A tool that estimates the expenses associated with outsourcing IT functions to a third-party provider. This mechanism facilitates the calculation of potential costs related to managed services, encompassing elements such as infrastructure maintenance, cybersecurity, and ongoing support. For instance, a business might input its number of employees, server count, and required service levels to generate a projection of its monthly managed services expenditure.
Accurate expense projection is crucial for effective budgeting and resource allocation. This calculation capability enables organizations to understand the financial implications of partnering with a managed services provider (MSP) and compare different pricing models. Historically, businesses relied on manual calculations and vendor quotes, leading to potential inaccuracies. Automated estimation tools offer a streamlined, data-driven approach to understand expenses and potentially improve financial decision-making.