How We're Different
Why Polus?
We fit between doing it yourself and hiring a traditional MSP. You get expert implementation without the overhead.
| DIY | Polus | Traditional MSP | |
|---|---|---|---|
Starting Cost Upfront investment to get started | Free (your time) | $500–$15k Fixed-scope projects with clear deliverables and timeline. | $1,500–$5k/mo |
Expertise Level Depth of knowledge and experience | Learning as you go | Deep specialist Microsoft 365 expert, security-focused, operations optimization specialist. | Generalist team |
Time to Results How fast you'll see value | Weeks to months | 1–6 weeks Most projects complete within this timeframe. | Ongoing/variable |
Documentation Knowledge transfer and runbooks | If you remember | ✓ Included SOPs, runbooks, diagrams, and decision logs included in every project. | Sometimes |
Ongoing Commitment What happens after initial setup | Your time forever | None required 30-day handoff support included. | 12–36 month contracts |
Support Model How you get help when stuck | Google + trial/error | 30-day handoff support Direct access during handoff period, then optional Advisory retainer for ongoing questions. | 24/7 helpdesk |
Best For Ideal business size and situation | 1–5 employees | 10–100 employees Project-based work, one-time modernization, or specific problem-solving. | 50+ employees |
Starting Cost
Upfront investment to get started
DIY
Free (your time)
No direct costs, but significant time investment from you or your team
Polus
$500–$15k
Fixed-scope projects with clear deliverables and timeline. No ongoing contracts required.
Traditional MSP
$1,500–$5k/mo
Monthly recurring fee with 12-36 month contract commitments
Expertise Level
Depth of knowledge and experience
DIY
Learning as you go
You'll research solutions and learn through trial and error. Great for learning, risky for critical systems.
Polus
Deep specialist
Microsoft 365 expert, security-focused, operations optimization specialist. We've done this hundreds of times.
Traditional MSP
Generalist team
Broad coverage across many technologies and clients. Jack of all trades approach.
Time to Results
How fast you'll see value
DIY
Weeks to months
Learning curve, research time, and implementation all add up. Often interrupted by day-to-day work.
Polus
1–6 weeks
Most projects complete within this timeframe. We start immediately and focus on deliverables.
Traditional MSP
Ongoing/variable
Work gets queued behind other clients. Timeline depends on their capacity and priorities.
Documentation
Knowledge transfer and runbooks
DIY
If you remember
Documentation often skipped when you're busy. Becomes tribal knowledge that leaves when people do.
Polus
✓ Included
SOPs, runbooks, diagrams, and decision logs included in every project. You own the knowledge.
Traditional MSP
Sometimes
Documentation quality varies by provider. Often kept internally rather than handed to you.
Ongoing Commitment
What happens after initial setup
DIY
Your time forever
You're responsible for maintenance, updates, and troubleshooting indefinitely.
Polus
None required
30-day handoff support included. Optional IT Advisory available if you want ongoing guidance.
Traditional MSP
12–36 month contracts
Long-term contracts with early termination fees. You're locked in even if needs change.
Support Model
How you get help when stuck
DIY
Google + trial/error
Stack Overflow, Reddit, Microsoft docs. Hope you find the right answer before something breaks.
Polus
30-day handoff support
Direct access during handoff period, then optional Advisory retainer for ongoing questions.
Traditional MSP
24/7 helpdesk
Ticket system for all issues, covered by your monthly fee. Great for constant support needs.
Best For
Ideal business size and situation
DIY
1–5 employees
Very small teams where everyone wears multiple hats and budget is tight.
Polus
10–100 employees
Project-based work, one-time modernization, or specific problem-solving. You want control, not outsourcing.
Traditional MSP
50+ employees
Full IT outsourcing needs. Ongoing helpdesk, monitoring, and comprehensive support.
Our Sweet Spot
We're ideal for businesses that need expert implementation of specific IT projects—like modernizing identity management, establishing M365 governance, or documenting critical processes—without the overhead of a full MSP contract.
You keep control. We build the foundation. Your team runs with it.
Ready to make the switch?
Book a free discovery call and see if Polus is the right fit for your business.
Book a Free Discovery Call