When it comes to IT support for your business, you have two choices. The Break Fix model, and managed services.
The main difference is where responsibility lies for your IT services. That level of responsibility really matters.
After the WannaCry ransomware fiasco, Lloyd’s of London estimated that a global cyber attack could lead to average losses of $53 billion.
So if you’re wondering which of these two models, and levels of responsibility, you should choose, read on.
What Is the Break Fix Model?
With this model, it boils down to the idea that when it breaks, you fix it. When it’s not broken, you leave it alone. The responsibility for your IT services rests with you.
Your business only calls in help when needed. That’s not necessarily only when something goes wrong. It can also apply to upgrades or the installation of new hardware.
You only pay for hourly labor, any repairs, or consultation time. But it can lead to unforeseen costs if fixes take longer than anticipated.
As a side effect, the emphasis is on fixing, not finding better solutions. There’s no one to do that research.
It’s difficult to catch problems before they become huge headaches. And break fix providers don’t provide preventative solutions since it’s not in their interests to help you avoid downtime.
Are There Any Benefits?
The biggest benefit to the break/fix model is that you only pay when you need help. If you already have an in-house IT professional, then a break fix approach might be the better option.
You don’t need to incorporate IT needs into your monthly budget. And you don’t need to commit to additional contracts with service providers.
What About the Managed Services Model?
With managed services, you hand over responsibility for your IT to your partner of choice.
Different businesses will have different IT needs. But the provider manages whichever services you’ve given them.
On a downside, it means you’re tied into a contract. And you have to hand over control to another company.
Are There Any Benefits?
The benefits of managed services outweigh the cons. With 24/7 monitoring, threats can be neutralized and problems solved before they occur.
You’ll also enjoy preventative care to avoid problems or security issues in the first place. Managed services providers are well versed in security vulnerabilities.
The provider keeps your software up to date and manages regular backups of your data. You can contact IT support whenever you need to.
Even if a major issue does crop up, your services provider knows your system and gets it running again. The average cost of downtime is $5,600 per minute. Managed services can keep downtime to a minimum.
Best of all, you’ll always know how much you’re paying for your managed services.
Which Services Should I Choose?
You know your business better than anyone. If you’re a very small operation, or you already have some form of in-house IT support, then a break fix approach might make sense. Likewise, businesses with few IT needs might not want to commit to a contract.
But if you use technology daily, consider working with a managed services provider. Hand over the responsibility of your IT in exchange for peace of mind.
Got questions about managed services? Contact SADOS today and we’ll get you some answers.
