Most Wilmington-area businesses invest $95–$185 per user/month for fully managed IT. You may see providers base pricing on devices rather than users or you may see a hybrid model combining the two. For co-managed IT agreements, the investment range is typically $60–$120 per user/month when partnering with an internal IT team. This varies based on the custom services provided as part of the co-managed agreement.

At Atlantic Computer Services (ACS), we publish real numbers because budgeting shouldn’t require a sales call. Below you’ll find transparent ranges, what’s included, and why prices vary.

What Drives Managed IT Service Costs

ACS Managed Service Packages (2025)

Common response times are 1-hour (SLA). But know we focus on fast resolution and issue ownership, not clock-stopping acknowledgments that satisfy simple response based SLAs.

What’s Included in Every ACS Plan

• Monitoring & Maintenance – patching, firmware updates, asset tracking.
• Security Baseline – next-gen EDR, basic email security, phishing training. Most plans provide much more robust cyber security tools.
• Governance – vCIO reviews, roadmaps, policy templates (WISP, AUP).
• Vendor Management – internet and software vendors handled through one contact.

Wilmington-Specific Considerations

• Regulated verticals → additional audit and documentation hours.
• Legacy apps (QuickBooks Desktop, on-prem SQL) → server management + backups.
• Multi-site operations → VPN/SD-WAN configuration and failover testing.
• Hurricane readiness → backup redundancy and disaster recovery planning.

Example Scenarios

Frequently Asked Questions

Is per-user or per-device pricing better?
Per-user is simpler and predictable. Per-device works for shared or seasonal machines. A hybrid approach may be best.

Can I remove parts of the security stack to cut costs?
Technically yes, but most insurers and compliance frameworks require full coverage. It would be similar to asking which window of your house you’d like to leave unlocked.

How fast is onboarding?
Most transitions complete in 2 – 4 weeks with no downtime. Emergency situations can be accommodated.

Do you offer month-to-month agreements?
No. Standard term is 24 months with clear exit language — we renew by performance, not penalty. There is quite an effort in managing and maintaining up to 8 different cyber security tools. Cyber security is not something you install and then never touch again.

Why Transparent Pricing Matters

Local business owners deserve honest numbers before they sign anything. Publishing our pricing keeps us accountable and helps you budget accurately. That’s why ACS is one of the few Wilmington MSPs showing real ranges online.

Next Steps

1. 15-Minute Pricing Consult – Share user counts and goals; get a custom estimate on the call.
2. Lightweight Assessment – We review your environment and confirm scope.
3. Onboarding Plan – Runbooks and SLAs set; support begins seamlessly.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Do we really need managed IT services?” — you’re not alone. Most Wilmington-area businesses reach that tipping point after the same set of warning signs start showing up.

Here are the seven most common indicators that it’s time to bring in a professional Managed Service Provider (MSP) like Atlantic Computer Services (ACS) before minor tech frustrations become major business risks.

1. Your Team Is Always Putting Out Fires

When IT becomes a daily distraction instead of a background function, it’s a red flag.

Symptoms:

• Constant printer, email, or Wi-Fi issues
• Same problems popping up again and again
• Employees waiting for “the one tech-savvy person” to fix things

What it means:

Your IT has shifted from proactive to reactive. Every minute your staff spends troubleshooting is time not serving clients.

How ACS helps: 24/7 monitoring, patching, and automated alerting stop problems before they interrupt your day.

2. You’re Relying on One Person for Everything

Many small businesses depend on a single in-house IT person or “the guy who knows computers.”

Symptoms:

• No one else knows passwords or configurations
• Limited coverage during vacations or sick days
• Projects and cybersecurity get delayed because there’s no time

What it means:

You’ve got a single point of failure. If that person leaves, critical knowledge and access can disappear overnight.

How ACS helps: We provide a full team—network engineers, cloud specialists, and cybersecurity experts—backed by documented standards and a dedicated vCIO.

3. Security Is Becoming a Concern (or a Mystery)

Cybersecurity has moved far beyond antivirus and firewalls.

Symptoms:

• You’re unsure if backups actually work
• You haven’t tested MFA, EDR, or phishing protection
• You worry about ransomware, HIPAA, or client data exposure

What it means:

Threats are evolving faster than internal teams can keep up—especially without full-time cybersecurity oversight.

How ACS helps: We standardize security across all clients with a layered defense—SentinelOne, Huntress, Proofpoint, DNSFilter, MFA, and identity protection—plus quarterly vulnerability reviews.

4. Projects Keep Getting Delayed

Modernizing servers, moving files to the cloud, or upgrading internet infrastructure often falls to the bottom of the list.

Symptoms:

• Outdated equipment still in service
• Failed migrations or unsupported software
• Missed opportunities for automation or cost savings

What it means:

Your business growth is being limited by technical debt.

How ACS helps: Our vCIO roadmap includes a prioritized project schedule with defined outcomes, budgets, and milestones—so IT improvements actually happen.

5. You Have No Clear IT Budget or Roadmap

If you can’t answer, “What will IT cost this year?” it’s time for structure.

Symptoms:

• Surprise repair bills or hourly invoices
• Unclear renewal dates for licenses or warranties
• Technology purchases made ad hoc

What it means:

Unplanned IT spending is unpredictable and usually more expensive.

How ACS helps: Our all-inclusive monthly model consolidates support, security, and infrastructure into one predictable cost—with documented asset management and lifecycle planning.

6. Downtime or Slowness Is Hurting Productivity

Technology should accelerate your work, not slow it down.

