Understanding the Comprehensive Costs of Internal IT Services and How Streamline Networks' Total Security Handles It All
- jason15065
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Congratulations, you are a growing company and now you are feeling the IT pinch. Managing internal IT services involves more than just buying hardware and software. For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), understanding the full scope of IT costs is essential to budget effectively and protect their operations. Many SMB owners and operations managers underestimate the total expenses involved in maintaining a secure and efficient IT environment. This post breaks down the key components of internal IT costs, including security, monitoring, patching, and labor, and shows how Streamline Networks' "Total Security" package offers a complete solution starting at $155 per user.
1. Anti-Virus and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)
Anti-virus software is the first line of defense against malware, viruses, and other threats. Most SMBs invest in commercial anti-virus solutions, which typically cost between $20 and $50 per user annually. However, anti-virus alone is no longer enough.
EDR solutions provide advanced threat detection and response capabilities. They monitor endpoint activity continuously and can detect suspicious behavior that traditional anti-virus might miss. EDR pricing varies widely but generally ranges from $50 to $100 per user per year.
Example: A company with 50 users might spend around $2,500 annually on anti-virus and $5,000 on EDR, totaling $7,500 just for endpoint protection.
2. 24x7 Monitoring and Security Operations Center (SOC) Services
Continuous monitoring is critical to catch threats as they happen. Many SMBs rely on 24x7 monitoring services that watch network traffic, endpoints, and cloud environments. These services often include a Security Operations Center (SOC), staffed by security analysts who investigate alerts and respond to incidents.
The cost for 24x7 monitoring and SOC services can range from $30 to $70 per user monthly, depending on the level of service and technology used.
Example: For 50 users, this could mean $18,000 to $42,000 annually, a significant part of the IT budget.
3. Patch Management and Third-Party Patch Management
Keeping software up to date is essential to close security vulnerabilities. Patch management involves regularly applying updates to operating systems and applications. Many SMBs handle this internally, but it requires dedicated time and expertise.
Third-party patch management covers software outside the operating system, such as Adobe, Java, and other business applications. These patches are often overlooked but can be exploited by attackers.
Patch management services typically cost $10 to $25 per user per month, depending on the complexity and number of applications.
Example: For 50 users, patch management could cost between $6,000 and $15,000 annually.
4. Vulnerability Scanning
Regular vulnerability scanning identifies weaknesses in the network and systems before attackers can exploit them. SMBs may use automated tools or hire external services for this purpose.
Vulnerability scanning services usually cost between $1,000 and $5,000 annually, depending on network size and scan frequency.
5. SaaS Backup
Many SMBs rely on cloud-based software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace. While these platforms have built-in redundancy, they do not protect against accidental deletion, ransomware, or data corruption.
SaaS backup solutions provide an additional layer of protection by backing up cloud data regularly. Pricing is often per user and ranges from $3 to $10 monthly.
Example: For 50 users, SaaS backup could add $1,800 to $6,000 annually.
6. Cloud Detection and Response
As businesses move to cloud environments, monitoring cloud workloads and services becomes crucial. Cloud Detection and Response (CDR) tools detect suspicious activity and threats in cloud infrastructure.
CDR services typically cost $20 to $50 per user annually, depending on the cloud complexity.
7. Anti-Phishing Solutions
Phishing attacks remain one of the most common ways attackers breach SMBs. Anti-phishing tools include email filtering, link scanning, and user training to recognize suspicious emails.
Anti-phishing solutions cost around $5 to $15 per user monthly.
8. Training Services
Human error is a major factor in security breaches. Regular training helps employees recognize threats and follow best practices.
Training services can be delivered online or in person and usually cost $20 to $50 per user annually.
9. Labor Costs per IT Person
Labor is often the largest expense in internal IT. Salaries for IT staff vary by region and expertise but typically range from $60,000 to $100,000 annually per full-time employee.
For SMBs, this cost includes not only salaries but also benefits, training, and overhead. A single IT person can support 20 to 50 users, depending on the complexity of the environment.
Assigning an employee to both IT and other roles diminishes their ability to perform either task optimally, leading to a decline in the effectiveness of both job functions.
Example: Supporting 50 users might require 1 to 2 IT staff, costing $120,000 to $200,000 annually.
Comparing the Costs
| Service | Estimated Annual Cost for 50 Users | Monthly / User
|--------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------|---------------------------|
| Anti-Virus + EDR | $7,500 | $2.50 |
| 24x7 Monitoring + SOC | $18,000 to $42,000 | $30 to $70 |
| Patch Management | $6,000 to $15,000 | $10 to $25 |
| Vulnerability Scanning | $1,000 to $5,000 | $1.67 to $8.33 |
| SaaS Backup | $1,800 to $6,000 | $3 to $10 |
| Cloud Detection and Response | $1,000 to $2,500 | $1.67 to $4.17 |
| Anti-Phishing Solutions | $3,000 to $9,000 | $5 to $15 |
| End User Training Services | $1,000 to $2,500 | $1.67 to $4.17 |
| Labor Costs (1-2 IT staff) | $120,000 to $200,000 | $200 to $333.33 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $159,300 to $289,500 |$265.50 to $482.50 |
This breakdown shows how quickly costs add up when managing internal IT services independently. Many SMBs face challenges balancing these expenses while maintaining strong security and operational efficiency.
How Streamline Networks' Total Security Covers It All
Streamline Networks offers a Total Security package that bundles all these essential services into one simple plan starting at $155 per user. This includes:
Anti-virus and EDR protection
24x7 monitoring and SOC services
Patch management for operating systems and third-party applications
Regular vulnerability scanning
SaaS backup for cloud applications
Cloud Detection and Response
Anti-phishing tools and training
Access to skilled IT professionals without the overhead of full-time staff
and so much more.
For a company with 50 users, this means a predictable annual cost of about $93,000, significantly lower than managing all services separately. It also reduces complexity by providing a single vendor responsible for comprehensive IT security and support.
Choosing the right IT security and management approach is critical for SMBs to protect their data, maintain compliance, and support business growth. Understanding the full cost of internal IT services helps business owners make informed decisions. Streamline Networks' Total Security offers a clear, cost-effective solution that covers all essential areas, allowing SMBs to focus on their core operations with confidence.
If you want to simplify your IT security and reduce costs, consider exploring Streamline Networks' Total Security package today. It could be the all-in-one solution your business needs.
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