FAQs

Questions we hear most.

Short answers about how we work, what we support and how billing works. If yours is not here, call or email and ask.

Frequently asked questions

Working with us

Who do you work with?

Small and mid-sized offices in Sonoma County, including regulated ones: law firms, medical and veterinary offices, accounting firms, funeral homes, security companies, and contractors and trades. Remote clients are spread across 12 states.

Do you come on-site, or is it all remote?

Both. Most problems are fixed remotely in a single call, because managed computers are already set up for secure remote access. When something needs hands on hardware, we come to you anywhere in Sonoma County.

We already have an IT provider. Can we switch?

Yes. We start with an assessment of your computers, accounts and network, then take over the day-to-day work. We can work alongside your current provider during the handover, or without them if that relationship has ended.

What happens if we decide to leave?

Your documentation, passwords and admin access are yours. We hand them over so the next provider, or your own staff, can pick up where we left off.

Is the first conversation free?

Yes. Book a 30 minute call and we will talk through your setup and what we would change first. There is no obligation.

Plans and billing

How much does managed IT cost?

It depends on how many people and computers you have and which tier fits. Every quote is written, and shows the managed services fee and the products separately, with the combined monthly total. Call for a quote.

Monthly plan or hourly?

Either. Most clients choose a managed monthly plan for predictable costs and proactive care. Hourly support is available too.

How does billing work?

You get a detailed monthly invoice, and you can pay it online or set up automatic payments.

Security and compliance

How do you protect our business?

Every managed computer gets the same security stack: threat detection and response watched 24 hours a day, seven days a week, email filtering, identity monitoring, backup and multi-factor authentication. We also train staff to spot phishing.

Do you help with HIPAA and legal confidentiality?

Yes. We put the IT side of your obligations in place: policies, encryption, documentation, training and monitoring.

Microsoft 365, phones and equipment

Can you move us to Microsoft 365?

Yes. We handle email migrations, OneDrive, SharePoint and Teams setup, and licensing, then manage and back up the account from there.

Can we keep our phone number if we switch to Zoom Phone?

Yes. We move your existing number over, and offices that still fax get an analog adapter for the fax line.

How long does network equipment last?

Usually five to seven years. We plan replacements ahead of time so they land in the budget before anything fails.

Getting help

How do existing clients get support?

Open a ticket, call or email. If something is down or looks suspicious, call right away. Everything is on the client support page.

Do you build custom computers?

Yes. Workstations and gaming systems, built by hand and tested by one technician. See custom systems.

Still have a question?

Call (707) 387-9110 or email support@stedmancs.com, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.