Finding the Best IT Managed Services in Chicago for Your Business

Finding the right managed IT services in Chicago for your business can feel like a big task. There are a lot of companies out there, and they all do things a little differently. You want someone who gets your business and can handle your tech needs without a fuss. This guide is here to help you sort through some of the top options for IT managed services Chicago has to offer, making your search a bit easier.

Key Takeaways

• Intelligent Technical Solutions (ITS) offers co-managed IT and has been serving Chicago businesses for over 20 years.

• Ascend Technologies, formed from a merger, focuses on cybersecurity and infrastructure with awards from Chicago Innovation and Inc. 5000.

• Andromeda Technology Solutions, founded in 1994, specializes in managed IT and cloud services, particularly for legal, financial, and medical sectors.

• CMIT Solutions provides a range of services from managed IT to cybersecurity and is recognized for fast response times.

• Framework IT is known for its hardworking staff and excellent customer service, with a pricing calculator available on their site.

1. Intelligent Technical Solutions (ITS)

Intelligent Technical Solutions, or ITS as they're commonly known, has been around since 2003, so they've got a good chunk of experience helping businesses in the Chicago area with their IT needs. What seems to set them apart is their focus on co-managed IT. Basically, they work with your existing in-house IT team, giving them extra support, know-how, and manpower. It's like having a backup squad for your tech challenges.

They position themselves as an extension of your staff, which makes sense if you're trying to fill some knowledge gaps, beef up your cybersecurity, or just need more hands on deck to handle the day-to-day IT workload. The idea is to bring in that enterprise-level support without the hefty price tag that usually comes with it.

ITS has picked up a few awards along the way, which is always a good sign. They've been recognized on lists like the MSSP Alert Top 250 and have snagged a CRN Triple Crown Award. They also made the Channel Futures MSP 501 list.

Here's a quick look at some of the services they provide:

• Co-Managed IT Support

• Fully Managed IT Services

• Advanced Cybersecurity & Compliance

• Cloud Solutions

• VoIP and Business Internet

• Virtual CIO and vCISO Services

So, if your business has an IT department but you feel like they could use some extra muscle or specialized skills, ITS might be worth a closer look. They aim to provide that extra layer of support that helps keep things running smoothly and securely.

2. Ascend Technologies

Ascend Technologies is a Chicago-based IT services firm that really focuses on building custom co-managed IT plans. They came about from a merger back in 2019 and have been growing steadily since, bringing in folks with a ton of IT experience. Their main areas of focus are cybersecurity, making sure your network infrastructure is solid, and Salesforce services, all geared towards what your business actually needs to do.

They've picked up some awards, like from Chicago Innovation and Inc. 5000, which tells you they're doing something right. People seem to notice their quick growth and how fast they respond to issues, based on what I've seen in their case studies.

Here's a quick look at what they seem to be good at:

• Cybersecurity: Keeping your digital assets safe from threats.

• Infrastructure Management: Making sure your network and hardware are running smoothly.

• Salesforce Services: Helping you get the most out of your CRM.

While they don't list prices upfront – you'll need to chat with them for a custom quote after they look at your setup – they seem to be a solid choice for businesses looking for a flexible IT partner in the Chicago area. Their main office is right downtown at 73 W Monroe St.

3. Andromeda Technology Solutions

Andromeda Technology Solutions has been around since 1994, so they've got a good chunk of experience under their belt. They focus on managed IT, cloud services, and setting up and maintaining network infrastructure.

They really shine when it comes to working with legal, financial, and medical businesses. It's not just about keeping the lights on; they aim to build solid tech foundations for these specific industries.

Here's a quick look at what they generally bring to the table:

• Managed IT Services: Keeping your day-to-day IT running smoothly.

• Cloud Services: Helping you move to and manage your cloud environment.

• Network Infrastructure: Designing, setting up, and maintaining your network.

They've got a solid 4.7-star rating on Google, which is pretty good. Plus, they've made it onto Channel Future’s MSP 501 list. People seem to like them for creating well-thought-out plans for managing client tech.

