Combining IT consulting with managed IT services can be a smart move for many Canadian small and mid-sized businesses. Managed IT services typically cover day-to-day technology management, like monitoring your network, maintaining hardware, and providing user support. IT consulting, including virtual Chief Information Officer (vCIO) services, adds strategic guidance—helping you align technology with your business goals, plan for growth, and manage risks such as cybersecurity threats or compliance with privacy regulations.
Why this matters for Canadian SMBs
Without strategic IT planning, businesses risk downtime, data loss, and inefficient technology investments. For example, a company might invest in new software without understanding how it fits with existing systems or regulatory requirements. This can lead to disruptions, frustrated staff, and lost customer trust. Combining managed IT with consulting ensures your technology is not only running smoothly but also evolving in a way that supports your business objectives and reduces risks.
A typical scenario
Consider a 50-person Canadian professional services firm. They use managed IT services to keep their computers, servers, and network secure and operational. However, when they wanted to move to cloud-based file sharing and improve remote access, they lacked the internal expertise to evaluate options and plan the transition. Their IT partner provided vCIO consulting, helping them select appropriate cloud services, design secure identity and single sign-on (SSO) policies, and schedule the migration to minimize disruption. This combined approach reduced the risk of data breaches and improved staff productivity.
What to ask your IT provider
- Do you offer IT consulting or vCIO services alongside managed IT support?
- How do you help businesses plan technology investments to align with their goals?
- Can you assist with cybersecurity strategy, including identity management and compliance with Canadian privacy laws?
- What is your approach to disaster recovery and business continuity planning?
- How do you communicate IT strategy and ongoing performance to non-technical business leaders?
Simple internal checks for business owners
- Review your current IT support contract: does it include strategic planning or just reactive support?
- Check if your backups are tested regularly and stored securely offsite or in the cloud.
- Verify who has administrative access to critical systems and whether access is reviewed periodically.
- Assess if your staff use strong, unique passwords and if multi-factor authentication (MFA) is enforced.
- Identify any upcoming technology needs or compliance deadlines that require planning.
Bringing together managed IT services with IT consulting creates a more proactive, strategic approach to technology management. This can help reduce unexpected downtime, improve security, and ensure your IT investments support your business growth. If you're unsure how well your current IT provider integrates these services or if you need help planning your IT roadmap, consider speaking with a trusted managed IT partner or IT advisor who understands the needs of Canadian SMBs.