Best Managed IT Service Providers 2022
ProdigyTeks
ProdigyTeks is an IT managed service provider that partners with small businesses in Chicago. The company offers IT support to address cybersecurity, IT helpdesk, cloud migration, and cloud setup issues. Clients can pick from three managed services support plan options depending on their preferences. Managed services can be provided remotely or on-site and can be customized to cover a full range of services, including firewall security and standard license for Microsoft 365 Business. ProdigyTeks also fixes disaster recovery and spam protection issues.
101 Digital
101 Digital was formed in 2004 to provide enterprise-level managed IT services to small and medium-sized businesses in Chicago. The firm began as a one-person operation and has grown into a team of IT professionals serving the needs of companies in the manufacturing, legal, financial, and nonprofit sectors. Its services include monitoring and device patch management, managed antivirus and web filtering, backup and disaster recovery, and monthly system health reporting. The agency's chief technology officer, Arthur Dodd, carries certifications in CCNA, MCP, A+, Network+, Security+, and Server+.
Catalyst
Founded in 2014, Catalyst is an IT managed service company in Chicago to assist businesses with improving operational efficiency. The company's data management services cover security and archiving, PCI compliance, and disaster preparation and recovery. Companies can request customized cloud solutions for their IT infrastructure. Other services available include system integration, project management, and app development. Catalyst has won the WalkMe DAP award and has worked on projects such as the City of Chicago 311.
FlexManage
FlexManage is a Chicago-based information technology company that offers managed IT services to clients in a variety of industries. The firm provides remote technical and administrative support that includes customer service, 24/7 infrastructure and serving monitoring, and end point protection. Its team of professionals manages IT networks through proactive maintenance and quick responses to security breaches or system failures. Additionally, FlexManage creates monthly status reports on the health and safety of clients' IT infrastructure.
Bandwidth Simplified
Bandwidth Simplified is a full-scale telecom company that's been in business since 2012. Providing MSP services in Chicago, it focuses on voice, data, and IT business needs, such as VoIP, T1 circuit, ISDN-PRI, high-speed internet access, and IT infrastructure setup solutions. Companies can acquire cloud solutions, including software as a service, cloud setup, mobility, SD-WAN, and data center and colocation. Bandwidth Simplified has worked with significant clients such as Sterling Bay Companies, Jet's Pizza, and Computing Technology Solutions.
Netrix
Netrix has been helping businesses in Chicago to improve profitability and performance by providing IT solutions since 1989. The staff is skilled in network monitoring, voice and unified communications, server management, and cybersecurity solutions. Customers can acquire virtual chief information security officers, surveillance and support operations, and end-user computing support services. Its cloud management encompasses public and multi-cloud, private enterprise, and migration. Netrix has worked with significant clients such as Tiller Corporation and Tricast.
Framework IT
Framework IT is a data-driven managed service provider dedicated to moving forward businesses in the Chicago area. It specializes in providing support, strategy, and security to help agile companies create measurable and predictable IT outcomes. Its process improves productivity, cuts wasteful spending, and supports long-term growth. The company builds IT roadmaps tailored to customers' streamlined operation goals. Its team also offers budget and continuity planning and helps simplify management solutions. Additionally, it installs anti-virus software to prevent threats and spam messages. Framework IT has been in the industry for more than a decade.
Switchfast
Switchfast is an IT managed services provider in Chicago that was founded in 2001 to help businesses to increase their ROI. It provides companies with services such as network setup and support, remote and on-site IT assistance, cloud integration, and cybersecurity solutions. The company offers disaster recovery options for clients in the architecture, health care, and financial services industries. Clutch has recognized Switchfast among the Top Business Services Companies in Chicago, and its previous clients include Acquirent LLC and Eastlake Studio.
Steadfast
Steadfast is an IT managed service provider located in the greater Chicago region that's been providing businesses with day-to-day infrastructure services since 1998. Its technical team focuses on network management, data center colocation, managed services, and disaster recovery. Clients can access cloud solutions, including hybrid, public, and private. Additional services include data backup, IT consultancy, dedicated servers, and business continuity. Steadfast has worked with popular brands such as Prosite Business and JurisLink.
HTML Global
HTML Global is a managed IT service provider assisting businesses in Chicago. The company offers remote support, preventative maintenance, third-party application updates, automated phishing defense, and anti-virus and malware protection for IT systems. It also identifies and analyzes the client’s compromised credentials and provides dark web monitoring, full disaster recovery, penetration testing, and security awareness training to enhance data security. Additionally, it shields companies from email-based cyberattacks, including spear phishing, business email compromise (BEC), account takeover (ATO), identity spoofing, and ransomware.
