As a Managed Technology Service Provider here in Albuquerque, New Mexico, we often get asked about the differences between managed services and break-fix for IT support. We can tell you, these two approaches are like night and day. On one hand, you have managed services – the proactive, reliable, "set it and forget it" approach. On the other hand, you have break-fix – the reactive, "fingers crossed and hope for the best" approach. But which one is right for your business? Let's take a closer look at the pros and cons of each.
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The benefits of managed technology services.
First up, managed services. This is where you pay a flat monthly fee to a managed service provider (MSP) like Kosh Solutions to handle all the nitty-gritty maintenance and management of your IT infrastructure. This includes things like patch management, backups, cybersecurity, monitoring for potential issues, and much more. The goal is to keep everything running smoothly and prevent problems from popping up in the first place.
Think of it as hiring a personal trainer for your tech – they keep everything in shape so you don't have to worry about it.
The biggest advantage of managed tech services is that they can help you avoid costly downtime and disruptions. Imagine your IT infrastructure is like a car – if you get regular oil changes and tune-ups, it's less likely to break down on the side of the road. Managed technology services work the same way – by proactively monitoring and maintaining your tech, MSPs can catch problems before they become major issues. This can save you a ton of time and money, not to mention the headache of dealing with IT issues. Plus, you'll have peace of mind knowing that someone is looking out for your tech 24/7.
Managed services can also help you stay up-to-date with the latest technology. MSPs are tech-savvy folks who are always on the lookout for new tools and technologies that can help their clients be more efficient and competitive. Think of them as your personal tech concierge – they'll help you find the best solutions for your business and even set them up for you.
Now for the downside – managed services can be more expensive than break-fix in the short term, as you have to pay a flat monthly fee for the MSP's services. But keep in mind that this cost is often offset by the savings you'll realize from avoiding downtime and disruptions. Plus, you'll have a dedicated team of tech experts working for you, which is pretty hard to put a price on.
Break-fix IT "support"
On the other hand, we have break-fix – the "pay as you go" approach to IT support. With break-fix, you only pay for IT support when something goes wrong. This means you don't have to pay a flat monthly fee, but you also don't have the benefit of proactive monitoring and maintenance.
The main advantage of break-fix is that it can be more cost-effective in the short term, as you only pay for IT support when you need it. But keep in mind that this can also be a disadvantage, as you may end up paying more in the long run due to the cost of emergency repairs and downtime. It's like going to the doctor only when you're sick – sure, you might save a little money upfront, but you'll probably end up paying more in the long run due to the cost of your illness and any complications that arise.
A disadvantage of break-fix is that it can be less reliable than managed services. Without proactive monitoring, you may not be aware of potential issues until they become major problems. This can result in costly downtime and disruptions, which can be frustrating for both your business and your customers.
Both managed services and break-fix have their own pros and cons, and the right approach for your business will depend on your specific needs and budget. Managed services offer a proactive and reliable approach to IT support but can be more expensive in the short term. Break-fix is more cost-effective in the short term but can be less reliable and may result in higher costs in the long run due to downtime and disruptions.
As tech experts in Albuquerque, we typically see small businesses with at least 5 to 10 users see benefits from a managed IT service provider. Companies with 10+ users will almost always see a better return on investment if they work with an MSP rather than break-fix.
Our advice is to look at your business carefully consider your options and weigh the pros and cons of both approaches before making a decision. And remember, when it comes to your tech, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Check out our IT Roadmap - a free resource to help you assess your technology!
Disclaimer
The information contained in this communication is intended for limited use for informational purposes only. It is not considered professional advice, and instead, is general information that may or may not apply to specific situations. Each case is unique and should be evaluated on its own by a professional qualified to provide advice specifically intended to protect your individual situation. Kosh is not liable for improper use of this information.