break fix support vs. managed it services
The health of your business’s IT infrastructure is paramount to your success as a company. There can never be a moment where your systems go down, otherwise you cannot deliver results to your customers.
When it comes to technical support for IT networks, two solutions can be used to strengthen your business’s IT infrastructure—break/fix and managed services. However, before you choose to implement either, you must understand what they are and what they can do for you.
What is break/fix?
Break/fix is a form of tech support that involves a business hiring an on-site technician (sourced from a vendor) to identify and solve issues plaguing the company’s IT infrastructure.
This consists of services including fixing a broken computer, installing new technology solutions, or resolving network problems. Break/fix services are charged on a per-project basis and typically consist of an hourly rate and any additional expenses for parts.
An easy way to think of a break/fix service is by comparing it to a plumber. You only hire a plumber when you know something is wrong with your pipes. They will come to your residence, diagnose the problem, and work to solve it.
They will then charge you for their service. Break/fix support follows the same formula. Rather than monitoring and managing your organization’s IT systems themselves, a break/fix service provider will wait for you to come to them.
The problem with break/fix solutions
Downtime can cost companies close to $4500 per minute. Your business cannot afford to stumble over roadblocks. While a break/fix technician may patch your IT infrastructure with surface solutions, they will not be able to prevent them from occurring.
Other issues come with the break/fix model. These are:
- Revenue-stalling downtime: You and your employees will have to wait for a technician to arrive and fix your issues, forcing you to pause your business’s day-to-day procedures.
- Unpredictable service times and costs: You do not know how long it will take for a technician to solve your problem or how much it will cost you. This can needlessly cost you resources.
- Lax cybersecurity: Robust IT infrastructure solutions can predict future threats and is prepared to mitigate any damage. The longer your systems remain vulnerable, the more likely your business will be attacked or the amount of data you lose increases.
Break/fix support may have worked in the past. However, with technology services advancing and the rapid growth of businesses, companies need to be more agile if they want to remain competitive.
What are managed services?
Managed services (or managed IT services) involve an IT company taking over the responsibility of technical maintenance. Whether you hire them to act as an off-site support team or you require them to bolster your business’s in-house IT department, a managed service provider (MSP) takes the time to study your company and its systems.
They use this knowledge as the basis of their service level agreement (SLA)—they work to ensure that your systems are suitable for everyday use and that the processes used to maintain them are followed.
Managed IT services is an ongoing partnership. Unlike break/fix support, MSPs charge businesses a monthly fee, giving them ongoing access to services that their business needs.
From monitoring hybrid cloud environments, to implementing data storage solutions and system upgrades, MSPs apply a specialized set of expertise to an organization’s IT infrastructure to prepare them for the market’s demands.
Benefits of using managed services
Consistent support is necessary for your success regardless of the type of business you run. IT infrastructures are often complex; understandably, you and your staff do not have time to look after them.
Even if you are a small business owner and are well versed in IT, technology changes quickly, and it can be challenging to keep up with trends while their other responsibilities require your attention.
Enlisting the services of an MSP has its benefits. These include:
- Reliable support: MSPs prioritize your business’s IT needs. Whether you need desktop support or advice on cloud services, MSPs study your business to ensure that every action they take matches your wants and needs.
- Robust cybersecurity: From data protection to disaster recovery, the security services offered by MSPs are based on in-depth industry knowledge and experience.
- Cost-effective: MSPs offer customizable solutions that can be easily worked into your company’s budget. While some may offer a flat rate for general support, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are only paying for relevant software and infrastructure services. At the same time, having a team of professionals on hand to maintain your IT infrastructure can give your business the ability to predict threats before they occur, saving you money and time.
MSPs offer industry-tested expertise at affordable prices, providing you with the unparalleled support and security your organization needs to thrive.
Support your business with managed services
While break/fix solutions are still sought after, your company should not have to rely on band-aid fixes. Managed services are cost-efficient and reliable models that take the stress of IT maintenance off you and your team.
The managed service specialists at Singlepoint are seasoned veterans in providing IT support for small businesses and their larger counterparts across Michigan. If you are ready to revamp your IT infrastructure with exceptional support, speak to the team today.
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