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Data#3 vs The IT Department: Which MSP is Better? | The MSP Playbook

Article 2026-06-11

Data#3 vs The IT Department

A detailed comparison of two major Australian Managed Service Providers.

Feature Data#3 The IT Department
Overall Score3.83.8
TypePublicly Listed GiantNon-Profit Specialist
Employees1500-200030-60
Founded19772005
HeadquartersBrisbane, QLDSydney, NSW
Revenue$884.8MPrivate
Salary Range$80,000 - $160,000$70,000 - $140,000
SpecialtiesMicrosoft Solutions, Cloud, Managed Services, Software LicensingNon-Profit IT, Managed Services, Cloud, Microsoft 365
CertificationsMicrosoft Partner, AWS Partner, Cisco Partner, VMware PartnerMicrosoft Partner, AWS Partner
Green FlagsASX-listed (ASX: DDD) — financial transparency
Strong Australian focus — no offshoring agenda
Good work-life balance
Profitable and growing
Good work-life balance
Technology focus
Red FlagsBelow-market salaries at senior levels
Government contract dependency
Limited international exposure
Acquisition-driven growth creates integration challenges
Very small scale
Limited career progression
Worker ProsASX-listed transparency — you know the numbers
Australian-focused — your job isn't being offshored
Profitable and growing — stability
Good work-life balance in most teams
Technology focus
Work-life balance
Worker ConsBelow-market salaries at senior levels
Government contract dependency creates cyclicality
Limited international exposure
Acquisition integration can be bumpy
Very small scale
Limited progression

Which MSP Should You Choose?

Both Publicly Listed Giant and Non-Profit Specialist have strengths and weaknesses. Your choice depends on your priorities — whether that's career growth, salary, work-life balance, or technical exposure.

Use the side-by-side comparison tool for a deeper look, or check out individual profiles for detailed employee reviews.