Symptoms:

• Frequent crashes or slowness in key applications
• Unstable remote connections or file sync issues
• Staff frustration and lost client time

What it means:

You’re losing measurable productivity and revenue without realizing it.

How ACS helps: Continuous monitoring and proactive maintenance identify root causes early, minimizing downtime and optimizing network performance.

7. You’ve Grown Beyond “Small Business IT”

Growth often outpaces internal IT capacity.

Symptoms:

• Multiple locations, hybrid or remote teams
• Compliance requirements (HIPAA, CPA, education)
• New software integrations or cloud migrations

What it means:

Your environment has become too complex for break/fix support or a part-time admin.

How ACS helps: We specialize in scaling IT for growing SMBs in healthcare, finance, education, and professional services—aligning your systems with your next stage of growth.

Bonus: You’re Tired of Being Reactive

If every IT conversation starts with “What broke today?” it’s time for a partner who delivers strategy, not just support tickets.

At ACS, we don’t just fix issues—we build roadmaps.

You’ll know where your technology stands, what’s coming next, and how to stay secure, compliant, and ahead of competitors.

Quick Self-Check: Are You Ready to Outsource IT?

Final Takeaway

Outsourcing IT isn’t about replacing people—it’s about giving your team back their time and protecting your business from hidden risk.

When you partner with Atlantic Computer Services, you gain:

• A full team of certified experts
• Predictable monthly costs
• A strategic roadmap for growth
• Peace of mind knowing your systems are secure and stable

For many growing companies, the question isn’t “Do we need IT help?”—it’s “What kind of help makes the most sense?”

That’s where choosing between co-managed and fully managed IT comes in. Both models deliver professional IT support, but they serve very different needs. Understanding which fits your business can save thousands and improve uptime, security, and productivity.

1. The Core Difference

At Atlantic Computer Services (ACS), we deliver both models—customized for each client’s size, goals, and risk profile.

2. What Co-Managed IT Looks Like in Practice

Co-managed IT isn’t “outsourcing.” It’s collaboration. Your in-house IT retains control of certain systems while ACS provides the heavy lifting behind the scenes.

Typical Co-Managed Setup:

• Internal IT handles end-user support, vendor relationships, or software administration.
• ACS provides backend infrastructure management, advanced cybersecurity, and 24/7 monitoring.
• Both teams share visibility through unified tools, ticketing, and documentation.

Key Benefits:

• Scales your internal team — access to specialized skills (Azure, compliance, EDR, etc.) without hiring full-time.
• Eliminates burnout — ACS handles patching, after-hours alerts, and routine maintenance.
• Gives instant access to enterprise tools — Datto RMM, SentinelOne, Huntress, Proofpoint, DNSFilter, and more.
• Strategic partnership — vCIO roadmap sessions ensure both teams are aligned on priorities.

ACS in Action:

We partner with local Wilmington firms that have at least one IT staffer but lack time for Azure migrations, vulnerability assessments, cybersecurity compliance or other IT related needs. Their IT lead remains the internal point of contact, while ACS provides a managed security stack, project manpower additional helpdesk support or monitoring coverage.

3. What Fully Managed IT Looks Like in Practice

Fully managed IT replaces the need for in-house IT altogether. ACS becomes your entire IT department—handling every device, user, and vendor relationship.

Typical Fully Managed Setup:

• ACS manages all support tickets, backups, patching, cybersecurity, projects, and vendor coordination.
• You get a predictable monthly cost and a single point of accountability.
• Your leadership team works directly with our vCIO for planning, budgeting, and quarterly reviews.

Key Benefits:

• Turnkey operation — we handle everything from onboarding new users to network design.
• Predictable costs — one monthly rate that includes support, monitoring, security, and backups.
• Enterprise-grade security — layered EDR, ITDR, MFA, and DNS protections included.
• Strategic focus — leadership can focus on growth instead of troubleshooting.

ACS in Action:

Our fully managed clients include CPA firms, private schools, and healthcare practices across Southeastern NC. They rely on ACS for complete network management, cybersecurity compliance, and technology modernization without the overhead of internal IT staff.

4. Side-by-Side Comparison

5. How to Decide Which Model Fits You

Choose Co-Managed IT if:

• You already have internal IT staff.
• Your team is swamped or lacks time for strategic projects.
• You need advanced cybersecurity tools but don’t want to replace existing personnel.
• You want to retain control but gain expertise and scalability.

Choose Fully Managed IT if:

• You don’t have internal IT staff.
• You want one predictable monthly cost and complete accountability.
• You need end-to-end security, backups, and support under one roof.
• You’d rather focus on running your business than managing technology.

Why Businesses in Wilmington Choose ACS

• Scalable Team: From a single IT coordinator to full MSP coverage, we adapt as your needs grow.
• Security Standardization: Every client—co-managed or fully managed—gets the same enterprise-grade cybersecurity baseline.
• Local Accountability: Wilmington-based engineers who know your environment and respond fast.
• Strategic Roadmap: Our vCIO sessions translate technical actions into business outcomes—budgeting, modernization, compliance, and lifecycle planning.

7. Common Misconceptions

“Co-Managed IT replaces my IT person.”
No—it strengthens them. You keep internal control and gain tools and expertise you can’t easily buy alone.

“Fully Managed IT means losing visibility.”
ACS provides full transparency—monthly reports, ticket dashboards, and quarterly reviews ensure total visibility into every system.

Final Takeaway

Both co-managed and fully managed IT models can work—but the right fit depends on your internal capacity, growth trajectory, and tolerance for risk.

ACS custom-builds each engagement so you never pay for what you don’t need, and you always have the coverage, security, and guidance your business deserves.