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Black Diamond Solutions
Black Diamond Solutions is a company that has been offering IT consulting assistance in Chicago and its surrounding areas since 2004. It primarily handles small and mid-sized businesses' IT management needs, including network security, cloud migration, and virtual desktop support. It also assesses company IT infrastructure and offers marketing solutions to businesses that seek to boost their search engine visibility. Additionally, it deals with IT staffing and strategy planning, as well as progress monitoring for IT employees.
EMPIST
EMPIST is a Chicago-based technology solutions company that provides managed IT services to clients in a range of industries, including the financial, legal, health care, and nonprofit sectors. The firm's 24/7 help desk, which is staffed with live engineers, monitors network operation, quickly repairing any issues or malfunctions. It also handles warranty and asset management, and it optimizes and upgrades IT networks and servers to increase efficiency. Additionally, EMPIST offers reliable cybersecurity solutions for businesses(https://empist.com/it-services/managed-services/cybersecurity/), including various hardware, software, and applications and has also been named in MSP 501, Inc. 5000, and CRN Security 100
Stratosphere Networks
Stratosphere Networks is an IT managed service provider in Chicago metro that's been serving industries with comprehensive technology solutions since 2003. The firm's IT experts provide proactive network monitoring, ongoing maintenance, remote and on-site support, and cybersecurity services. It also offers strategic consulting, managed cloud phone systems, infrastructure, and co-managed IT services to start-ups and established corporations. Stratosphere Networks is a member of the Apple Consultants Network (ACN) in the Chicago metro area.
Global Point
Global Point has been providing managed IT support solutions from Chicago and cities in Europe, China, and Israel for over 10 years. It offers infrastructure services, including desktop management for numerous computing devices. Its team of IT technicians is skilled in the design, implementation, and maintenance of wide area, local area, and small office networks. The firm has extensive experience of server relocation, SQL administration, and firewall installation and management.
JetRails
JetRails is an e-commerce and enterprise website hosting firm located in Des Plaines that serves businesses throughout the Chicago metro area. Its in-house operations team interfaces directly with clients' developers and project managers and focuses on the speed, uptime, stability, and security of websites. JetRails technicians have experience with Magento, WooCommerce, X-Cart Marketplace, Bigcommerce, Drupal, and WordPress. The firm has worked with Splash of Pink, Growers House, and Furniture Land South.
Realnets
Realnets is a technology, consulting, and business planning agency located in Park Ridge and serving businesses involved in the nonprofit, public sector, health care, and industry sectors in the Chicago region. It offers IT managed services to clients requiring an IT support system monthly package. Services include on-site and remote technical support, security audits, preventative maintenance, backup management, disaster recovery, and performance monitoring. Additionally, the agency offers property management and business consulting services.
ReadyNetworks
ReadyNetworks is a cloud-managed service provider that's been offering IT solutions in the greater Evanston region since 2013. The firm's engineers use the B2B service delivery model to provide IT system testing and integration, network management, data recovery, cybersecurity, and cloud strategy solutions. Additional services include artificial intelligence, data analytics, and virtual desktop infrastructure. ReadyNetworks has served Dimensional Dental and Gagnon Securities, and it's a recipient of the AWS Mobility awards.
Call One
Call One is a midsize telecommunications service provider in Chicago that has helped meet clients' technology needs for over 26 years. Its diverse team of engineers and technicians offer managed telecommunications services, including routers, unified communications, and SD-WAN with 24/7 U.S.-based support. The company's IT staff also handles all equipment configuration and provide proactive monitoring. Call One partners include PlanetOne Communications, Converged Network Services Group, Sound Incorporated, and Sandler Partners.
Sentinel
Founded in 1982, Sentinel provides MSP services in Chicago. The company manages unique IT services involving infrastructure, cloud, security operations, and staffing. These services focus on strategy, monitoring, and remediation. Its team offers assistance for infrastructure maintenance such as network monitoring, comprehensive support, and strategic guidance. Sentinel works with middle and upper mid-market organizations and enterprises in health care, manufacturing, education, and finance. Other services include software as a service (SaaS) and life cycle.
