Managed Service Providers keep your network running, manage your devices, and handle IT support tickets. Ironback handles your business operations — calls, scheduling, estimating, follow-up, documentation, reporting, and inventory. MSPs manage technology. Ironback manages the operational work that happens on top of that technology.
Trade businesses that already have IT handled (either by an MSP or internal staff) and need to improve the business operations layer — how calls are handled, how estimates go out, how jobs are scheduled, and how follow-up happens.
Any business that needs IT infrastructure management — network security, device provisioning, backup and disaster recovery, compliance, helpdesk support. These are table-stakes requirements Ironback doesn't address.
Real Cost Comparison
Year-one total cost of ownership — including setup, ongoing fees, and hidden management costs.
Flat $8,000/month retainer, 3-month minimum, month-to-month after. Manages business operations, not IT infrastructure.
MSPs: $100–$250/user/month for managed IT services. A 30-person trade business: $3,000–$7,500/month. Typically includes network monitoring, device management, helpdesk, backups, and basic cybersecurity.
MSP: $36,000–$90,000/year for IT infrastructure management. Ironback: $49,500–$85,500/year for business operations automation. These are complementary services, not substitutes. The right question isn't which one — it's whether your bigger ROI comes from better IT infrastructure or better operational execution. For most trade businesses, operational improvements deliver 5–10x the revenue impact of IT improvements.
Common Questions
No. MSPs adding AI tools means they'll deploy a chatbot or help you set up Copilot. That's IT implementation. Ironback provides a dedicated AI operations partner who handles your business processes — answering calls, generating estimates, scheduling jobs, following up with customers. Your MSP manages the technology. Ironback manages the work that runs on it.
Most trade businesses need IT support (MSP) and operations support (Ironback) — they serve different functions. Your MSP keeps your computers, network, and software running. Ironback keeps your business operations running. Dropping either creates a gap. The question is which gap costs you more money.
Yes — Ironback's AI operations partner operates within your existing technology stack. We integrate with ServiceTitan, Housecall Pro, QuickBooks, and dozens of other tools your MSP has deployed. We coordinate with your MSP on any integration requirements. No conflicts, no duplicate systems.
Industries Where This Decision Matters Most
These specialty trades see the biggest impact from choosing the right AI operations approach.
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Ironback is a dedicated AI operations partner for service businesses doing $1M–$20M. Flat $8,000/month, 3-month minimum. We find where AI unlocks value, build it, and run it. Start with the free Operations Scorecard — it quantifies waste across 7 categories in under 5 minutes.
Or see full pricing · Explore AI for service businesses