Like many IT service providers, they don't list prices upfront. You'll need to chat with them to get a quote after they've looked at your specific IT setup. If you're in Chicago and your business is in finance, law, or healthcare, Andromeda is definitely worth a look for IT consultants in Chicago.

4. CMIT Solutions

CMIT Solutions has been around since 1996, and they've built a pretty solid reputation across the country, including right here in Chicago. They really leaned into the managed service provider model back in 2008, focusing on giving local businesses the IT support they need to keep things running smoothly.

They've gotten some nice shout-outs, too, like being in Entrepreneur's top IT franchise list and CRN's MSP 500. The Chicago branch specifically has a near-perfect Google rating, which is always a good sign. People seem to like that CMIT Solutions is quick to respond and tends to catch problems before they become big headaches.

When it comes to pricing, they don't just list numbers on their website. You'll need to connect with them for a personalized quote after they've had a chance to look at your specific IT setup. It’s a bit more hands-on, but it means the plan is tailored just for you.

If you're looking for a provider that's been in the game for a while and has a strong track record, CMIT Solutions is definitely worth considering for your Chicago IT services.

5. Entara

Entara started back in 2001 and kind of does its own thing by blending managed IT services with managed security services. Think of them as a hybrid provider, covering everything from day-to-day IT management to serious cybersecurity and incident response. They've gotten some nods from industry folks like CRN and Channel Futures, which is always a good sign.

What seems to set Entara apart is their focus on making IT work efficiently for businesses. They've grown pretty fast, and people seem to like working there, which often translates to better service for clients. They're known for being quick to respond and growing with your company's needs.

If you're looking for a provider that handles both your IT infrastructure and your security needs under one roof, Entara is worth a look. They don't list prices upfront, which is pretty standard in this field. You'll need to chat with them to get a quote after they've had a chance to check out your current setup. It's a good way to make sure you're not paying for stuff you don't need.

Here's a quick rundown of what they generally focus on:

• Managed IT Services

• Cybersecurity Solutions

• Incident Response

• Professional IT Consulting

While they don't have a public pricing sheet, they do offer a custom quote after an assessment. This means they'll take the time to understand your specific situation before handing you a bill. It's a bit more personal than just picking a package off a shelf.

6. Framework IT

Framework IT, started back in 2008, is a company that really seems to know its stuff when it comes to IT. They cover a lot of ground, from just managing your day-to-day IT needs to helping you plan out your IT strategy for the future. Plus, they offer cybersecurity, cloud computing, and even handle your phone systems (VoIP) and internet.

They're known for having a team that works hard and treats customers well. It's not just talk, either; they've picked up awards from places like MSP Mentor and CRN, which tells you they're doing something right.

Here's a quick look at what they focus on:

• Managed IT Services

• IT Strategy and Planning

• Cybersecurity Solutions

• Cloud Computing

• VoIP and Business Internet

If you're curious about how they stack up, you can check out their case studies or their Google reviews. They actually have a perfect 5/5 rating there, which is pretty impressive. One thing that sets them apart is their pricing calculator right on their website. You can get a rough idea of costs without even having to schedule a call, which is a nice touch.

7. Infiniwiz

Infiniwiz has been around for a while, serving Chicago businesses with IT services for over two decades. They focus on a few key areas: managed IT, acting as a CTO-level consultant, providing help-desk support, setting up VoIP phone systems, and managing cloud services.

They really seem to pride themselves on personalized service and having a friendly team. You can check out their website for client testimonials and reviews, which gives you a good sense of what people think. They've also picked up some awards, like from UpCity and Inc. 5000, which is always a good sign.

When it comes to pricing, Infiniwiz doesn't put numbers on their website. They mention it's a fixed monthly fee based on the number of users, and they promise no surprise charges. To get a real price, you'll need to talk to them so they can figure out exactly what your business needs.

Here's a quick look at what they focus on:

• Managed IT Services

• CTO-Level Consulting

• Help-Desk Support

• Business VoIP Solutions

• Cloud Services

8. Novatech

Novatech has been in the IT game for over 25 years, and while they're based in Nashville, they've got a solid presence right here in Chicago. They focus a lot on managed IT, but also handle copiers, printers, and document software.

