How often has your company had to call a third-party vendor to fix or update something on their system? Chances are good that you’ve experienced this at some point in time. The problem is that it takes a long time to get someone onsite, they don’t always come prepared with the tools needed to complete the job, and when they leave, they take whatever was left behind with them. This is especially true for smaller companies that cannot afford to hire full-time staff to manage IT issues.
IT services are often seen as the backbone of a company, providing critical infrastructure that enables employees to get their jobs done efficiently. But the break-fix model has its limitations. This article explains why managed services should play a more significant role in companies’ IT operations.
Table of Contents
What Are Break-Fix Services?
The term “break-fix” describes a service provided by an IT company to fix or upgrade the hardware and software of computers, servers, networks, etc. The services are usually performed onsite at your business premises. Break/Fix is exactly how it sounds; a company waits for something to break, then calls to get it fixed. It’s a reactive model where the customer calls the provider and says, “I need help with X,” and the provider comes out and attempts to fix it.
Why Do Companies Use Break-Fix Models?
There are many reasons why businesses use the break-fix model:
1. They can’t afford to pay for ongoing maintenance contracts.
2. They don’t have enough resources to maintain their systems.
3. They don’t know the difference between a managed service provider (MSP) and a traditional outsourced IT provider.
4. They don’t know which vendors offer the best value for money.
5. They don’t know how to find qualified technicians.
6. They don’t have the skills to perform routine maintenance themselves.
7. They don’t understand the benefits of outsourcing.
8. They think they’ll save money if they do it themselves.
9. They don’t trust vendors to provide quality products and services.
10. They don’t know what to look for in a service provider.
What Are the Advantages of the Break-Fix Model?
The main benefit would be that a company is not tied to a contract. They can use the services whenever they want without worrying about paying monthly fees on an as-needed basis. With no monthly costs, break-fix services also allow businesses to scale back on staffing levels. When a company needs help, it can turn to a provider and ask for assistance. No minimum number of hours is required to be billed, so the company can request as much or as little help as needed.
Another benefit would be that they have options on who they can call when something does break. For example, they could contact a local computer repair shop instead of calling a managed services provider.
The break-fix IT service model is great because it provides a cost-effective option for handling minor IT issues, and they may even have a lower hourly rate than an MSP.
What Are the Disadvantages of the Break-Fix Model?
If you’re looking for a way to save money on your technology, then break-fix IT services may be right up your alley. But what are the disadvantages of this type of service? Let’s take a look at some of the most common ones.
1) You might not know who’s showing up to fix your equipment.
This is one of the most significant drawbacks of using break-fix IT services. When dealing with an MSP, you can rest assured that they’ll send someone who knows what they’re doing. However, when working with break-fix services, you never really know who will show up to work on your systems.
2) Break-Fix is a reactive approach to IT.
When dealing with break-fix IT services, you rely on them to come to your rescue when something goes wrong. While this is great for minor issues, it becomes problematic when more significant problems arise. For example, if a server crashes every day, you probably don’t want to wait until it crashes again before getting it repaired. Instead, you’d like to find a solution sooner rather than later. This is where proactive solutions such as managed IT services become invaluable.
3) You may not have enough time to deal with all of your IT issues.
When dealing with break-fix IT services, you have to ensure that everything is taken care of promptly. Otherwise, you risk losing data or, even worse, causing further damage to your system. This is why it’s essential to have a plan in place for how you will handle these situations. It’s also important to remember that while you might think you have plenty of time to address these problems, you might not. So, it would help if you always tried to get ahead of potential issues before they occurred.
4) You might not have control over your network.
When dealing with a traditional break/fix IT service provider, you will rely on them to provide everything from your network connection to your backup system. While this might seem like a great idea, you don’t always have complete control over these aspects of your network.
5) You might not have access to new technologies.
MSPs often stay current with the latest in technology. This allows them to help companies make better decisions regarding their IT infrastructure. On the other hand, break-fix providers tend to stick with older technology because it’s easier to manage.
6) You might not have the same level of customer service as an MSP.
While MSPs are usually staffed by professionals who are trained to handle any problem that comes their way, break-fix providers aren’t necessarily equipped to deal with every situation.
7) The level of security will not be the same as with an MSP.
An MSP provides many different levels of security depending on the needs of each client. Some clients need basic protection, while others require more advanced measures. A break-fix provider doesn’t offer anything beyond standard firewall settings.
8) You probably won’t have a dedicated team of experts.
An MSP has a staff of professionals who specialize in various areas of IT. These individuals are there to help whenever you need them. A break/fix IT provider might only have one or two people available to assist you at any time.
10) Less contact with your IT provider.
