Break/Fix vs Managed Services Provider

There are two main models of outsourced IT support: break/fix and managed services. The break/fix model involves waiting until a problem arises and then paying a technician to come and fix it. On the other hand, the managed services model provides ongoing monitoring and maintenance to prevent problems before they occur.

Break/Fix IT Support

Break/Fix IT support involves waiting until something breaks and paying someone to fix it. This model is reactive, meaning it only responds to problems as they occur. While break/fix can be a cost-effective option for small businesses, it can lead to higher overall costs in the long run. This is because the cost of fixing a problem after it occurs can be much higher than the cost of preventing it in the first place. Additionally, relying on break/fix IT support means that small businesses are often left waiting for a technician to arrive, which can result in significant downtime and lost productivity.

Managed IT Services

Managed IT services involve ongoing monitoring and maintenance of a business's IT infrastructure. This proactive model means that problems are addressed before they become major issues. With managed IT services, small businesses can benefit from improved system performance, reduced downtime, and increased productivity. Additionally, managed services provide predictable monthly costs, allowing small businesses to budget more effectively.

Which is Better?

Using a Managed Service Provider (MSP) instead of a break/fix model offers several advantages:

Proactive Maintenance: MSPs typically provide proactive maintenance and monitoring of your IT systems. They actively work to prevent issues before they occur, reducing downtime and minimizing the impact on your business operations.

Predictable Costs: With an MSP, you typically pay a fixed monthly fee for their services, making your IT costs more predictable. In contrast, the break/fix model can lead to unpredictable expenses since you only pay for services when something breaks.

Faster Response Time: MSPs often guarantee response times for resolving issues. They have dedicated teams monitoring your systems around the clock, allowing them to quickly identify and address problems as they arise.

Expertise and Specialization: MSPs employ teams of IT professionals with expertise in various areas such as cybersecurity, networking, and cloud computing. This means you have access to a broader range of skills compared to relying on a single in-house IT technician or hiring different specialists for each issue under a break/fix model.

Scalability: MSPs can scale their services to accommodate your business growth. Whether you need to add more users, expand your infrastructure, or implement new technologies, MSPs can adjust their services accordingly to meet your evolving needs.

Focus on Core Business: By outsourcing your IT management to an MSP, you free up your internal resources to focus on core business activities rather than spending time and effort troubleshooting technical issues.

Improved Security: MSPs often prioritize security as part of their service offerings. They can implement robust cybersecurity measures, such as firewalls, antivirus software, and data encryption, to protect your systems and data from cyber threats.

Why Choose 46Solutions as Your Managed IT Services Provider

At 46Solutions, we are committed to providing the best possible IT service and customer service to small businesses in Central Kentucky. As an employee-owned company, our team of local IT experts has a stake in the business. This alignment of interests can foster greater dedication, motivation, and loyalty among employees, as our financial well-being is tied to the company's performance. Additionally, we have over 300 years of combined IT experience and a deep understanding of the unique challenges facing small businesses in the area.

Choosing a managed IT services provider like 46Solutions can help small businesses reduce costs, improve system performance, and increase productivity. Call or text us at 859-788-4600 today to learn more about our managed IT services and how we can help your business thrive.