Have Questions? We’ve Got Answers.
Welcome to the StumpTown MSP Frequently Asked Questions page — your quick reference for common questions about our services, support process, security practices, & more. Whether you're a new client or a long-time partner, this is the place to find straightforward answers to help you get the most from your IT support experience.
Have a question not covered here? Reach out to our support team to suggest a new topic!
What is a Managed Service Provider (MSP)?
A Managed Service Provider is an outsourced IT partner that handles your business’s technology infrastructure, support, security, & planning — so you can focus on running your company. We proactively manage your IT to prevent downtime, protect against cyber threats, & support your long-term growth.
What industries do you serve?
We support businesses across a range of industries including hospitality, professional services, manufacturing, construction, healthcare, real estate, non-profits, & more. Whether you have 5 or 250+ users, our solutions scale to fit your needs.
What’s the difference between Break-Fix & Managed Services?
Break-Fix means you call us when something breaks or when you need a one time project completed.
Managed Services means we monitor & maintain your systems proactively — preventing most issues before they impact your business. Managed clients enjoy better uptime, faster support, reduced hourly rates & predictable costs.
Do you offer remote & on-site support?
Yes. We provide remote troubleshooting & "Boots on the Ground" field support when needed. If it can't be fixed remotely, we’ll come to you.
What happens during onboarding?
Our onboarding includes an initial assessment, system documentation, remote tool installation, backup & security verification, & assigning a dedicated Account Manager. We make the transition smooth & non-disruptive.
Can you support both Windows & Mac environments?
Absolutely. Our team supports Windows, macOS, Linux, mobile devices, servers, & hybrid cloud environments.
How do I open a support ticket?
You can submit a ticket by:
• Visiting our 🛟 Support Portal
• Emailing us at 📬 support@stumptownmsp.com
• Calling our office at 📞 503-735-4774
How do you handle cybersecurity?
We implement layered security including firewalls, endpoint protection, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), patch management, & advanced threat detection. We also provide user Security Awareness Training (SAT) & phishing simulations.
Do you offer 24/7 monitoring & alerts?
Yes. We provide continuous monitoring of servers, networks, & security events. You'll be notified of any issues, & we take action before problems affect your business.
What’s included in your Monthly IT service plans?
Our plans typically include:
• Network monitoring.
• Backup management.
• Security updates.
• Vendor management.
• Strategic IT planning.
Each plan is tailored to your business goals, needs, & size.
Do you help with cloud services & Microsoft 365?
Yes. We manage cloud migrations, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, & hybrid environments. We can also help you move to the cloud securely & cost-effectively.
Do you work with third-party vendors?
Yes. We’ll liaise with your Internet provider, phone vendor, software vendors, & others so you don’t have to. We’re your one-stop tech partner!
What sets StumpTown MSP apart from other IT providers?
We are different. We believe our clients are our Partners & we proactively share admin information & documentation of key Network Topology & Management details. We believe clients should never feel like they are a hostage by withholding this valuable information.
We combine technical expertise with deep local roots. Our core team is trusted, experienced, & based right here in Portland. We don’t just fix problems — we build Partnerships with businesses we support.
💬Still Having Trouble? Submit a ticket or Let’s Connect! for Help:
🛟 Open a Support Ticket
📬 Email support@stumptownmsp.com
📞Call 503-735-4774
🕒Support Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM PT
🗓️Book your Free Network Security Assessment
A Managed Service Provider is a dedicated IT partner that takes responsibility for managing & supporting your business’s technology — so you can stay focused on growing your company. Rather than hiring an in-house IT team, businesses partner with an MSP to handle everything from daily tech support & network monitoring to cybersecurity, cloud services, & long-term IT strategy.
At StumpTown MSP, we proactively monitor & maintain your systems to prevent issues before they disrupt your business. We protect your data & infrastructure against evolving cyber threats, respond quickly to support requests, & help you plan ahead with scalable, cost-effective technology solutions. Whether you're a small business or scaling enterprise, we become an extension of your team — keeping your technology rooted, reliable, & ready for whatever’s next.
Reactive IT, or Break-Fix Support means that you call us after something breaks. We troubleshoot, restore, & fix the immediate issue. Not all clients need an ongoing support partner. Some client just need a Remote Hands / Boots-on-the-Ground support approach.
