Your Business Network Survival Guide: What to Expect, What to Dodge, and Why Digerati Experts Keeps It Real
Your business network—wireless, gateways, switches, firewalls—is the lifeline keeping your team humming and your data safe. Setting it up right isn’t a job for a random tech or a quick trip to Staples. Enter the Managed Service Provider (MSP): a crew that designs, deploys, and manages your network so you don’t have to sweat it. But here’s the catch—not every MSP plays it straight. Some peddle overpriced gear with big promises, while others leave you locked in. At Digerati Experts, we cut through the noise with Uplevel Systems and optional SASE via Cytracom ControlOne, delivering security-first networks that work for you—not some vendor’s bottom line. Here’s what to expect, what to avoid, and why we’re the partner you can trust.
1. The Gear: Business-Grade Without the Hype
Other MSPs might push big-name brands like Cisco Meraki or Ruckus, with price tags to match:
- Their High-End: $10,000–$15,000 for a 50-user setup.
- Their Mid-Range: $7,000–$10,000.
We take a smarter path with Uplevel Systems, built for small-to-midsize businesses—think robust wireless, switches, and firewalls without the bloated costs. Add Cytracom ControlOne for SASE (Secure Access Service Edge), and you’ve got next-level security and connectivity, tailored to your reality.
What to Expect: Any MSP should ask about your needs—users, space, workload. We do that, then deliver gear that’s secure and scalable, not some flashy name you’re overpaying for because of slick sales pitches.
Trap to Avoid: Don’t grab a $100 router from Best Buy or Staples—it’s a toy, not a tool. Consumer stuff buckles under business traffic and has security gaps hackers love. We’ve seen “bargains” turn into breaches—stick with pro-grade solutions like ours.
2. The Ongoing Costs: Subscriptions Done Right
Some MSPs lock you into steep annual fees—Meraki’s $150–$1,000 per device is a prime culprit. With Uplevel Systems, we keep it lean—subscriptions cover management and updates without breaking the bank. Opt for Cytracom ControlOne, and you’re adding SASE security for a fraction of the “big brand” bloat.
What to Expect: Plan for recurring costs—ours might run $500–$2,000/year for a midsized setup, fueling security patches and performance tweaks. We’re upfront: those fees keep threats at bay.
Objection Overcome: “Why not buy once and skip subscriptions?” One-time purchases sound great until your network’s outdated and vulnerable. We’ve mopped up ransomware messes from “set it and forget it”—subscriptions with us mean protection, not profit grabs.
3. The MSP Edge: We’re Your Security Crew
An MSP isn’t just a vendor—they’re your network’s watchdog. Other providers might charge $2,000–$10,000/month for bloated bundles. We keep it real: $500–$2,500/month for small-to-midsize businesses, covering setup, monitoring, and fixes with Uplevel Systems.
What to Expect: You’re hiring expertise—24/7 vigilance and fast action. Security’s our obsession at Digerati Experts. We don’t just install; we shield, using tools like ControlOne’s SASE to lock down remote access and data.
Trap to Avoid: Skipping an MSP—or trusting your “tech-savvy” nephew—leads to chaos. DIY or cheap setups lack monitoring and scale. We’ve fixed networks where “good enough” meant no backups and a $50,000 hack recovery. Don’t gamble.
4. The Full Cost: Clarity, Not Sticker Shock
Other MSPs might hit you with Year One costs of $20,000–$30,000 for over-the-top solutions. With us? A 50-user Uplevel Systems setup plus services lands closer to $10,000–$15,000—secure, efficient, no fluff.
What to Expect: MSPs should show you the long game—three years of costs and growth plans. We do, and if you ever want out, you can buy the gear outright. We’ll even train your internal IT to take over—no lock-in, just options.
Objection Overcome: “It’s too much—I’ll go cheap.” Cheap works until your network crashes or leaks data. We’ve seen “savings” cost more in downtime than our full package. With Digerati, you’re investing in uptime and safety, not just hardware.
5. The Flexibility Factor: You’re Not Trapped
Big brands like Meraki brick your gear if you stop paying. We’re different—Uplevel Systems is yours to own if you exit our subscription, and we’ll hand off the reins smoothly.
What to Expect: MSPs should be clear about commitments. We are: stick with our management for simplicity, or buy out and run it yourself—we’ll train your team either way.
Trap to Avoid: Don’t fall for retail “freedom.” Consumer gear skips the oversight businesses need—think no centralized control, no security updates. That’s a liability, not a perk.
6. Performance: Built for Your World
Your network has to match your pace—whether it’s video calls, warehouse Wi-Fi, or client portals.
What to Expect: We survey your space, test every corner, and guarantee results (99.9% uptime). Uplevel Systems delivers, and ControlOne adds SASE for secure, seamless access anywhere.
Objection Overcome: “I’ll figure it out—it’s just Wi-Fi.” Guesswork fails when deadlines loom. We’ve rescued clients from patchy DIY networks—professional setup with us means it works, period.
7. Support: Your Lifeline, Our Promise
Gear’s only as good as the team behind it.
What to Expect: 24/7 monitoring, quick fixes, and plain talk—not tech babble. At Digerati Experts, we’re proactive, spotting issues before they bite, with security-first moves every step.
Trap to Avoid: Retail warranties or “Google it” won’t cut it when your network’s down. We’ve stepped in where big-box “support” flopped—business needs pros, not promises.
Why Digerati Experts? Security-First, No Bull
Other MSPs might dazzle you with Cisco this or Ruckus that, charging a fortune for overhyped gear you don’t need. We’ve seen clients stuck paying $30,000/year for solutions sold on flashy buzzwords—meanwhile, we deliver with Uplevel Systems and Cytracom ControlOne for less, with more focus on what matters: keeping you secure and running. Retail junk from Best Buy? A disaster waiting to happen. Going cheap? A shortcut to regret. We’ve cleaned up those messes—hacked systems, lost sales, frantic fixes.
With Digerati Experts, you get a network that’s tough as nails, costs that make sense, and flexibility no one else offers—buy out anytime, and we’ll train your IT crew. Objections? “Too pricey,” “I’ll DIY,” “Cheap’s fine”—we’ve heard them, and we’ve seen the fallout. Don’t risk it.
Ready for a network that works for you? Ask us for your three-year breakdown, grill us on security, or vent about your current setup. At Digerati Experts, we don’t sell tech—we secure your success. Reach out today—let’s make it happen.
