Choosing an IT partner: A CEO’s guide to what actually matters
Choosing an IT partner based on price alone is like hiring a surgeon because they’re cheapest. Here’s what you should really evaluate.
What’s really at stake in this decision
You’re looking at managed IT service providers, and the choice feels overwhelming. Here’s the reality: this decision isn’t just about monthly costs. You’re choosing who protects your company’s data and reputation, keeps your operations running, and prevents your internal team from burning out under constant IT pressure.
If you’re dealing with strict regulatory requirements, you know the weight of potential security breaches, failed audits, or extended downtime. You need a partner who gets these pressures.
Key areas where MSPs differ dramatically
Pricing models
Some charge per device, others per user
Strategic planning depth
From basic support to comprehensive technology roadmaps
Contract flexibility
Annual, multi-year, or month-to-month options
After-hours support
Availability varies significantly
Management philosophy
Proactive prevention versus reactive firefighting
Guaranteed response times
Documented service levels or “when we can get to it”
Our approach: Compliance-first, growth-focused
To illustrate what this looks like in practice, here’s how we approach these challenges at E-N Computers:
Focus Areas
We focus on small to medium organizations with serious compliance requirements across Virginia and Washington, D.C., plus remote and distributed teams. We work with CIOs and CFOs in defense, manufacturing, libraries, schools, nonprofits, government entities, and design firms – industries where compliance failures have real consequences.
Proactive Support
Our proactive approach centers on dedicated focus days that reduce pressure on your internal team and keep your systems compliance-ready and optimized.
Pricing & Value
We use per-user pricing on a month-to-month basis. You won’t find the lowest prices in the market with us, but our pricing structure lets us deliver comprehensive, proactive support that actually prevents problems. You get quarterly strategic planning sessions to keep your technology roadmap and budget current, plus regular onsite focus days with a dedicated technician.
You could compare this to a full-service airline versus the budget airline model. The price of a budget ticket may appear “cheaper” – until you add in the cost of bags, seat selection, snacks and no refunds if you have to make a change. Experienced travelers know to look beyond just the ticket price.
Response & Expertise
Most support requests get responses in under 15 minutes, with resolution averaging 35 minutes. After-hours support covers work stoppages and critical issues.
We specialize in Microsoft platforms, Dell servers and workstations, and Meraki network equipment.
Ready to compare your options?
Don’t let technology limit your growth or expose your business to unnecessary risks. Our comparison matrix helps you evaluate MSPs beyond basic features. We’ve pre-filled our column with E-N Computers’ fully managed services. Use this tool to assess potential partners on criteria that address your actual business needs and give you genuine peace of mind.
