The best managed IT support services in Canberra

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Group in front of OPC sign

OPC, one of Canberra’s most recommended managed IT service providers. Photo: Michelle Kroll.

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.

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."

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.

Andrew Donehue

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.”

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.”

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...”

Canvas ICT

Canvas ICT provides one-stop solutions for ICT, HR and contractor payroll needs. With over 25 years’ experience, experts tailor cutting-edge solutions. Simple, fast, and less-expensive ICT takes clients to the next level. Priorities include network security, data backup and recovery, SEO, and quality hardware and software. HR services attract, retain and nurture talent. End-to-end contractor payroll services let clients focus on core operations.

Sylvia Chawla wrote on Google, “The personalised service and commitment to understanding our unique business needs set Canvas ICT Pty Ltd apart.”

Eagle IT

Offering a single point end-to-end contact for IT requirements has positioned Eagle IT as one of the leading managed services in the Canberra region. As a cyber security focused managed IT services provider, Eagle IT provide security solutions and support for businesses of all shapes and sizes.

With regular hour-based IT support, through to fully managed services, and project-based consulting, Eagle IT are well paced to address client need.

Kyle Maher had this to say about the team on Google, “Shane and his team at Eagle IT are extremely knowledgeable and professional and have been able to provide advice and guidance on a range of complex managed service provision solutions.”

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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White Knight IT will integrate your network into their security operations centre on top of all the usual IT support stuff, and the security monitoring comes at no extra cost! https://whiteknightit.com.au

Nicholas Lucey5:54 pm 20 Nov 20

Damian from Solvit has been an incredible help to me and my business. We are mostly Microsoft 365 and the support you get through Damian is 1000000 x better than trying to deal with someone on the chat in another country. Damian is super switched on, really efficient and always has the solution to help when needed. Recently Damian has helped with setting up Sharepoint sites, systems to collaborate with remote workers and email problems.

I couldn’t recommend Damian from Solvit enough. if you are having any IT problems, call SolvIt and just get them fixed and get on with your business!

Frances Wilson3:43 am 19 Nov 20

In a time when business relies so heavily on technology to run, it is incredibly stressful when things go wrong. Often it is just user error, however, we are not all technically savvy so it is amazing to get really good IT support with being made to feel like a fool for the little things you don’t know. 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. It runs in the background so doesn’t rely on us remembering to do a back-up which most people in business are too busy to remember. We know we will be up and running and looked after even if we suffer a security breach.

Andrew Wilson3:29 am 19 Nov 20

It’s always been a challenge for us to find good IT support for our business in Canberra. We found that only the big end of town was looked after properly and us small business owners came a very poor second. We were fortunate to find SOLVIT network support who have been amazing. With their very affordable managed support services we know that we are secure and have technical support at our finger tips. Highly recommend Damien and his team at SOLVIT.

Definitely circuit networks, does an excellent job and is suited to your business size.

In my previous employment at an insurance company in canberra, The IT Contract was with a Sydney company, They had a tie up with a local it support company in canberra – http://www.technowand.com.au who would visit our office on a monthly basis and on call to provide onsite it support. They were very easy to deal with, friendly and always provided honest advise. Would recommend you dealing with a local company and not an individual this is so that as time progresses, you don’t have to start all over again to find some one.

We would be more than happy to assist you any I.T requirements
over 25 years industry experience.

http://www.alphageeks.com.au/

HI We are a small IT Support organisation in Canberra. We have been looking after small to medium business’ since 1998. We would love to meet up with you and have a chat about what we can do to assist you. We can also give you client references. We provide service either on site or remotely as required. Do not hesitate to contact us at michael@officepcs.com.au.

All IT Solutions, fantastic.

BluePackets?

milkman said :

Try GreenLight IT.

+1 for GreenLight IT. I’ve dealt with their staff on a number of occasions, and always been pretty happy.

JaneQBN said :

You should definitely check out http://www.circuitnetworks.com.au, the owner is a lovely guy and small to medium sized businesses like yours pretty much his specialty 🙂

+1. Shannon and the team will sort it for you.

Try GreenLight IT.

You should definitely check out http://www.circuitnetworks.com.au, the owner is a lovely guy and small to medium sized businesses like yours pretty much his specialty 🙂

Depending on what you’ve got in mind, I might be able to help. I’m a local computer geek/student with a lot of experience in general IT issues. I’d be happy to provide assistance on a casual/part time basis, plus I work for el-cheapo student rates.

If that sounds like something you might be interested in, you can contact me at dalesdeadbug1@gmail.com

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