Title Fight: Break/Fix vs. Managed IT Services
The ideal state of technology for most businesses is one that drives them to their business goals, propels them into the future and helps them compete in their market. For others, the reality is that technology is a constant hindrance, perpetually dragging down their productivity and collaboration. This, we feel, is the title fight between the managed IT services and break/fix models of IT.
What are these IT Models?
Break/fix has been around since the dawn of technology. Basically, it means that you buy a piece of hardware or software, and when it breaks, you call someone to come fix it. The model is simple and focused on tactical response. It’s the old-school fighter in the ring, ready to give as good as he gets.
Managed IT services is effectively outsourcing your IT department for a flat monthly rate to keep everything running smoothly. This gives you a set of core network services delivered by a team of experts that are not direct employees. This is the emerging pro on the circuit who has a top-notch entourage and smarts to match his ambition.
Did you know? 47% of companies haven’t started to embark on digital transformation. Microsoft
Why Break/Fix Always Loses
There are a couple of major problems with the break/fix method of IT. And they have a tendency to creep up on you.
It’s too reactive.
Break/fix is always reactive. You are consistently trying to fix problems as they are occurring. This can greatly increase your downtime, depending on the intensity of the problem, because you are not necessarily addressing the root cause or the big picture.
It’s too costly.
Calling out technicians can be a costly venture. Particularly when they aren’t the ones who set up your network. Likewise, if you’ve got older hardware, the lack of strategic thinking about your technology can mean that your cost of upkeep is increasing, while productivity is decreasing.
It’s too slow.
Break/fix technicians get paid more the longer they’re there. This means there’s no real urgency to speed up or resolve the issue for good. And lacking a total grasp of your system or your processes can extend the resolution timeline for the technician.
Related: 3 of the Worst IT-related Disasters Ever (And What You Can Learn From Them)
Why Managed IT Services Always Wins
Businesses are increasingly choosing to outsource their IT to managed services providers because the long-term benefits greatly improve performance and results.
It’s proactive.
When you outsource your IT, you put the burden of performance on your provider. This shifts the momentum for companies who have dealt with a lot of technical issues in the past. Proactive IT support often solves problems before they are noticed.
It’s predictable.
When you’re bootstrapping a company or your CEO is looking to cut CAPEX costs, managed services may be the way to go. With predictable monthly expenses over three to five years, you offload your IT costs to OPEX, giving you a significant tax advantage and balancing out spikes when your network needs extra attention.
It’s fast.
With a managed IT services team, quick resolution with IT support is the name of the game. The better your provider knows your company and your network, the better your system runs. The better your system runs, the more effectively you and your provider can operate as a team. The burden of proof is outsourced.
Is managed IT services right for your business? Call GB Tech to find out.
