When unexpected downtime can cost your business $5,600 per minute, should you be letting issues linger? In this blog, we will dissect the intricacies of managed IT services vs. break-fix to empower you to make an informed decision tailored to your business needs.
| “The landscape of IT solutions is ever-changing, but the need for robust, reliable services has never been more critical,” ~Dan Munk, CEO of Fencecore |
The Basics of Managed IT Services
Managed IT services offer a proactive approach to IT support. Under this model, you pay a predictable monthly fee for ongoing maintenance, monitoring, and support.
Benefits for Businesses
- Cost Predictability: No unexpected bills.
- 24/7 Monitoring: Minimize downtime.
According to a study by CompTIA, 46% of managed IT service users have cut their annual IT costs by 25% or more.
Feeling Like Managed IT Services Might Be the Better Way to Go?That’s good—because they are! |
The Basics of Break-Fix Services
Break-fix is the traditional, reactive model of IT support. You call for help when something breaks, and you’re billed for the repair.
Benefits for Businesses
- Pay-as-you-go: Ideal for businesses with tight budgets.
- No Long-term Commitments: Flexibility to change providers.
| Become better informed about the world of managed IT services and all they have to offer businesses like yours: |
Managed IT Services vs. Break-Fix: A Comparative Analysis
Cost-Effectiveness
Managed IT services offer predictable costs, while break-fix can result in unexpected expenses.
Scalability
Managed IT services scale with your business, whereas break-fix is less adaptable.
Reliability
A Deloitte survey found that 57% of businesses using managed IT services reported improved reliability.
Response Time
Break-fix services can lead to longer downtimes waiting for repairs.
Quick Comparison
| Criteria | Managed IT Services | Break-Fix Services |
| Cost | Predictable | Variable |
| Support | 24/7 | On-demand |
| Scalability | High | Low |
Real-World Scenarios: When to Choose Managed IT Services
If you’re a growing business with increasing IT needs, managed IT services offer scalability and reliability.
Real-World Scenarios: When to Choose Break-Fix Services
For small businesses with minimal IT needs, break-fix can be a cost-effective solution.
Common Misconceptions About Managed IT Services vs. Break-Fix
Here’s a quick yet comprehensive breakdown of the myths surrounding managed IT services and the break-fix model that are perpetuated around the IT infosphere:
| Misconception | Managed IT Services | Break-Fix Services | The Reality |
| Cost | Too expensive for small businesses | Always cheaper | Flexible managed IT services can fit any business’s needs, and offer predictable costs. Break-fix may seem less expensive, but the hourly fees racks up quickly. |
| Commitment | Requires long-term contracts | No commitments needed | Many managed IT services offer flexible contracts. Break-fix has no commitment but also no proactive support. |
| Scalability | Only for large enterprises | Suitable for all sizes | Managed IT services can scale up or down according to business needs. Break-fix is less adaptable. |
| Reliability | Always reliable | Unreliable due to reactive nature | Managed IT services offer 24/7 monitoring but are not foolproof. Break-fix can be reliable for minor issues but not for ongoing support. |
| Complexity | Too complex to manage | Simpler and more straightforward | Managed IT services are designed to offload complexity from the business. Break-fix can become complex when problems compound. |
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Making a Decision
- What is your budget?
- Do you require 24/7 support?
- What are your long-term IT needs?
Make the Choice Between Managed IT Services vs. Break-Fix with Fencecore as Your IT Partner
After weighing the pros and cons, the choice between managed IT services and break-fix is clear. If your goal is ensuring a reliable, dependable IT environment on which to build your business, managed IT services are the way to go.
Reach out to us for a free consultation to discuss your needs and find out how we help businesses of all sizes boost productivity and reliability–while optimizing costs.