Why io4
An honest comparison. You decide.
Rather than pretend we're better at everything, we'd rather be clear about where we shine and where other models make sense. Here's how we compare.
Engagement models
io4 vs the other options.
| Criterion | io4 Technologies | Solo consultant | Big firm | Hardware integrator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engagement model | Prepaid hours or retainer + dedicated expert | Ad hoc, project by project | Per-project fixed fee | Hardware contract + service |
| Proactive follow-up | Automatic, weekly | On demand | Monthly / quarterly | Tickets only |
| Microsoft specialization | Solutions Partner | Variable | Multi-vendor | Multi-vendor + hardware |
| Responsiveness | < 30 min (business hours) | Variable | 24–48 h | Depends on the contract |
| Access to leadership | Decision-makers reachable directly | Yes | Via account manager | Rare |
| Geographic coverage | Québec / France / Canada / USA | Local | International | National |
You want a partner, not a vendor
Our io4 360 model is built for the long term. A bank of hours or an annual retainer, a dedicated expert, weekly follow-up. We know your environment and anticipate your needs, quarter after quarter.
You want Microsoft expertise, not diluted multi-vendor
Our experts do Microsoft only. Solutions Partner, continuous training. No compromise with other ecosystems.
You want rigor without the heaviness
A 6-step methodology proven across 500+ projects, without 12 layers of hierarchy. Fast decisions, tangible deliverables.
You want a local team, in Montreal or Lyon
Two offices: Montreal and Lyon. On-the-ground knowledge of the North American and European markets, French and English expertise on both sides of the Atlantic.
They trust us
More than 200 organizations across Québec, Canada,
the United States and France.
A selection of recent clients — from large Canadian industrial groups to Québec SMBs, and American and European clients.
500+
Projects delivered since 2018
200+
Organizations supported
7
Industries
Food processing
Forestry
Manufacturing
Manufacturing
Mining / Val-d'Or
Construction
Technology
Public transit
Municipal
Municipal
Municipal
Public sector
Public sector
Healthcare
Education
Education
And many more: 20+ school service centres, 10+ CEGEPs, CIUSSS, public bodies, nonprofits, professional firms.
See the case studiesWhen io4 is NOT the right choice
We'd rather tell you upfront.
- If you're looking for break & fix (repairing a broken workstation, a screen or a printer case by case) — we run a structured program, not one-off troubleshooting.
- If your primary stack isn't Microsoft (committed Google Workspace, pure AWS, Salesforce CRM…) — we specialize in Microsoft only, with no compromise on other ecosystems.
- If you need a team of 50+ on-site consultants for a multi-year transformation program — a big firm (Deloitte, Accenture, EY) will be a better fit.
- If you want the lowest price at any cost — we don't match providers that under-invest in training and quality.
30 minutes to frame what matters.
A direct conversation with one of our experts. No commitment, no sales pitch. You leave with a clear, reasoned perspective on your situation.
