If you run a business in regional Australia, you’ve probably wondered: how much do managed IT services actually cost?
Whether you’re based in Warrnambool, Hamilton, Portland, Colac, Camperdown, or further across the Great South Coast, understanding your IT costs is essential for planning and growth.
This guide explains what managed IT services include, how pricing works, what affects cost, and — most importantly — the real benefits for regional businesses that choose a proactive IT partner.
What Are Managed IT Services?
Managed IT services are a comprehensive, ongoing partnership between your business and a trusted technology provider.
Instead of paying for repairs or call-outs when something breaks, a managed service provider (MSP) like Gunners Business Solutions (GBS) takes responsibility for monitoring, maintaining, securing, and supporting your technology environment around the clock.
That includes:
- Day-to-day helpdesk and troubleshooting
- Device and server monitoring
- Patch management and software updates
- Cloud and Microsoft 365 administration
- Data backup and disaster recovery
- Cybersecurity protection and staff awareness training
- IT strategy, budgeting, and planning
The goal is simple: keep your systems running smoothly so your business can focus on what it does best.
Average Cost of Managed IT Services in Australia
Costs vary depending on your business size, service level, and technology complexity.Here’s a general pricing guide based on data from leading Australian MSPs:
For most regional SMBs, the sweet spot sits between $80 and $250 per user per month — enough to cover support, security, and strategic management without paying city-level rates.
Some providers also offer flat-rate plans covering all users or devices, giving predictable monthly billing.
Microsoft 365 Licensing Costs
Managed IT often includes support and administration for Microsoft 365, but licences themselves are usually billed separately.
Here’s what businesses typically pay in 2025:
Your MSP will manage these licences, ensure compliance, and help implement policies through Microsoft Intune and Entra ID (formerly Azure AD).
For most small to medium organisations, Microsoft 365 Business Premium offers the best balance between productivity and security — especially when paired with managed IT support.
Hardware and Infrastructure Costs
Hardware is another key part of your IT investment. Even the best managed services can’t overcome ageing or unreliable equipment.
Typical hardware costs for business environments:
Your managed IT partner should help you plan a hardware refresh cycle, manage warranties, and integrate devices into your security and monitoring platform.
Budgeting around $500 per month for hardware replacement is typical for a 20-user business.
Factors That Affect Managed IT Pricing
- Number of Users or Devices - More users means more support requests and licensing.
- Service Scope - Do you just need helpdesk and monitoring, or full cybersecurity and cloud management?
- Cybersecurity Requirements - Advanced defences like EDR, threat hunting, and MFA policies increase cost — but they also reduce risk and potential downtime.
- Service Level Agreements (SLAs) - Faster response times and guaranteed onsite visits cost more but deliver peace of mind.
- Regional vs Metro Delivery - Regional providers like GBS combine local onsite service with enterprise-grade remote management — giving clients better value without paying metropolitan overheads.
Example: Typical Regional Business IT Budget
For a 20-user organisation in South-West Victoria:
That’s typically less than hiring one full-time IT technician, yet provides enterprise-level reliability, security, and expertise.
The Benefits of Having Managed IT Services
- Predictable, Transparent Costs - No more surprise call-out fees or unexpected repair bills — you pay a consistent monthly rate covering all standard support and maintenance.
- Enhanced Cybersecurity - Managed IT providers deliver layered protection using modern tools such as Microsoft Defender for Business, EDR, and multi-factor authentication. This drastically reduces risks from phishing, ransomware, and data breaches.
- Proactive Maintenance - Your systems are continuously monitored and patched before problems cause downtime. Regular updates, backups, and performance checks keep operations running smoothly.
- Access to Expertise - Instead of relying on one internal staff member, you gain a full team of IT professionals — from network engineers to Microsoft specialists — who handle complex issues quickly and efficiently.
- Better Productivity with Microsoft 365 - An experienced MSP ensures your Microsoft 365 environment is secure, synchronised, and backed up — meaning fewer login issues, smoother collaboration in Teams, and less wasted time.
- Scalability - As your business grows or adds new locations, managed IT scales easily. New users can be onboarded within minutes with standardised security policies and software deployment.
- Business Continuity and Data Protection - Managed backup systems and disaster recovery plans ensure your data is safe and recoverable — protecting you from hardware failure or cyber-attacks.
- Local Support You Can Rely On - Regional businesses benefit most from having a local MSP who understands their environment and can provide onsite help fast when it’s needed — not a call centre hours away.
Why Regional Businesses Are Turning to Managed IT
Technology is the backbone of every business — from agriculture and construction through to healthcare, education, and retail.
But in regional areas, having reliable, local IT expertise can be hard to find.
That’s where Gunners Business Solutions steps in.
By combining enterprise-grade technology with hands-on local service, we help South-West Victorian businesses achieve:
- Lower downtime and higher efficiency
- Stronger data security and compliance
- Reduced risk from cyber threats
- Clearer budgeting and predictable expenses
- The confidence to focus on business growth rather than IT headaches
Managed IT services in regional Australia generally cost between $100 and $250 per user per month, plus Microsoft 365 licences and hardware lifecycle costs.
When you partner with a trusted regional provider like Gunners Business Solutions, you’re not just paying for IT support — you’re investing in productivity, security, and business resilience.
We support clients across Warrnambool, Moyne, Corangamite, Colac Otway, Southern Grampians, and Glenelg Shires with tailored managed IT and cybersecurity solutions designed for the realities of regional work.
Ready to Find Out What Managed IT Would Cost for Your Business?
Book a free technology review with GBS today.
We’ll assess your current setup, provide transparent pricing, and build a roadmap covering Microsoft 365, hardware, and managed support to suit your business goals.
Common Questions People Also Ask
How much do managed IT services cost in Australia?
Managed IT services in Australia typically cost between $100 and $250 per user per month for small to medium businesses. The price depends on factors like your service level, number of users, cybersecurity requirements, and whether onsite support is included.
Do managed IT services include Microsoft 365?
Most managed IT providers support and manage Microsoft 365, but the licence cost is billed separately. Expect to pay around $9–$35 per user per month depending on your plan (Basic, Standard, or Premium).
Are managed IT services tax deductible in Australia?
Yes — managed IT service expenses are usually tax deductible as operating costs under Australian business tax rules. This includes IT support, monitoring, cybersecurity, and software subscriptions such as Microsoft 365.
Do managed IT services cover hardware?
Hardware isn’t normally included in your monthly fee, but a good managed IT provider will help you plan and budget for new devices, servers, and network equipment, ensuring everything is secure and under warranty.
What’s the benefit of using a local managed IT provider?
Working with a regional IT provider like Gunners Business Solutions means faster onsite support, lower travel costs, and someone who understands the specific challenges faced by regional businesses — from internet connectivity to compliance and backup infrastructure.