We’ve all been there, the time when a computer or network problem arises, and you need to call an expert to help. Unfortunately, this can be a costly proposition. If you are not careful with your money, you may pay more than necessary for their technical support because they don’t know what they should be looking at. This is why it is crucial to understand how break-fix and managed services work so that you can make the best decision possible for your business.
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Break-Fix vs Managed Services – What Do They Mean?
Managed service providers offer various services, including remote monitoring, server management, email hosting, web design/development, and more. These companies provide these services as part of a package deal in which they will monitor your systems 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When something goes wrong, they will take care of it immediately. All you have to do is pay them once a month and let them do their job. If anything else occurs during the month, submit a ticket, and they’ll assist you. The MSP will then send out a technician who will resolve the issue.
On the other hand, if you choose to go with a break-fix company, you will still need to contact them whenever there is an issue, but they won’t necessarily come right away. Instead, they will usually call you within 24 hours after receiving your request. Once they arrive, they will assess the situation and determine whether it needs to be fixed right away or wait until later.
If you want to save money and take a hands-off approach, you should consider a managed service provider. However, if you don’t care about consistency or who is coming in and out of your business, you should probably opt for a break-fix company instead.
Main Differences Between Break-Fix and Managed Service Providers
There are several differences between break-fix and managed service providers. First, larger companies typically offer managed services, whereas smaller businesses or one-person shows usually provide break-fix. Second, managed services often include additional features such as backup and disaster recovery, security, and anti-virus software. Third, managed services generally cost less than break-fix services. Finally, managed services are usually billed monthly, whereas break-fix is billed per incident.
When choosing between managed services and a break-fix IT provider, you should consider each one’s benefits and drawbacks. For example, if you occasionally plan to use your services, you might find that a managed service is overkill. On the other hand, if your business requires constant monitoring and maintenance, a managed service could be exactly what you need.
In addition to knowing what type of service you need, you also need to think about where you will purchase it. Many people prefer buying their services online because it saves them money. However, some people feel that purchasing online makes it harder to track down problems. Therefore, if you are concerned about getting good customer service, you should buy your services locally. You can always ask your local IT department for recommendations.
Managed Services Pros
- More Cost-Effective
- Predictable cost
- Many service level agreements to choose from
- Strategic goals to support your business goals
- 24/7 Support and Proactive Monitoring
- Expert Knowledge On How To Do Things Right
- Help You Avoid Technical Issues
- Get Rid Of Most Hassles
- Faster & More Efficient
- Proactive Approach
- The Monthly Cost Is Less Expensive
- Can Be Customized To Fit Your Needs
- Higher Level of Service
- Faster and more efficient
- Many Service Packages to Choose From
- AI-based endpoint security
- Patch management
- Provides Backup solutions
- Business continuity and preventative maintenance
- Ongoing solutions
- Ongoing relationship
- Low initial setup costs
- Proactive services
- Antimalware protection
Managed Services Cons
- Requires time commitment
- Needs Upfront Investment
- Service Levels May Vary
- Troubleshooting Time May Take longer
- You Can’t Change Vendors Easily
- Lack of control over the system
Break-Fix Model Pros
- Lower Initial Costs
- No Long Term Commitment
- On-Demand Services on an as-needed basis
- Third-party service providers
- Fairly quick response time
- As-needed approach
- Easy to Switch Providers
- Easier to Manage Servers
- Less Training Required
- Greater Flexibility
- Better Control Over System
- Ability to Make Changes Without Permission
- Control Over Security Settings
- Control Over Software Updates
Break-Fix IT Services Cons
- Reactive Approach
- Unpredictable monthly expenses
- No service contracts
- No preventative measures
- No regular monitoring
- Higher repair costs
- Hourly Rates
- Unpredictable Cost Increases
- Limited Options For Upgrade And Downgrade
- Limited Hardware Support
How Do I Choose The Right Type Of Server Management Services?
As mentioned above, there are two main types of server management services: break-fix and managed services. Both types of services offer similar benefits. Most experts agree that managed services are more expensive and extensive than break-fix services but provide better overall value. Therefore, if you have no experience managing servers, applying updates, monitoring networks, handling security issues, or other systems like phones, printers, and copiers, you should probably stick with a managed service provider because they will take care of everything for you.
However, if you already know how to manage servers, you should probably go with a break-fixed provider—the reason why is because break-fix services are much cheaper than managed services. As long as you do not have any significant issues, you should save money using a break-fixed service. Of course, this does not mean that you cannot get good quality service from a break-fixed provider; it just means that you may have to pay more for the convenience of having someone else handle all the work for you.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference and the size of your company. Some people prefer to deal directly with the vendor, while others prefer to delegate responsibility to an intermediary. Ultimately, it would be best to choose the option that works best for you.
Why the Break-Fix Model for IT Services Is Dying
Businesses want to stay competitive and don’t want to spend money on unnecessary expenses. Unfortunately, many companies still rely on outdated methods for managing their IT systems.
For example, some companies still use old operating systems like Windows 7 or even XP. They also continue to run legacy applications that haven’t been updated in years. These older technologies aren’t compatible with modern operating systems and software packages. As a result, they create compatibility issues that slow down your network performance and increase your costs. Fortunately, there are better ways to manage your IT infrastructure than traditional break-fix services. These include managed services and cloud computing.
Managed services allow you to choose the level of support you require based on your budget. You can choose to pay as little as $200 per month or opt for a premium package that includes everything from basic maintenance to advanced troubleshooting.
There is also Cloud computing and managed cloud services that allow you to access your data and programs from anywhere. Ask your MSP how you can store your data in the cloud and access it from multiple devices. In addition to saving you time and money, cloud computing offers several other benefits, including security, reliability, scalability, and flexibility. If you’re looking for an affordable way to keep your IT system running smoothly, managed services might be just what you need.
Break-Fix vs Managed Services Key Takeaways
When choosing between managed services and a break-fix approach, you should first decide whether you want to outsource your IT needs entirely or not.
If you decide to outsource, you will have to make sure that you find a reliable provider that provides high-quality services.
It would be best if you also evaluated how much you’ll be willing to pay for these services. For instance, some providers charge monthly fees while others offer services hourly.
Another important factor to consider when outsourcing your IT needs is the type of services offered by each company. Some providers only provide basic maintenance, while others offer more extensive services, such as installation, configuration, and optimization.
Also, ensure that the company has sufficient experience in providing managed services. If a company lacks experience in this area, you could pay higher prices for subpar services.
Break-Fix vs Managed Services Wrap Up
The right managed services plan can save you money and improve the quality of your IT infrastructure. However, you must carefully compare different service plans before making a final decision. Make sure that you understand the differences between managed services and break-fix models to determine which one best fits your requirements.
Once you’ve made your choice, you can contact your provider directly to get started. To learn more about managed services, send us a message today!
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