Free guide · Instant download · 15-section checklist
The buyer's guide to choosing a managed IT provider for northern Illinois businesses: what belongs in a quote, the questions that separate providers, and a 15-section checklist you can score them against — so you can compare like for like before you take a meeting.
The factors that move a managed IT quote — network complexity, support level, security tier, backup and recovery — so you can tell why two quotes differ instead of guessing.
From assessing your needs to onboarding and reporting — the questions to put to every provider, so nothing important is left to the sales call.
A fill-in comparison sheet: quote every line to every provider, write their figures side by side, and land on a defensible IT budget.
The questions that expose an unfair quote — support quality, security depth, contract terms, and transparent pricing.
Most managed IT quotes now include your Microsoft 365 tenant — licensing, security baselines, backup, and increasingly Copilot readiness. How a provider handles your Microsoft environment is one of the clearest differences between two quotes that otherwise look alike, so put it to every provider you shortlist. Sundog is a Microsoft Certified Partner and manages Microsoft 365 environments end to end.
“Sundog has been our IT Service Provider for several years. We are fortunate to have such skilled technicians at our fingertips. They offer world class customer service in resolving technical issues in an extremely timely fashion. In addition, Sundog provides us product solutions to keep our non profit organization healthy, productive, efficient, and secure.”
Karen — Nonprofit, Economic DevelopmentGoogle review · 5 stars
Sundog has kept northern Illinois businesses running since 1989 — managed IT, cybersecurity, cloud, and Microsoft 365 from our main office in DeKalb, with offices in Rockford and Naperville. We publish these numbers because you should be able to judge any quote — including ours — before anyone asks you for a meeting.
What clients say about working with Sundog
“Using Sundog is close to having your own IT department. Their expertise is extremely good as they listen well and address the issue at hand.”
— Mike
“We just switched to Sundog and they have been great. Cohen and his staff are great to work with, love what they do, and not only respond quickly to any IT needs, they are very proactive in keeping us protected, as well.”
— Amy
“What a wonderful group of IT Professionals. I have been engaged with Sundog since 2012, and can't say enough good things about them. If you are looking for Managed Services support look no further!”
— Clay
“Awesome group of people to work with. Very professional. I highly recommend!”
— Christina
The full buyer's guide — what drives the cost, the 15-section evaluation checklist, and the budget worksheet — opens the moment you submit.
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