Let Me Be Clear: There’s a difference between saving money and gambling with your firm’s future. And when it comes to managed IT services, the cheapest option often ends up being the most expensive lesson.
On paper, that bargain-rate MSP might check a few boxes—basic support, a couple of cybersecurity tools, maybe even 24/7 “availability” (with an asterisk). But peel back the surface, and the cracks start to show. And for professional
services firms in Washington, DC—where every second counts and every document matters—those cracks can cost you credibility, compliance, and client trust.
Here’s what I’ve seen—again and again—behind the curtain of “budget” IT providers:
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Basic Antivirus ≠ Cybersecurity
Cheap MSPs will install off-the-shelf antivirus and call it a day. But in this market? That’s malpractice.
There’s no layered defense. No MFA. No SIEM, EDR, or threat response playbook. No training for your attorneys who click fast and move faster. And when ransomware hits, there’s no backup plan—literally.
Even worse? Your cyber insurance might not pay out if these protections weren’t in place to begin with. That’s not just oversight. That’s operational negligence.
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Cloud Doesn’t Mean Covered
You’d think Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace would handle backups, right? Wrong.
They give you limited retention, not full disaster recovery. And most budget MSPs won’t touch your cloud apps, case systems, or third-party line-of-business tools. Which means what for all that discovery work, billing history,
and client data? They are one glitch away from being gone.Ask your IT provider what’s backed up. Then ask what isn’t. The silence will tell you everything.
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“Surprise” Fees for After-Hours or On-Site Support
Budget MSPs lure you in with low monthly rates—then nickel-and-dime you when it matters most. Need help during a late-night filing window? There’s a fee. Someone needs to come on-site to restore a downed workstation before
court? That’s extra.We believe Line of Business support should be predictable. Period. If your team’s hesitating to call IT during crunch time, your MSP isn’t saving you money—it’s costing you billable hours.
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“Not Our Problem” Syndrome
Ever hear, “That’s not covered,” when your Internet goes down or your e-filing software crashes?
Budget providers avoid anything outside their narrow lane. Internet provider? Not their problem. A copier that won’t scan to your encrypted share drive? Call the vendor.
We don’t play that game. If it touches your network, we own the issue until it’s resolved. Because in professional services, you don’t have time to bounce between vendors. You need one partner who handles it all.
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No Strategy, Just Scrambling
Many low-cost MSPs are built around entry-level contractors or “one-man shops” who react but don’t guide.
You deserve better.
You need a strategic partner who understands Line of Business tech, thinks two steps ahead, and helps you build a roadmap that aligns with both your growth and your compliance obligations. That’s why our clients don’t just get
support—they get a vCIO, regular reviews, and someone who knows the language of Line of Business IT inside and out.
Here’s What I Know: If It Feels Too Cheap, It’s Probably Too Risky
In DC, professional services firms don’t just face downtime—they face clients with zero tolerance for data mishaps. And once you’ve been breached or fined, no monthly savings can undo the damage.
So if you’re wondering what’s hiding in your IT contract—or what your current MSP might be leaving out—let’s talk.
We offer a complimentary IT Risk Assessment, tailored specifically for DC professional services firms. No pressure. No jargon. Just clarity, confidence, and a conversation worth having.