Managed IT Services vs. Break-Fix Models

Are you tired of dealing with repeated tech issues that require an expert’s help? If so, it may be time to upgrade your IT maintenance from a break-fix model to using a managed IT service provider (MSP). Before switching to an MSP, it’s important to understand what you’re getting into. At neKey, we support many expanding firms to transition from a traditional IT model.

We’ve done our homework and compiled a comprehensive list of the differences between managed IT services vs. break-fix models. We’ll also provide insights into the organizations that get the most value from working with an MSP like neKey. Here’s what you need to know:

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Understanding the Break-Fix Model

The break-fix model is a common IT support approach where a service provider is called upon to repair a client’s hardware or software when it fails or experiences an issue. This model is often reactive, as the client contacts the service provider only when there is a problem, and the provider charges a fee for the work performed.

While the break-fix model may seem straightforward, it has some disadvantages.

Break-Fix Pros

Cost-effective: Don’t have a large IT budget? This model can be the cost-effective choice for your business. Rather than paying for ongoing IT support, you can pay only for the repairs they need as they occur.
Flexibility: The break-fix model provides flexibility for businesses. They can choose when to contact the service provider and for what issue. This can be useful for companies with fluctuating IT needs.
Expertise: Break-fix service providers are often highly skilled in their areas of expertise. They have the experience and knowledge to fix the issue quickly and efficiently, minimizing downtime for the client.

Break-Fix Cons

Reactive: The break-fix model is reactive, meaning the service provider is only called upon when there is a problem. This can lead to longer downtimes for the client and lost productivity.
No preventative measures: The break-fix model does not include any preventive measures. Service providers do not actively monitor and maintain the client’s hardware and software, which can lead to more frequent issues in the long run.
No guaranteed response time: When a client contacts a break-fix service provider, there is no guaranteed response time. This can be problematic if the issue is time-sensitive, such as during a critical business period.

Differences Between Break-Fix and Managed Service Providers

Businesses need reliable IT services to help keep their operations running smoothly. But when it comes to choosing the right kind of IT service, there are two main models: managed IT services and the break-fix model.

Managed IT Services

Managed IT services is a proactive approach to IT maintenance and support. This model involves outsourcing IT duties to an external provider, such as network monitoring, patch management, system updates, and daily maintenance tasks. A third-party provider, like neKey, proactively ensures your systems are up-to-date and secure. They’ll also provide ongoing support and troubleshooting for any issues that arise.

Break-Fix Providers

As previously discussed above, the break-fix model is a more reactive approach. In this model, you outsource IT services on an as-needed basis. When something breaks or needs to be updated, you contact your outside provider to handle the job. There’s no long-term commitment or SLA involved; instead, you pay for each service call individually as it comes up.

Key Differences

When it comes down to deciding which IT service model to go with, you should consider a few factors: cost and convenience vs. proactivity and preventative maintenance. Managed IT services require upfront investment; however, they also provide peace of mind knowing that your systems are monitored and maintained regularly by an expert team who will quickly address any problems.

On the other hand, break-fix models are more budget-friendly, but the downside of this model is that it doesn’t provide ongoing maintenance and doesn’t help prevent future problems from occurring in the first place.

If you’re in the process of deciding between managed IT services vs. break-fix models, be sure to check out how MSPs like neKey can help your business.

Managed IT Support Technology Solutions

Why Managed IT Services Are the Best Choice for Expanding Businesses

Predictable costs: Managed IT services are often offered flat monthly fees, providing businesses with predictable IT costs that can be easily budgeted.
Proactive approach to IT management: MSPs monitor and maintain their clients’ IT systems to prevent issues before they occur, reducing downtime and increasing productivity.
Access to expertise: Managed IT service providers have teams of highly skilled IT professionals who specialize in various areas of IT, providing businesses with access to a breadth and depth of IT expertise that would be difficult and expensive to build in-house.
Advanced security: Managed providers typically offer advanced security solutions, such as firewalls, intrusion detection, and data encryption, which help protect businesses from cyberthreats.
Focus on core business activities: By outsourcing IT management to a managed service provider, businesses can focus on their core activities and leave IT to the experts.

Managed IT Services vs. Break-Fix Models: 5 Industries That Should Choose to Work With an MSP

Industries that should use managed IT service providers over break-fix models include:

Healthcare: With the need to maintain sensitive patient data and adhere to strict regulatory requirements, healthcare organizations benefit significantly from the proactive monitoring and management of managed IT service providers.
Finance: Financial institutions must ensure their systems are secure, up-to-date, and always available to protect their customer’s financial data. Managed IT services also offer 24/7 monitoring and support.
Education: Universities rely heavily on technology to deliver education and manage student information. Managed IT services can help ensure this technology runs smoothly and is available for use when needed.
Manufacturing: Manufacturing companies require reliable and secure systems to manage production processes and inventory. Managed IT services can help prevent downtime and data loss, which can significantly impact production schedules and profitability.
Retail: Retail operations need to maintain reliable point-of-sale systems and manage customer data. Managed IT services can help ensure these systems are secure and available, even during peak times.