Proactive IT, or Managed Services Support means we monitor & maintain your systems proactively by using AI-powered monitoring, automated patching, vulnerability scanning, & regular maintenance to prevent problems before they occur. By choosing Managed Services, you minimize unplanned downtime, reduce emergency support costs, & keep your team focused on growth instead of firefighting.
Managed Services clients enjoy better uptime, faster support, & predictable costs.
We are different. We believe our clients are our Partners & we proactively share admin credentials information & documentation of key Network Topology & Management details. We believe clients should never feel like they area hostage by withholding this valuable information.
We combine technical expertise with deep local roots. Our team is trusted, experienced, & based right here in Portland. We don’t just fix problems — we build Partnerships with businesses we support.
Just click the Get Your Free Network Security Assessment button to get started. Fill out the Let's Connect! form or send an email telling us your company name, approximate network size, & any immediate concerns.
We’ll schedule a 30-minute call, run a non-invasive scan, & deliver a concise report with prioritized recommendations — all at no cost or obligation.
Yes. We provide continuous monitoring of servers, networks, & security events. You'll be notified of any issues, & whenever possible, we take action before problems affect your business.
Yes. We provide remote troubleshooting & On-Site "Boots-on-the-Ground" field support when needed. If it can't be fixed remotely, we’ll come to you. We also serve as Remote Hands Support for clients needing local tech for data rack support.
Absolutely, Our team supports Windows, macOS, Linux, mobile devices, servers, & hybrid cloud environments.
Yes. We manage cloud migrations, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, & hybrid environments. We can also help you move to the cloud securely & cost-effectively
Yes. We’ll liaise with your Internet provider, phone vendor, software vendors, & others so you don’t have to. We’re your one-stop tech partner!
We implement layered security including firewalls, endpoint protection, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), patch management, & advanced threat detection. We also provide user training & phishing simulations.
We support businesses across a range of industries including: hospitality, professional services, manufacturing, construction, healthcare, real estate, non-profits, & more. Whether you have 5 or 150 users, our solutions scale to fit your needs.
Yes, we specialize in helping businesses meet compliance requirements for HIPAA, PCI-DSS, & other industry regulations. From risk assessments to data protection policies & security controls, we provide the tools & guidance to keep your business compliant & audit-ready
Yes, remote access is fully secured through encrypted connections & multi-factor authentication. We use NinjaOne, a trusted Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) tool, which allows us to connect only when needed — with your full knowledge & control — to resolve issues quickly & safely.
Yes. StumpTown MSP offers after-hours & emergency support for critical issues that can’t wait until the next business day. If you're experiencing a system outage or urgent problem, our on-call technicians are ready to respond & resolve the issue promptly to minimize downtime.
Your Managed Services plan includes 24/7 monitoring, proactive maintenance, help desk support, cybersecurity protection, & regular system updates. We also provide strategic IT guidance & reporting to ensure your technology continues to align with your business goals.
Absolutely. Our service plans are flexible & can be adjusted as your business evolves. Whether you need additional support hours, enhanced security services, or new solutions added to your plan, we’ll work with you to scale your services to meet your needs.
We follow a structured, relationship-first approach:
Discovery & Planning: We kick off with a call to understand your infrastructure, objectives, & pain points.
Assessment: Our team maps your network, runs security scans, & drafts a roadmap aligned to your goals.
Deployment: We install monitoring agents, configure backups, & roll out security controls with minimal downtime.
Training & Handoff: We show your team how to request support (via Let’s Connect! → Get Support) and navigate our Knowledge Base.
Ongoing Management: 24/7 AI-driven monitoring, patch management, threat response, & quarterly reviews ensure your environment stays secure & optimized.
How does billing work for hourly support & projects?
We operate on a Time & Materials billing model for hourly support & one-time projects. This means you’re only billed for the actual time & resources used, with payment due at the time service is provided. For longer-term or ongoing projects, we send weekly invoices to keep billing clear, manageable, & up to date. This approach ensures transparency while allowing your business to scale services up or down as needed.
How are Managed Services & monthly plans billed?
Monthly services, including Managed Services plans, are billed in advance to reserve time and resources for the month ahead. Invoices are generated on the 15th of each month for the upcoming service period. This ensures uninterrupted service & gives you predictable monthly costs.
Clients enrolled in a Managed Services plan also benefit from a discounted hourly rate for any additional support beyond the included services — maximizing value & reducing unexpected IT expenses.