When choosing an IT strategy for your business, it’s crucial to select the one that fits best for your business model and one that scales with your growth. There are pros and cons to using either the break/fix or managed IT services model. Depending on your business needs, how often you rely on technology for your day-to-day operations, or how many of your employees require technology to do their jobs, one model will meet your needs better than the other.
If you’re currently using the break/fix IT model and contemplating whether or not you should switch to managed IT services or vice versa, we’ve got you covered with this comparison. Keep reading to learn more about the differences between them, pros and cons, and associated costs.
Break/Fix
In simple terms, break/fix is where you pay for an IT service only when something needs repair, isn’t working correctly, or you need to upgrade devices, hardware, or software. This IT model isn’t one that you pay for each month, but rather one where you employ the provider for repairs only when issues arise.
Managed IT Services
Managed IT is a full-scale service that helps manage all aspects of your technical requirements, such as workstation maintenance, software and device updates or upgrades, and data backup and security. It also monitors and manages potential risks to your business and eliminates them to cause minimal downtime.
Differences between Break/Fix and Managed IT
While break/fix is reactive, managed IT is proactive. Meaning that break/fix only handles the repairs after something is broken. It doesn’t prevent future problems of the same type from reoccurring. On the other hand, managed IT proactively monitors all things tech-related to your business and uses preventative measures to avert foreseen issues from happening.
With break/fix, there is no monthly service agreement or fee, whereas with managed IT, there is a service agreement and fee. For break/fix, it’s difficult to determine your actual spending throughout the year because you’re crossing your fingers, hoping nothing breaks. Still, there is no real way for you to predict what will happen or what IT-related issues you might encounter throughout the year. For managed IT, you have a set monthly or annual service fee for your IT services. However, when choosing a service plan for your business, you want to ensure you are aware of the scope of the agreement, what is covered, any services not included, or additional costs you might incur if your contract is not comprehensive.
Break/fix also doesn’t provide IT help or monitoring regularly, while managed IT does. Monitoring your data, network, and security goes a long way in preventing data breaches and eliminating potential threats.
Pros of Break/Fix and Managed IT Services
| Break/Fix | Managed IT |
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Cons of Break/Fix and Managed IT Services
| Break/Fix | Managed IT |
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Which IT Model Is Right for Your Business?
Though break/fix IT might seem like it’s the right fit for your business, this type of IT model isn’t sustainable in the long run if your company relies heavily on technology to operate on a daily basis. A lot of businesses are switching from this model because of this.
Managed IT services covers a wide range of services and options, so it’s essential to choose your managed services provider carefully and opt for one that allows you to customize your IT plan according to your business needs and growth.
If you’re looking for a new IT services provider or have questions about your IT, contact our team of IT professionals. We can help you determine the best IT solutions for your company, work with you to create a custom IT strategy, and help you manage your day-to-day IT needs.