When it comes to IT maintenance, both small and large businesses need it. And most of the time, these businesses either don’t have the resources or knowledge to tackle IT issues beyond Tier 1 themselves.
Break-fix support can be a good starting point for those businesses that are still in the process of establishing an IT framework. However, for businesses with complex IT systems, quick fixes only put off the next time something stops working.
That’s why a lot of companies turn to managed IT services as a long-term solution to ad hoc repairs. Continue reading to learn how both of these approaches work in-depth and which one would be more suitable for your business.
What Is Break-Fix Support?
Break-fix support is a reactive model where IT providers come in to fix something only after it’s become an issue. It’s great for businesses with little to no IT proficiency who want to tackle problems as they happen.
What Issues Can You Resolve with Break-Fix?
Now that we’ve explained the meaning of break-fix, let’s loo at some of the typical issues that a break-fix provider can solve for you:
- Hardware Failures: Troubleshooting malfunctioning computers and servers.
- Software Issues: Dealing with crashes, bugs, or compatibility problems.
- Network Outages: Fixing network problems to avoid downtime.
- Security Breaches: Catching and removing IT threats like malware infections or unauthorized access.
- Data Recovery: Restoring lost or corrupted files from backups or damaged drives; creating a data recovery plan for unexpected situations.
- OS Errors: Fixing blue screens, boot issues, OS problems, etc.
Where Break-Fix Services Fall Short
There are two main areas where break-fix services underdeliver:
Downtime
Break-fix services don’t offer ongoing IT support – it’s against their business model. If there are any system vulnerabilities, you won’t know it until they become a problem, and by then, the damage will be done. This can result in significant downtime and a loss of revenue.
Unpredictable Costs
Break-fix services are momentary fixes for ongoing problems. The problem may be resolved for a while before it resurfaces, and before you know it, you’ve spent twice as much time and money to fix something that could’ve been prevented in the first place.
What Are Managed IT Services?
Managed IT services provide ongoing support, ensuring that your IT infrastructure doesn’t suffer from unexpected breakdowns and cyber attacks. Unlike break-fix support, you get 24/7 assistance for Tier 1, 2, 3, and 4 issues, as well as a neat ticketing system for reporting problems.
Managed IT Services vs Break-Fix
We briefly touched on the definitions of managed IT services and break-fix support. Now, let’s dive deeper into their differences:
Services
The scope of services of managed IT is huge compared to break-fix support. Instead of momentary fixes, you get a completely managed IT sector, including an IT helpdesk to assist you at any time of day. This includes cybersecurity, backup disaster and recovery, virtual CIO consulting, etc.
Costs
Clients often choose break-fix support because it seems cheaper from the start. However, they tend not to see the bigger picture. Think about this for a second: An MSP (managed service provider) charges a flat monthly fee for upkeep. Break-fix providers charge per job done.
MSPs are financially motivated to keep your IT system running. The more efficient and automated your system is, the less work they have to do while still receiving the same payment. This makes them cheaper long-term than break-fix providers.
Here’s a quick overview of the main differences between managed IT and fix IT solutions:
| Feature | Break-Fix Support | Managed IT Services |
| Cost Predictability | Unpredictable | Fixed monthly fee |
| Proactive Maintenance | No | Yes |
| Downtime Prevention | Limited | High |
| Scalability | Limited | Flexible |
| Security Measures | Reactive | Proactive |
Is the Break-Fix Model Right for Your Business?
The break-fix approach works well for businesses with minimal IT needs or tight budgets who don’t invest in IT beyond the basics. However, it often results in higher long-term overheads and frequent disruptions for businesses that plan to expand in the future.
Here are some questions to consider:
- How dependent is your business on IT?
- Can your budget handle unpredictable costs?
- Do you have an internal IT team for maintenance?
If your business heavily relies on technology and can’t afford interruptions, transitioning to managed IT services will be of better value.
How to Transition From Break-Fix to Managed IT
Moving from a break-fix model to managed IT services can be difficult. It will require a shift in processes, such as implementing monitoring tools, automating workload, and having a whole new outsourcing team you’ll have to coordinate with.
Here are some steps you can follow to make this transition easier:
- Evaluate your IT needs: Understand why you want to make this transition. You may want to strengthen your security measures or automate a large portion of your work. This will help you determine what level of management you need.
- Research providers: Look for reputable managed service providers with experience in your industry. Compare their pricing plans with the services they offer to determine whether they’d be valuable to you.
- Calculate the cost benefits: Before starting the transition, determine your budget needs and calculate your yearly costs. This will help you better prepare for this major switch.
- Make a transition plan: Since this won’t be an overnight transition, you should mention it to your chosen provider to create an IT roadmap for onboarding and integrating managed services.
- Communicate the Benefits: Ensure that all stakeholders understand the advantages of managed IT, including cost savings and improved efficiency.
- Monitor the progress: Finally, regularly review the changes that are made until you’re completely sure they’re positively impacting your business. If needed, you can always add a service on top of your existing ones.
Conclusion
When deciding between break-fix support and managed IT services, the choice mainly comes down to your business’s size, industry, and need for technology. If you’re running a startup, your IT needs may not be as big just yet. However, if you’re a medium-sized business with a hundred staff on board, any issue that arises can mean a loss in time and profits.
Investing in a managed IT provider ensures that your business can operate smoothly, avoid costly downtime, and focus on growth without constantly worrying about IT disruptions. If you’d like to learn more about the benefits, contact us at Frontline, and we’ll help you understand the kind of support you need.