There are a few different ways companies can receive IT support: an internal IT team, a managed services provider (MSP), or via a break-fix model. Today, we’re going to compare the two outsourced options, hiring an MSP, and using break-fix services.
A break-fix model means that a business only receives IT help when they have a specific problem or need part of their system upgraded. In contrast, a managed services provider is a fully-outsourced IT team – that not only helps when things are broken, but also puts preventative measures in place to keep things from breaking in the first place.
Pros and Cons of Break-Fix
Cons
- Unforeseen expenses: You never expect things to go wrong. So, when they do, you can get stuck with a hefty bill that you weren’t expecting either.
- High hourly rates: Fix-it services have very high hourly work rates. And if you’re in a bind to get up and running, it’s often hard to find ‘reasonable’ pricing.
- Fixes are often short-sited: Repair workers make money when things break. So, repairs are often ‘band-aid’ fixes, rather than long-term solutions.
- Downtime: If you need something fixed, this often means downtime. And down time means profit loss.
Pros
- No contracts: Some companies enjoy the freedom of not having contracts. If your company doesn’t use much technology, then perhaps a break-fix approach is right for you. But if your company relies on its IT, not continuously protecting its infrastructure can be a huge risk.
Pros and Cons of a Managed Services Provider
Pros
- 24/7 monitoring: Issues don’t just happen from 9 AM-5 PM. An MSP watches over your system 24/7 and is there to help in the event of an emergency.
- Preventative maintenance: This includes everything from antivirus and internet filtering, to regular updates and backups and employee cyber security training. By applying long-term strategies, your system will remain strong, and your information secure. Read more: Is Your IT Security up to Par?>>
- Unlimited Support: Some MSPs (Glasses Technology Services included), offer unlimited IT support. For one low, predictable monthly cost, support is just a click or call away.
- Mobile and PC management: MSPs can manage your mobile devices by providing maintenance, support and security. They can also track the life cycles of your hardware, and help you make replacements before failure occurs.
Cons
- Contracts: Managed providers require contracts for service. However, these contracts outline the level of your service, so they benefit you too. And while an MSP’s job is to help you long-term, break-fix is in and out with little certainty that you’ve actually been taken care of.
- Less ‘control’: An MSP will need access to your system and its data in order to properly assist you. But because of contracts, you can have faith in knowing you’re always protected. MSPs ask permission before executing any tasks, and everything they implement is based on proven results.
Conclusion
It probably sounds like our vote goes to managed service providers. And that’s because, for the most part, it does. The majority of IT industry professionals today believe that the disadvantages of the break-fix model far outweigh the benefits. For this reason, most shops now choose to operate as MSPs, rather than break-fix.
If you have any further questions about managed IT services, check out our guide: Are Managed IT Support and Services Right for You?>>
Or, don’t hesitate to drop us a line>>