Short answer
To choose a managed service provider (MSP), compare support scope, service hours, response commitments, security measures and contract exit terms. Ask what the plan includes and what will be billed separately. Courtier TI suggests a provider that matches your project; you decide whether to accept its quote.
Define the managed IT services
Prepare the requirements document
What is an MSP (managed IT)?
“MSP” and “managed IT” describe the same model: an outside firm manages your IT continuously and proactively under a service agreement. Unlike an hourly technician, who steps in when a problem occurs, an MSP monitors your systems between incidents.
A managed service provider usually covers:
- user support (help desk);
- monitoring of servers, network and workstations;
- backups and restore tests;
- baseline security: updates, antivirus, multi-factor authentication;
- Microsoft 365: accounts, licences, email and Teams;
- workstation management.
The managed IT vs hourly technician guide compares the models (MSP, hourly technician, in-house IT, hybrid).
When should you use an MSP?
- No one in-house is responsible for IT, or one person carries the full load.
- The same outages keep coming back and nothing is monitored between calls.
- You are not sure your backups can be restored.
- The business is growing: new workstations, remote work, Microsoft 365.
- An insurer or client asks you to document your security measures, or you must demonstrate reasonable security measures (Law 25).
- Your current provider no longer meets your expectations (see Switching IT providers).
How to choose an MSP: criteria
To compare IT providers and choose an MSP for your SMB:
- Services covered: help desk, monitoring, backup, security.
- Support hours and written service commitments: what is included, response times by severity.
- Local presence: remote support only, or on-site visits in your region.
- Expertise with your tools: Microsoft 365, cloud.
- Security and Law 25: measures included, who does what during an incident, and a written agreement, since the provider can access your personal information.
- Data hosting: in Quebec or elsewhere; outside Quebec, an assessment of privacy-related factors is required.
- Billing model: per-device or per-user flat fee, what is out of scope.
- Contract exit and ownership of access: getting back access, passwords and documentation.
- References from comparable clients: ask the provider for them.
Fuller list: choosing a managed IT provider guide.
MSP or MSSP: when should you add managed security?
An MSSP specializes in alert monitoring, detection and incident response. Consider it if you handle sensitive information, if an insurer requires it or if no one monitors alerts continuously. See managed security.
Find an MSP by region
MSP in Montreal
SMBs on the island and nearby often have multiple offices and remote work: ask whether the provider can visit on site in Montreal and get the timelines in writing. Montreal
MSP in Quebec City
For the Capitale-Nationale and the South Shore (Lévis), check for a team in the region rather than remote support only. Quebec City · Lévis
MSP in Laval
Laval businesses can compare providers in Laval and Montreal; specify in the agreement whether travel is included. Laval
MSP in Gatineau
In Outaouais, some businesses operate on both sides of the river: ask whether the provider serves Quebec and Ontario, and where your data is hosted. Gatineau
How Courtier TI helps
Courtier TI is a broker, not an MSP: it does not manage your IT itself.
- One form, no commitment.
- Your request is reviewed by a member of the team.
- A suggested provider based on your needs: size, region, tools.
- Courtier TI does not charge you; its commission is paid by the selected provider.
- You remain free to decide after the quote.
How it works
- You describe your needs: number of employees, systems, region, support expectations.
- Courtier TI reviews your request and replies in less than 48 business hours.
- With your agreement, we forward your request to the suggested provider, who contacts you.
- The provider presents its quote, and you decide.
Frequently asked questions
What is an MSP?
A managed service provider (MSP) takes on, under contract, part or all of a business’s IT management: support, monitoring, updates and backups.
How do you choose an MSP in Quebec?
Compare included services, written service commitments, local presence, security practices and contract exit terms.
What is the difference between an MSP and an MSSP?
An MSP handles day-to-day IT; an MSSP specializes in managed security (threat monitoring, incident response).
How do I switch MSPs?
Recover administrator access and documentation, plan a transition period and check the termination clauses in your current contract.
Is an MSP responsible for my Law 25 compliance?
No. Your business remains responsible for the personal information it holds. The MSP must protect it under a written agreement. This answer is for information only and is not legal advice.
Is Courtier TI an MSP?
No. Courtier TI is a broker: it suggests a provider based on your needs. Courtier TI does not charge you; its commission is paid by the selected provider. Courtier TI suggests providers with which it has a commission agreement.