With an MSP, you’ll have regular meetings with your team members. As long as you’re happy with their performance, you can continue to use their services. If something isn’t right, you can speak directly with them about your concerns. With a break/fixed provider, you may never even hear back from them if they encounter an issue.
11) You might not have easy access to new software.
Software updates are essential when it comes to keeping your network running smoothly. An MSP will update your system regularly, so you don’t have to worry about doing this yourself. However, a break-fix provider might not always keep up with these changes.
12) You might not have access to the best equipment.
MSPs typically work with the most cutting-edge technology. They know what works and what doesn’t. When you sign up with a break-fix provider, you could end up using outdated hardware.
13) If something goes wrong, your IT budget could spiral out of control.
When using a break-fix provider, you’re responsible for paying for all of your IT expenses. In addition, you’ll be expected to pay for any additional work they perform. This means that if something goes wrong, there could be a lot of unpredictable costs, and you could spend a lot of money fixing things.
14) Your IT provider might not have the resources to do what you want.
Break-fix support is likely to have fewer employees than an MSP. They might also lack the necessary equipment and tools needed to get the job done.
What Are the Advantages of Managed IT Services?
You all know what an MSP is and that managed IT services are a great way to keep your business up and running. However, before you decide to go this route, it’s important to understand what the managed IT services business model entails and how they benefit your company.
1) Save Money: One of the biggest benefits of managed IT services is that they allow you to cut costs. By outsourcing your IT needs, you can free up valuable time and energy that would otherwise be spent managing your network.
2) Predictable Costs: Another advantage of managed IT services is that they come with flat rate monthly fees. You’ll have lower infrastructure costs because good MSPs won’t nickel and dime you on every little thing.
3) Access To Expertise: Many companies choose to hire a professional because they want to ensure that their network runs efficiently. A managed service provider (MSP) can offer expert advice and guidance throughout the process.
4) Proactive Monitoring and Approach: MSPs take a proactive approach to protecting your network. They monitor your systems regularly to make sure that everything is working correctly.
5) Security: MSPs protect your network against hackers and other threats. They use advanced cloud security measures to prevent unauthorized users from accessing sensitive information. Business continuity plans are also in place to ensure your data remains safe even during a disaster or other major issues.
6) Reliability: MSPs are reliable because they constantly monitor your network. If something goes wrong, they’ll quickly address the issue so that you can continue normal business operations.
7) Scalability: MSPs are scalable because they can add more servers as needed. Your network can grow with your business without investing additional funds.
8) Support: MSPs provide support whenever you need it. They can assist you with anything from basic troubleshooting to complex issues.
9) Flexibility: MSPs give you flexibility because they can adapt to changes in your business. For example, if you start selling new products, your MSP will be able to adjust accordingly.
10) Backup & Recovery: MSPs back up all of your data so that you don’t lose any information in case of a disaster. They also recover lost files and folders if something does happen.
11) Higher Level of Service: MSPs deliver higher service levels than break-fix solutions. They can handle any problem on your network, including hardware failures and software errors.
12) More Options: With break-fix solutions, you may only have one option for each component. MSPs, however, can customize their offerings based on your specific needs.
13) Better Customer Experience: You’ll enjoy a better customer experience when you work with an MSP. This means that you’ll receive faster responses to any questions or concerns that you might have.
14) Reduce Risk: Finally, managed IT services reduce risk. These companies take care of everything related to your network, including security patches, backups, and maintenance. This allows you to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor without worrying about whether or not your network is safe.
What Are the Disadvantages of Managed IT Services?
Managed IT services are a great way to save money on your technology needs. However, there are some disadvantages that you should be aware of before choosing this type of service.
Service-Level Agreements: The first disadvantage is that you’ll likely have to sign a service contract. While these contracts usually last one year, you may find yourself locked into a long-term agreement if you don’t like the terms offered.
Upfront Costs: Another drawback is that you’ll have to pay an upfront fee to set up your network. Depending on the size of your organization, this could become quite costly.
Repair Time: If the MSP you choose is small and something goes wrong, your problem may not be solved immediately, but it will be promptly. MSPs know the costs of downtime and will do everything they can to get you up and running again.
Break-Fix or Managed IT? The Choice Is Yours
As the technological landscape changes, so should your business. You need to ask yourself: “Do I want to be part of that change, or do I want to be left behind?”
If you’re looking to barely get by, then the break-fix support model might be an OK choice for you. On the flip side, if you’re looking for a solution that will help you stay ahead of the curve, with remote monitoring, quick response times, and proactive maintenance that will aid in business growth, then managed IT services are the perfect choice for you.
Please send us a message if you’d like to learn more about the best Managed IT services in the Valley.
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