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 matter too. Emerging IT usually charges per device, per month. People who need IT support are charged per user. Design, build and upgrade work is quoted per project.
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. Connections between systems are controlled.
Emerging IT has supported Australian businesses since 2001. We design, build and look after 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 is an integrated communications network.
We look after the shared network that your building systems rely on. Owners usually hold the network equipment, such as core switches, servers and wireless access points.
Tenants often use their own IT providers to support their businesses. Some tenant services still rely on the building network, such as lifts and building access. Your agreement should make clear where our responsibility ends and the tenant's provider takes over.
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, and what costs extra. 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.
Managed services are usually charged per device, per month. A device is a piece of equipment we monitor. Examples are switches, firewalls, wireless access points and servers.
People who need IT support are charged per user. These are people such as building admins and contractors who work in the building.
Your proposal sets out the fee, what it covers and how often you pay.
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. A new building or a major upgrade is scoped on its own.
Each building adds equipment to monitor and records to keep current. A single building takes less to look after than a precinct with several.
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.
Some buildings have admins and contractors who need IT support. Each person who needs support is charged per user. Your proposal should show who is covered and which support activities are included.
The level of after-hours cover depends on your building and tender. Your agreement should show the hours we monitor. It should also show when someone can respond, remotely or on site.
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 term of your agreement affects the price. We discuss it with you when we scope the work.
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:
Configuration backups save network device settings. Check separately how your building systems' data is backed up and who restores it.
Good design keeps building systems apart from other networks. The Australian Signals Directorate gives the same advice for operational technology. 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.
A lower monthly fee can cover less work. Before you compare prices, ask each provider:
Ask for these answers in the proposal. Then you can compare like with like and explain the total cost to your owner.
Getting a proposal and price takes three steps.
You get a clear price and scope you can explain to your owner. You know who to call if something goes wrong. Your tenants can get on with their day.
No. Every building has different equipment and support needs, 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.
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.
No. The monthly price covers the managed service. Design, build and upgrade work is quoted per project.
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.
See how we look after building networks