The terms “break-fix” and “managed services” are often used interchangeably, but there is a big difference between the two.
Break-fix refers to the traditional model of IT support, where a company only contacts their IT provider when something goes wrong. The provider then comes in and fixes the problem, with no proactive maintenance or monitoring.
Managed services, on the other hand, is a proactive approach to IT support. In this model, the IT provider proactively monitors and maintains your systems to prevent problems from happening in the first place. They also provide regular reports to show you how your systems are performing and make recommendations for improvements.
WHAT’S A MANAGED SERVICES PROVIDER?
A Managed Services Provider (MSP) is a type of IT service provider that proactively manages an organization’s IT infrastructure and end user systems, typically on a 24/7 basis.
MSPs usually bill their services on a monthly or annual basis, and they often use some sort of remote monitoring and management (RMM) software to deliver their services.
The term “managed services” initially became popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s, as a way for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to outsource their IT operations and focus on their core business.
Today, managed services is a rapidly growing industry that is expected to reach $296 billion by 2023.
There are many different types of managed services, but some of the most common include:
· IT support and help desk services
· Network monitoring and management
· Security services
· Cloud computing and storage
· Data backup and disaster recovery
· Application development and management
Managed services can be a great way for businesses to reduce their IT costs, improve their IT operations, and free up their internal resources to focus on more strategic initiatives.
WHAT’S A BREAK-FIX IT COMPANY?
A break-fix IT company is a type of business that provides IT support to customers on an as-needed basis. In other words, they only get paid when something breaks and needs to be fixed. This type of company typically works with small businesses who don’t have the budget for a full-time IT staff or department.
So, what’s the downside of working with a break-fix IT company? Well, first of all, you’re never really sure when they’ll be available to help you. If something breaks outside of normal business hours, you could be left stranded until they reopen. And second, since they only get paid when something goes wrong, they have a financial incentive to keep you in a state of perpetual IT crisis. In other words, they’re not really motivated to help you prevent problems from happening in the first place.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT IT SUPPORT MODEL FOR YOUR BUSINESS
The IT support model you choose for your business should be based on a number of factors, including the size of your business, the nature of your business, and your budget.
There are three basic IT support models: in-house, outsourced, and hybrid.
In-house IT support is best for businesses that are large enough to justify the cost of hiring and maintaining a full-time IT staff. It’s also a good choice for businesses with complex IT needs that require a high level of customization.
Outsourced IT support is a good option for small businesses that can’t afford to hire a full-time IT staff. It’s also a good choice for businesses with relatively simple IT needs.
Hybrid IT support is a mix of in-house and outsourced IT support. It’s a good option for businesses that have complex IT needs but can’t justify the cost of an in-house IT staff.
The level of support you need will depend on the size and complexity of your IT infrastructure, as well as the nature of your business. For example, a business that relies heavily on email and internet connectivity will need a higher level of support than a business that uses only a few basic applications.
Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you should be able to choose the IT support model that’s right for your business.