They're known for being really proactive with IT management and having great customer service. You can check out their website for case studies and testimonials from clients, which gives you a good idea of what they're about. They even snagged the XMedius 2019 Partner of the Year Award, which is pretty neat.

When it comes to pricing, Novatech doesn't put numbers on their website. Like a lot of these companies, you'll need to schedule a meeting and have them assess your specific IT needs before they can give you a quote. It's a common approach, but it does mean a bit more back-and-forth to get a clear picture of the costs.

Here's a quick look at what they focus on:

• Managed IT Services

• Copier and Printer Solutions

• Document Software Management

9. Ntiva

Ntiva has been around since 2004, so they've got a good chunk of experience under their belt. They've grown quite a bit and now have offices in a few spots across the country, including a presence that serves the Chicago area, even though their Chicago office recently moved to Lombard, IL. They cover a pretty wide range of IT needs, like general managed IT, keeping things secure with cybersecurity, offering advice through IT consulting, and handling cloud stuff.

What's interesting is that Ntiva seems to have a clear pricing structure, which isn't always easy to find with IT service providers. For businesses with about 100 users, their 'Complete Plan' starts at $102 per user each month, and their 'Compliance Plan' is a bit more at $118 per user monthly. Of course, these prices can shift depending on exactly what you need and how many people are using the services.

They've also gotten some recognition, appearing on lists like CRN's Solutions Provider 500 and Inc. 5000, which suggests they're a growing company that knows their stuff when it comes to IT.

• Managed IT Services

• Cybersecurity

• IT Consulting

• Cloud Solutions

• Microsoft & Apple Product Support

10. PSM Partners

PSM Partners, also known as Porcaro Stolarek Mete Partners, is a Chicago-based firm that focuses on technology and talent services, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses. They've built a solid reputation, reflected in their impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars on Google reviews. They've also received recognition from industry groups like Channel Co., Channel Futures, and the National Association for Business Resources.

What seems to set PSM Partners apart is their commitment to customer service and fostering a positive workplace culture. While they don't list prices directly on their website, they do offer a free network assessment. This is a smart move because it allows their team to get a real look at your specific IT setup before they even talk about costs, making the eventual quote more accurate for your situation.

Their services generally cover:

• Managed IT support

• Technology consulting

• Talent acquisition and staffing

• Cybersecurity solutions

• Cloud services

We work with many great companies to help them with their technology needs. These partnerships allow us to offer top-notch solutions. Want to see how we can help your business succeed? Visit our website today!

Wrapping It Up

So, finding the right managed IT service provider in Chicago might seem like a big task with all the options out there. We've looked at some of the top players, each with their own strengths, whether you need help with cybersecurity, cloud stuff, or just day-to-day IT support. Remember to think about what your business really needs – like response times, specific industry knowledge, and how they handle security. Don't be afraid to ask questions and get a few quotes before you decide. Picking the right partner can make a huge difference for your business operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many IT service companies are there in the Chicago area?

Chicago and its nearby areas have over 150 IT service providers. These range from companies that focus on specific IT tasks to larger ones that offer a wide array of services.

How fast do the best IT companies respond to problems?

When you have a serious IT issue, the top companies usually respond within 15 to 30 minutes. This speed depends on the service agreement you have with them.

Do most Chicago IT companies include security in their plans?

Yes, most leading IT companies include security measures like virus protection, monitoring, and data backup in their basic packages.

What do managed IT services usually cover?

Managed IT services typically involve watching over your systems to prevent problems, updating software, providing help desk support, managing computers and networks, ensuring security, backing up data, and helping with other tech vendors.

How can I pick the right IT service provider for my business?

To choose the best provider, check if they offer local support and have quick response times. Ask about their security measures and if they have experience with your industry. Also, see if their tools work well with your systems and if they can grow with your business.

What's the difference between a Managed Service Provider (MSP) and a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP)?

An MSP focuses on managing your overall IT needs, like networks and computers. An MSSP specifically focuses on cybersecurity, protecting your business from online threats. Some companies, like Entara, offer a mix of both.