Every business owner knows the frustration of unexpected system failures. According to an Orange Matter report, the average cost of unplanned downtime can be up to $9,000 per minute. That’s a staggering $540,000 per hour, or $12.96 million per day.
You can’t afford losses of that size, which is why it’s critical to have some form of IT support model in place for your business.
“The right IT service model isn’t just about solving technical problems; it’s about preventing them,” says Willis Cantey, CEO of Cantey Tech Consulting. “If you’re not already using one of the IT support models, now is the time to change that and consider your options.”
With the debate of break fix vs. managed services heating up, it’s essential to understand which service model best aligns with your business’s needs.In this article, we’ll discuss how they function and their pros and cons to help make your decision easier.
Understanding Break-Fix
What is Break-Fix?
Simply put, the break-fix model is the traditional fee-for-service approach. It involves hiring an IT professional to fix issues whenever they appear, usually at an hourly rate.
Pros and Cons of Break-Fix
Pros:
- No monthly fees
- Only paying whenever there’s an issue
Cons:
- Reactive, not proactive.
- Potentially high costs with frequent system failures
Understanding Managed IT Services?
What are Managed IT Services?
Managed IT services are provided by a managed service provider (MSP). They offer a proactive approach that generally includes ongoing monitoring, maintenance, and a host of other helpful services, all for a predictable monthly fee.
In recent years, managed services have increased in popularity, to the point where the global managed services market is on the rise. The market was worth $283.9 billion in 2023, and is expected to grow by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.1% to $671.14 billion by 2030.
Pros and Cons of Managed Services
Pros:
- Faster response times
- Predictable monthly fees
- Preventative care reduces the risk of issues
- Governed by Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
Cons:
- Costs incurred even if no issues arise
- Might be too comprehensive for some small businesses
Break-Fix vs Managed Services: The Key Differences
Now that you understand how break-fix and managed services work, let’s take a look at how they differ from each other.
Payment Models
The break-fix vs. managed debate often boils down to payment structures. As previously mentioned, break-fix is a fee-for-service model, while managed services involve predictable monthly fees.
Service Approach
Break-fix is reactive, addressing problems after they occur. In contrast, managed services are proactive, aiming to prevent IT issues before they can impact your business.
Relationship Dynamics
With break-fix, the relationship is purely transactional. Once your issues are resolved, the service ends. When you work with a managed service provider (MSP), it’s more of a partnership where the provider is always ready to assist you.
Scalability
As your business grows, the managed services model often becomes more cost-effective, as it is easily able to adapt to your needs. Break-fix services remain the same and lack the flexibility and scalability of managed IT services.
Choose the Right Service Model for Your Business
Every business has unique needs, including yours. Before you decide which service model you want to use, take some time to assess your IT needs, consider the pros and cons, and decide which model is right for you.
Remember, break-fix vs. managed services is not just about costs; it’s about ensuring smooth operations and minimizing downtime.
Break-Fix vs. Managed Services at a Glance
| Feature | Break-Fix | Managed Services |
| Payment Model | Fee-for-service | Monthly fees |
| Approach | Reactive | Proactive |
| Relationship | Transactional | Partnership |
| Suitable For | Businesses with infrequent IT needs | Growing businesses with regular IT needs |
| Interested in learning more about IT support services? Check out these blogs: |
Can’t Decide Between Break-Fix vs. Managed Services? We Can Help
When you’re considering break-fix vs. managed services for your business, the right choice depends on your unique needs and growth trajectory. But before you arrive at your final decision, it’s best to weigh your options first to see which represents the best possible fit.
As a leading provider of IT support services in South Carolina, Cantey Tech Consulting has provided small businesses like yours with reliable IT support for over 15 years.
Backed by a 1.57 minute average response time and a 75.26% first-call resolution rate, our goal is to help you return to work faster to avoid lost productivity.
Improve your IT support today for a better tomorrow. Contact us today for more information and to schedule a consultation.
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