Direct answer
The cost of a managed building network depends on what we look after. That means how many buildings, devices and users are covered. Your support hours, on-site support, and contract length also matter. Emerging IT usually charges per device, per month. IT support is charged per user. Design, build and upgrade work is quoted per project.
Key takeaways
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A managed building network is usually charged per device, each month.
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People who need IT support, like building admins, are charged per user.
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Six things move the price: buildings, devices, users, support hours, on-site support, contract length.
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You get one responsible team and a price you can explain to your owner.
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Design, build and upgrade work is quoted per project, not monthly.
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We don't publish a price list because we scope every building individually.
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For one office, managed IT services is likely to be a better fit.
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To get a budget figure, tell us about your building. We scope it and send you a proposal with a price.
What a managed building network is
A managed building network is a building's shared network, looked after for you. The network itself is called an Integrated Communications Network. It carries your building systems on one network, with security designed in. Lighting, access control, cameras, heating and cooling and wi-fi can share it. The network keeps each system separate from the others.
Emerging IT has supported Australian businesses since 2001. We design, build, and maintain these networks for building owners and managing agents. We have managed our longest-running building network for over nine years. For a fuller explanation, read what an integrated communications network is.
What we look after, and what your tenants often like to run themselves
We look after the building network that your building systems rely on. This can include network connections for fire services, lifts, and phones. The owner usually owns the network equipment, such as core switches, servers, and wireless access points, that runs the building.
Tenants often use their own providers to service their businesses. Some tenant services still rely on the building network, such as lifts and building access.
Why a managed building network has no single price
You need a number to take to your owner, your board or your tender panel. The answer you usually hear is, "It depends." We know that is a hard answer to take into a budget meeting.
You are the one who has to justify the budget. A vague answer leaves you exposed. You should be able to see what you pay for. The whole building relies on this network.
The answer does vary, because each building's network is designed for that building. One building has a handful of switches and one internet link. Another has offices, a hotel and retail floors, with many more devices to look after.
Below are the things that move the price. You can see where your building sits. Once we understand your building, we can give you a price.
How a managed building network is charged
Managed services are usually charged per device, per month. A device is equipment we monitor, manage, and support . Examples are switches, firewalls, wireless access points and servers.
People who need IT support are charged per user. These include building admins and contractors who work in the building.
Some precincts have more than one owner or legal entity. In that case, we may invoice each one separately. One team still looks after the whole precinct.
Design, build and upgrade work is quoted per project. We scope a new building or major upgrade separately.
How many buildings or precincts are covered
Each building adds equipment to monitor and records to keep current. A single building takes less to look after than a precinct with several.
How many network devices are covered
Your monthly price is built from the devices in scope. That can include switches, core switches, firewalls, wireless access points, servers and battery backups. We find and map them, then monitor them. More devices mean more to monitor, update and back up.
How many users need support
Some buildings have admins and contractors who need IT support. Each person who needs support is charged per user.
The support hours required
The level of after-hours cover depends on your building and tender. Your service agreement records the cover you agree.
How much on-site support is required for the building
Some buildings need an on-site technician regularly, such as set days each week. Others need visits only when something needs attention. Your building and tender requirements decide which.
The length of your contract
The term of your agreement affects the price. We discuss it with you when we scope the work.
What your price covers
When nobody owns the network, a fault can pass between contractors. Each says it is not theirs. You may hear about it from a tenant first. With a managed building network, one team is responsible for the network.
Depending on the scope you agree, your service agreement can cover:
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Monitoring and alerts for in-scope network devices, raised with our support team.
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A current record of your equipment, with network diagrams kept up to date.
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Managed firmware and patches, with ageing equipment flagged for action.
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Backups and restores of supported devices
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Monthly reports against the service levels you agree.
Separating building systems from each other is part of good design too. The Australian Signals Directorate advises separating operational technology from other networks. Operational technology is equipment that controls physical systems, such as lifts and lighting. Source: Australian Cyber Security Centre, with international partners, Principles of operational technology cyber security, October 2024, principle 4.
What your price covers
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For a single office, managed IT services is likely to be a better fit. It is built around your people and their devices.
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If you only want a one-off design, we quote it as a project. You do not need an ongoing agreement.
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If a provider already looks after your building well, you may not need to change.
How to get a price for your building
Getting a proposal and price takes three steps.
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Talk to us. Tell us about your building, your systems and what's working or needs to change.
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Share your documents. Send your design, tender or network documents, and we review them.
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Get your proposal. We send a proposal and price for the work your building needs.
You get a clear price you can explain to your owner. You know who to call if something goes wrong. Your tenants can get on with their day.
Questions about managed building network costs
Do you publish prices for a managed building network?
No. Every building has different equipment, so we scope it first. Your proposal shows the price and what is covered. It also shows how often you pay and the contract term.
Can you take over a building network that is already running?
Yes. Your handover and upgrades are planned to reduce disruption. A review within 90 days checks agreed assets, risks and monitoring. You get priorities for what needs attention.
Is design and build included in the monthly price?
No. The monthly price covers the managed service. Design, build and upgrade work is quoted per project.
Talk to a specialist about your building
Talk to an Australian specialist about your building's network and servers. Leave your details and choose how and when we contact you. Once we understand your building, we send a proposal and price.
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Primary button: Get support now (the site-wide enquiry form)
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Quieter link: See how we look after building networks