and technology. OPC IT maintains three International Organisation for Standardisation accreditations, including Quality and Information Security Systems Management.
The team of 28 specialists undergoes continuous training with industry-leading organisations so OPC IT is equipped with the latest skills and technology. This positions the team to provide responsive, high-quality incident and other services, and to deal with advanced threats and complex compliance requirements in the fast-paced world of cyber security.
OPC IT’s strong values include giving back to community. It actively supports a range of charities and community programs.
Legal Aid CEO John Boersig says, "OPC has provided services to Legal Aid Act for over a decade. They have provided timely and professional services throughout this period, and we have appreciated their collegiate and personal approach to client services. During this time their advice has been invaluable, as we have needed to plot the development of IT infrastructure – we rely on their expertise for both hardware and software investment."
SOLVit Network Support
SOLVit Network Support are small business Information Technology (IT) experts. The team is experienced at identifying IT requirements quickly and designing strategies to address them, with minimal disruption as a top priority. SOLVit has been helping business for more than a decade with reliable, flexible and cost-effective IT solutions and services that add real value to business.
With a dedicated IT help desk, SOLVit provides onsite, phone or remote support, enabling clients to make smarter business IT and systems choices. Clients enjoy peace of mind, knowing that SOLVit is only a phone call away.
SOLVit’s support and proactive maintenance services ensure equipment and systems are up-to-date and effective. This minimises emergency calls and unnecessary downtime. SOLVit also offers repair services, Cloud services and backup services.
On Riotact, Frances Wilson wrote, “In a time when business relies so heavily on technology to run, it is incredibly stressful when things go wrong... We have been so lucky to find Solvit Network Support. They specialise in small business and never push us aside for the bigger customer. We utilise their managed support and back-up services which provide the peace of mind that only good security and back-up can...”
Empreus IT Support
Empreus IT Support have built an enviable reputation as one of the leading tech support and managed service providers within the Canberra region. Providing a comprehensive range of cost-effective solutions, they are all about being enablers of success, empowering clients with effortless IT.
The team provide end-to-end IT support services from installations, networking, and backup, through to VoIP, security, and cloud migration. They also offer managed IT services allowing you to outsource individual components or your entire IT department in their more than capable hands.
A hallmark of their service offering is their drive for efficiency, innovation, and productivity amongst clientele. Working across a variety of vendor products, they are well versed in both hardware and software applications.
All technicians and consultants are industry qualified, 100% locally based, and are available when you need them most. For considered IT solutions that meet the evolving needs of workplaces today Empreus IT Support are an excellent choice.
Iain Jeffery had this to say on Google, “I use Darko for my business IT and have found him to be excellent. Service is very prompt, issues with equipment or software are sorted as a priority, and his advice on setting up my IT and maintaining it in a cost-effective manner has been invaluable.”
BluePackets
Boasting an established team of seasoned tech consultants Blue Packets cater to the wide and varied informatics needs of clients. With a diverse team, their broad knowledge base and extensive industry experience allows them to cater individual technology solutions to compliment business need.
BluePackets provide a range of managed information technology services, from contract-based technical support all the way through to end-to-end systems procurement, installation, and maintenance.
BluePackets managing director Andrew Donehue. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.
Known for developing an integrated solutions approach, BluePackets strive to make your IT systems work harder. Be it through supportive, complementary, supplementary, re-engineered mastery, each drives efficiency, stability, and security for clients.
With a history providing competitively priced industry grade solutions, BluePackets are well placed to assist. Conveniently located in Fyshwick, they also service Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and major regional centres.
Whether your organisation requires infrastructure support, project management, network implementation or managed services, BluePackets are an excellent choice.
Glen Opray shared this glowing review of the team on Google, “Good bunch of guys, Bob is good value. A+ for service.”
If you’re looking for more information on small-business services in Canberra, you might like our article on the best business advisors, the best management consulting firms, or the best marketing agencies the city has to offer.
Your experience with managed IT support services in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the managed IT services listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a tech support service do?
Generally, tech support services assist with troubleshooting IT issues. This approach, sometimes referred to as the ''break-fix'' method, ensures support is available when a problem arises. A reactive approach is often well suited to businesses that are not overly technical in nature, and those with systems that do not require regular upgrades or specialised skill sets to maintain.
What are managed IT services?
Managed IT services offer small-to-medium businesses the ability to outsource the day-to-day management of their technology and IT needs. Managed IT services are also referred to as managed service providers or MSPs.
What does a managed service provider do?
A managed service provider delivers third-party technology infrastructure and support. Services often include network or application infrastructure, security, and cloud. Support is typically delivered at a client’s premises or remotely as required.
Are there different types of managed IT services?
Yes, there most certainly are. You will find that many providers specialise in the service types that are most suited to the needs of their core clientele. Common managed service specialisations include networks and infrastructure, security, cloud, communications, software, wireless, print and support.
What is the difference between an MSP and TSP?
Total solutions providers, sometimes known as technology success providers (TSPs), work with businesses to drive success by understanding and harnessing the business impacts of technology. TSP services generally offer the same services as MSPs, but with more strategic capabilities. They offer additional layers delivering technology strategy, standards, alignment and effectively greater business value.
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