The Attitude IT Today

What’s Included in a Typical IT Services Contract? A Practical Guide for Ontario Businesses

Written by Brandon Jones | Jul 8, 2025 3:20:36 PM

For many growing businesses in Ontario, partnering with a Managed Service Provider (MSP) is a smart way to streamline IT operations, reduce downtime, and improve security—without the overhead of a full in-house team. But before signing on the dotted line, it’s crucial to understand what’s typically included in an MSP contract so you know exactly what you’re getting (and what you’re not).

Here’s a breakdown of the key components you can expect to see:

1. Scope of Services

  • Network monitoring and management
  • Data backup and recovery
  • Cloud infrastructure support (e.g. Microsoft 365, Azure)
  • Help desk / end-user support
  • Hardware and software procurement and setup
  • Cybersecurity protection (firewalls, antivirus, endpoint detection)
  • Optional vCIO services for IT strategy

2. Service Hours and Availability

  • Business hours support (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST)
  • Optional 24/7 coverage
  • On-site support if needed (may include travel fees)
    3. Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
  • Guaranteed response and resolution times
  • Uptime commitments
  • Escalation paths and accountability

4. Pricing and Billing

  • Monthly flat rate, tiered options, or hourly billing
  • Transparent scope vs. extra charges

5. Security & Compliance Clauses

  • Compliance with PIPEDA and Canadian privacy laws
  • Cybersecurity tools and monitoring
  • Incident response and risk mitigation

6. Exclusions and Limitations

  • Legacy software or unsupported third-party tools
  • Custom systems beyond scope
  • Hardware warranty/service not managed by MSP

7. Term, Termination & Renewal

  • Typical 12–36 month terms
  • Clear exit clauses and notice periods
  • Transition plans for smooth offboarding

Bonus: What Sets Us Apart

Not all MSPs are created equal—here’s how we go the extra mile for Ontario businesses:

  • Local Technicians = Faster Response
    Our team is based in Ontario, which means we can be onsite quickly when remote support won’t cut it.

  • Phones Answered Live
    No phone trees or bots—when you call, a real person picks up, ready to help.

  • Zero-Trust Security Approach
    We prioritize modern cybersecurity practices that assume no system is safe by default—this includes strict access controls, endpoint protection, and regular audits.

  • Proactive Email Protection
    From phishing filters to spam control and threat monitoring, we help keep your inboxes clean and secure.

  • Partnership Over Vendor
    We’re not just here to fix issues—we align with your goals, advise on growth opportunities, and act as an extension of your business.

An MSP contract isn’t just a formality—it’s the foundation of your IT strategy. Whether you’re a small business or scaling enterprise, choosing the right partner means peace of mind, efficiency, and future-ready support.

Looking to review your current setup or explore a more personalized plan? Let’s talk—we’d love to help. You can reach our team at 416-900-6047 to set up an office visit and meet our team. Come meet us at our next Cyber Brews Event in Port Hope on July 17th.  Email info@attitudeit.ca to reserve a spot.