Flexible, Prepaid IT Expertise – On Demand
Our IT Block Time Support service gives you direct access to senior engineers without the commitment of a long-term contract. You simply purchase a block of hours in advance at a discounted rate and draw down time as needed for reactive support, troubleshooting, maintenance, or small project work.
It’s ideal for growing businesses that need reliable IT expertise but don’t require full-time managed support.
What’s Included
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Remote IT support
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Server, network, and cloud troubleshooting
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Microsoft 365 and user support
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Cybersecurity guidance and remediation
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Small infrastructure projects
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Strategic IT advice when required
How It Works
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You purchase a predefined block of support hours (e.g., 30, 60, or 90 hours)
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Hours are logged in transparent increments
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You receive detailed reporting on time usage
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Unused hours remain available within the agreed validity period
Why Businesses Choose Block Time
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Lower hourly rate compared to ad-hoc support
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No long-term commitment
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Budget certainty with prepaid hours
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Access to experienced engineers when needed
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Ideal for internal IT teams needing overflow support
Block time gives you control, flexibility, and predictable costs - without paying for services you don’t use.
Block Time vs Managed Services Agreement (MSA)
A Managed Services Agreement (MSA) is a proactive, all-inclusive support model where IT infrastructure is continuously monitored, maintained, and supported for a fixed monthly fee.
Managed Services Agreement (MSA) | Block Time Support | Feature |
|---|---|---|
Fixed monthly fee | Prepaid hours at discounted rate | Pricing Model |
Long-term contract (typically 12–36 months) | Flexible, short-term | Commitment |
Proactive + reactive | Primarily reactive | Support Type |
24/7 monitoring included | Optional, additional service | Monitoring |
Continuous, automated | Optional, additional service | Maintenance & Patching |
Usually included | Optional, additional service | System Back-Up |
Fully predictable monthly cost | Predictable per block purchase | Budget Predictability |
Businesses wanting full IT outsourcing | SMEs, internal IT teams, project-based needs | Best For |
Guaranteed SLA response times | Best-effort or agreed SLA per block | Response Times |
Typically included as standard | Available on request | Strategic IT Planning |
Scales under agreed contract terms | Purchase additional blocks as needed | Scalability |
Pros and Cons – Side-by-Side Comparison
Pros
Block Time Support
MSA
Lower upfront commitment
No long-term contract
Cost-effective for occasional needs
Flexibility in usage
Ideal for project or overflow work
Proactive IT management
Reduced downtime through monitoring
Predictable monthly budgeting
Guaranteed response times
Strategic IT planning included
Stronger cybersecurity posture
Cons
No continuous monitoring
Reactive rather than proactive
Costs can fluctuate if usage increases
Not ideal for mission-critical environments
Long-term contractual commitment
Higher monthly cost compared to light usage block time
May include services not fully utilised
Which Option Is Right for You?
Choose Claverton Block Time if you need flexibility, occasional support, or project-based expertise.
Choose Claverton Managed Services if IT is business-critical and you want proactive management, predictable budgeting, and reduced risk.
