Frequently asked questions
Answers on fractional / virtual CTO services — whether you need one, how engagements work, what it costs, and how to get started with Simplitech.
Most small and mid-sized businesses don't. What they need is senior technology and security judgement at the right moments: strategy, big decisions, risk, and a second opinion. Security isn't an add-on — it's built into every decision we help you make. A fractional CTO gives you that on demand, without the cost of a senior full-time hire.
They're three names for the same idea. You get an experienced technology leader who works with you part-time — a few days a month, or more when it matters. Our work covers technology and security leadership together, so you're effectively getting a part-time CTO and CISO in one, scaled to what you need and paid for accordingly.
Every engagement starts with a conversation, not a contract. From there we shape it around where you are. We understand the business, assess the technology honestly, plan a prioritised roadmap, and support delivery. Some clients use us for a few hours when they need a second opinion. Others have an ongoing retainer, and some work with us as a deeply embedded, long-term partner. Depending on what's needed, we can bring in additional expertise from our wider team.
It depends on how you work with us. Audits are priced according to their scope and agreed before work begins. Ongoing support can be a retainer or billed by the hour. Because the model is fractional, it costs a fraction of a full-time CTO, and we agree the shape and cost up front so there are no surprises. The first 30-minute conversation is free.
We work with owner-led and leadership-run companies that know technology matters but don't have a CTO to turn to. Our clients range from AI startups to established clubs and a health insurer. What they have in common is that they want clear, honest guidance rather than jargon.
Both, and more. We're happy to set strategy and step back, or stay hands-on through implementation. When you'd rather we just ran things, our managed services can take them off your plate:
- Microsoft 365 management
- Security monitoring
- Azure deployments
- Backup
- Security hardening
- Managed SOC services, available on request
We also build software, so we can take you from strategy all the way to a working solution. You decide how involved we are.
Simplitech is based in Ireland and works mainly with Irish businesses, but we also work with clients in the UK. We work mainly remotely, which means location is rarely a barrier, and we're on site when it really matters.
Yes, and we often do. We're very happy to work alongside your existing providers and keep them running your services. Our role is to act as a second set of eyes and to help improve processes — whether that's across the board or one specific area — in collaboration with them.
Yes. We treat everything you share with us as strictly confidential, and we're happy to sign an NDA before any detailed conversations.
Book a free 30-minute chat. We'll go through where you are and where you'd like to get to, with no jargon and no obligation, and plan the next step together.