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Technology is at the heart of modern business operations, making reliable IT support a crucial component of success. However, when it comes to IT management and ensuring your systems are running smoothly, the choice between break-fix and proactive managed IT is a decision that can significantly impact your organization’s efficiency and success.
Understanding the key differences between these models can help you determine which is the best fit for your organization.
Read: Should I Choose Reactive or Proactive IT?
What Is the Break-Fix IT Model?
The break-fix model follows a reactive approach to IT support. Businesses call for technical assistance only when an issue arises, like a server crashes or your network goes down. Service is typically billed per incident or hourly, meaning you only pay for services when you need them, which can give companies higher flexibility.
However, the break-fix model comes with many negatives. Costs can be high and unexpected, straining your budget. Waiting for IT support after an IT issue occurs can cause high downtime. Most importantly, reactive IT means no ongoing monitoring or maintenance aligned with business growth; IT issues can continue to occur as break-fix focuses on fixing problems after they occur and not stopping them in the first place.
Pros:
- Lower upfront costs
- Higher control over IT expenses
- More flexibility
Cons:
- Unpredictable expenses
- Downtime
- No proactive maintenance and monitoring
- No long-term strategy
Read: The Hidden Costs of Reactive IT
The Alternative: Proactive IT Management
Managed IT services take a comprehensive, proactive approach, where businesses pay a fixed monthly fee for continuous IT management, monitoring and support. Instead of waiting for something to break, a managed service provider (MSP) takes responsibility for your IT infrastructure. They act as an extension of your team, handling all aspects of IT from cybersecurity to office modernization.
As you can imagine, proactive IT management offers numerous benefits that can significantly enhance your business operations. By paying a fixed monthly rate, you have predictable costs that make it easier to budget. Proactive monitoring and maintenance reduce downtime, minimize IT issues and boost productivity. Plus, constant monitoring can bolster your cybersecurity and protect against cyber attacks.
Pros:
- Predictable costs
- Proactive monitoring and maintenance
- Reduced downtime
- Improved productivity
- Enhanced cybersecurity
- Strategic IT planning
- Access to IT expertise
Cons:
- Higher upfront costs
- Contractual obligations
Read: 5 Risks of Not Going Proactive with Your IT
So, Which IT Model Is Right for You?
The best approach for your business depends on your specific needs and circumstances. Consider the following factors:
- Budget: Although break-fix might seem cheaper initially, the unpredictable costs and potential downtime can be more expensive in the long run.
- Business size and complexity: Larger and more complex organizations often benefit from the proactive nature of managed IT.
- Risk tolerance: If you can’t afford any downtime, managed IT is the better choice.
- IT expertise: If you don’t have an in-house IT team, managed IT can provide access to a team of experienced professionals known as fractional CIOs.
- Compliance requirements: If you want to minimize security risks and need to comply with strict regulatory requirements, managed IT offers robust security measures.
Future-Proof Your Business with Thriveon
You know you can’t afford unexpected IT failures or cybersecurity threats. Managed IT services provide peace of mind, allowing you to focus on growth while experts handle your technological needs.
If you’re ready to shift from a reactive to a proactive IT strategy, consider working with Thriveon. Learn how our managed IT services can transform your business with the help of a Fractional CIO.
Don’t wait for something to break. Schedule a meeting now and start taking a proactive approach to your IT management.