Simply Smart Technology
Simply Smart Technology is an IT MSP serving clients in and around Chicago. Since 2010, the company has been working with performance-driven businesses, providing them with IT solutions and services that meet their operational needs. The company's first-class engineers and technicians provide IT support, CIO advising, backup planning and disaster recovery, and server and network administration services. Simply Smart Technology also offers cybersecurity, vendor management, helpdesk, and cloud management services.
Computerease IT Support of Chicago
Computerease IT Support of Chicago offers ConstantCare managed IT services across the Chicagoland area. Its network engineers provide proactive monitoring of the client's network and computer systems, allowing them to reduce downtime in case of a network issue. Its technicians also work with existing IT departments to enhance their productivity with additional resources. Additionally, it offers monthly IT servicing and support. Computerease is a Microsoft Silver partner and has helped business owners for over 37 years. It was recently named in the MSP 500 list.
Expert Answers To Common Questions:
- What does MSP stand for?
- What is a managed service provider?
- What is included in IT managed services?
- What do IT/MSP companies do?
- How many managed service providers are there?
- Why use managed services?
- What is a cloud service provider?
- What is AWS managed service?
- Are IT/MSP companies safe?
- Q: What does MSP stand for?
- A: Some people might think of Minneapolis Saint Paul International Airport or the Michigan State Police when they hear the acronym MSP, but in the world of information technology, MSP stands for managed service provider, also known as IT/MSP.
- Q: What is a managed service provider?
- A: A managed service provider delivers a range of IT services, such as application, network services, security, and infrastructure, and provides regular and ongoing support and administration of these operations. An organization may use an MSP to manage some or all of its IT services. For example, some companies choose to outsource their network security to an MSP and manage everything else in-house.
- Q: What is included in IT managed services?
- A:
MSPs can provide their own core offerings or manage third-party solutions on behalf of their clients. These services can help various-sized companies in several ways:
Small businesses: Small businesses may not have the budget or need for a dedicated IT team. IT/MSP companies provide a range of scalable services and can be tailored to the needs of the business. MSP solutions are often much more cost-effective than hiring permanent staff.
Medium and large businesses: Larger businesses can take advantage of any number of MSP services. An MSP is often the more cost-effective solution, from performance monitoring and network security to mobile device management and disaster recovery. - Q: What do IT/MSP companies do?
- A:
Most MSPs offer a wide range of services under one roof, allowing their customers to take advantage of the convenience and cost savings. Here are just some of the services an MSP can provide:
General IT services: Include repairing hardware, installing software, and resolving other IT issues as they arise.
Disaster recovery: Helps a company stay operational during a disaster or network outage. Services include data backups, server redundancy, and data center management.
Managed communications: Management of all communications services, including email, telephone networks, mobile device management, and messaging solutions.
Network infrastructure management: These services include network security and monitoring, infrastructure architecture management, and on-site services, such as cable management.
- Q: How many managed service providers are there?
- A:
The global managed service provider market is estimated to grow to more than 200 billion U.S. dollars in 2020. While MSPs can adapt their services to any business in any sector, the industries that benefit the most include health, automotive, manufacturing, and the IT sector itself.
- Q: Why use managed services?
- A:
There are many reasons why a company may turn to a managed service provider, which typically depends on a company's size and individual requirements. Factors may include:
Top-of-the-line IT solutions that don’t break the bank.
An in-house IT team doesn’t make good financial sense right now, or a company may need its in-house IT staff to focus on internal projects or more critical parts of the business.
Around-the-clock monitoring to improve security and reduce downtime.
Significant IT cost savings.
Specific expertise is required for a particular solution or service.
- Q: What is a cloud service provider?
- A:
As the name suggests, a cloud service provider offers managed third-party services through a cloud-based platform and eliminates the need for on-premise hardware. The services on offer from a cloud-service provider vary and include application, infrastructure, and storage services. MSPs are different to cloud service providers because they typically provide a combination of managed on-premise and cloud-based services.
- Q: What is AWS managed service?
- A: Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world’s leading cloud computing platform and offers over 175 services to its customers. Unlike most MSPs that offer a combination of on-premise and cloud services, AWS only provides solutions that operate in the cloud. The benefits of using AWS include increased agility, lower hardware maintenance and software licensing costs, and the ability to scale and innovate faster.
- Q: Are IT/MSP companies safe?
- A: One of the biggest concerns that a company may have when considering an IT/MSP company is the security and safety of its network and data. An MSP’s managed network infrastructure and data centers are much more robust than a standard enterprise infrastructure and managed 24/7 online, with government approved procedures. This ensures that business data is secure at all times.