Break Fix vs. Managed Services: Key Differences

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Every business, at some point, finds itself at a crossroads, choosing between the traditional break fix model and the increasingly popular managed services approach.

An increasing number of businesses are choosing to rely on managed services to ensure their key IT operations remain under control.

Research shows that 37% of all IT functions are being handed over to managed services providers. In addition, IT departments are allocating 13.6% of their budgets for outsourced services.

This pivotal decision can significantly impact a business’s efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and overall technological health.

As Luis A. Aponte Jr., Principal CEO of OneTech360, says, “The decision on IT service models is crucial, influencing not only technological agility but also the security and scalability of your enterprise.”

In this article, we’ll compare and understand the various differences between the break fix vs. managed services models, exploring their features, benefits, drawbacks, and the situations where each is most effective.

Whether you’re a small startup or a growing enterprise, this analysis will provide valuable insights to help guide your IT strategy.

What is the Break Fix Model?

The break-fix model is a traditional approach to IT services. In this model, businesses contact service providers only when an issue arises.

It’s a reactive approach: you face a problem, and you get it fixed.

The simplicity of this model makes it attractive for many, especially small businesses. Under this model, you typically pay a fee for service, which means you only pay when you need help. This could be anything from fixing a system failure to hardware upgrades.

Pros and Cons of the Managed Services Model

Pros	Cons
No Regular Fees: Businesses are not bound to regular payments, making it suitable for those with infrequent IT issues.	Unpredictable Costs: Costs can vary greatly depending on the nature and frequency of issues, leading to budgeting challenges.
Flexibility: Offers flexibility to choose service providers for each issue without long-term commitments.	Inconsistent Service Quality: Quality and speed of service depend on the availability and expertise of the service provider at the time.
Direct Control Over Services: Businesses maintain direct control over IT decisions and interventions.	Lack of Proactive Maintenance: Without regular maintenance, systems may become outdated and more vulnerable to issues.
Simple and Straightforward: The model is easy to understand and doesn’t require complex SLAs or contracts.	Resource Intensive: Requires internal resources to manage and coordinate IT services for each issue, potentially diverting attention from core business activities.
Adaptability to Business Changes: Can adapt quickly to changing business needs without being locked into a service contract.	Scalability Challenges: As a business grows, the break-fix model may not adequately support expanding IT needs.

 

What is the Managed Services Model?

Research shows that 59% of IT services have transitioned from the traditional break-fix model to a managed service contract model. Furthermore, 45% of businesses intend to collaborate with an MSP in the coming years. So what exactly is the managed service mode?

The managed services model adopts a proactive approach. Here, a service provider, MSP (Managed Services Provider), is engaged on a monthly fee basis to continuously monitor and maintain your IT infrastructure.

This model covers a wide range of services, from proactive monitoring to system updates and security. With a managed service model, businesses have a service level agreement (SLA) with the provider, ensuring certain standards of service, response times, and maintenance.

Pros and Cons of the Managed Services Model

Pros	Cons
Comprehensive IT Solutions: Offers a wide range of services under one umbrella, including monitoring, support, cybersecurity, and compliance.	Perceived as Overkill: For businesses with minimal IT needs, the comprehensive nature of managed services might be seen as more than necessary
Focus on Core Business: Allows businesses to focus on core activities by outsourcing IT management to experts.	Long-Term Contractual Commitment: Often requires a commitment to long-term contracts, which might not be ideal for every business.
Enhanced Security Posture: Provides robust cybersecurity measures, including proactive monitoring and threat mitigation.	Reduced In-House IT Control: Some businesses might feel a loss of control over their IT infrastructure and decision-making.
Predictable IT Spending: Simplifies budgeting with fixed monthly costs, eliminating surprise expenses.	Initial Setup Complexity: Transitioning to managed services might involve an initial learning curve and setup complexity.
Strategic IT Planning and Advice: Access to ongoing expert advice helps align IT strategy with business goals.	Limited Customization: Some packages may offer limited customization, not fully aligning with specific business needs.
Reduced Downtime: Proactive maintenance and quick response times help reduce system downtime significantly.	Dependence on Service Provider: Over-reliance on a service provider may lead to challenges if the partnership ends or service levels change.

 

Break Fix vs. Managed Services: A Feature Comparison

When assessing break-fix and managed services models, several critical aspects emerge, each highlighting the fundamental differences in approach, cost, and service delivery.

Responsiveness

Managed Services: These services often guarantee faster response times under a Service Level Agreement (SLA). The SLA is a key component, ensuring that IT issues are addressed within a specified timeframe, reducing downtime and enhancing business continuity.

Break Fix: In contrast, the break-fix model depends on the service provider’s availability. This can result in longer downtimes, as businesses must wait for a technician to become available, which can significantly disrupt operations, especially in time-sensitive environments.

 

 

Cost Predictability

Managed Services: One of the most appealing aspects of managed services is cost predictability. Businesses pay a fixed monthly fee, making budgeting for IT services more straightforward. This fee usually covers a wide range of services, offering peace of mind and no surprise costs.

Break Fix: With the break-fix model, costs are variable and can be unpredictable. Since you pay for services as issues arise, it’s difficult to budget for IT expenses. This can lead to financial strain, especially if a major, unexpected issue requires extensive repair or replacement.

Maintenance and Upgrades

Managed Services: These services include continuous monitoring, maintenance, and regular upgrades. This proactive approach ensures that systems are up-to-date and running optimally, reducing the likelihood of problems occurring in the first place.

Break Fix: Conversely, the break-fix model deals with maintenance and upgrades only when issues present themselves. This can lead to outdated systems, increasing vulnerability to security breaches and reduced efficiency.

 

More resources you might like: How Managed Services Work: The Complete Breakdown How to Leverage Managed Services Providers to Control IT Costs What Is Remote IT Support? Why Do Companies Choose Remote IT Support?

 

Proactive vs. Reactive

Managed Services: This model is inherently proactive. Managed services providers (MSPs) continuously monitor IT systems, identify potential issues before they become problems, and address them swiftly. This approach can prevent system failures, data loss, and security breaches.

Break Fix: The break-fix model is reactive, addressing problems only after they have occurred. This can lead to more severe consequences, including data breaches, significant downtime, and loss of productivity.

Scalability

Managed Services: Managed services scale with your business. As your business grows, the services can be adjusted to accommodate new demands, whether that means adding new infrastructure, increasing storage needs, or enhancing security measures.

Break Fix: Scalability is limited in the break-fix model. As your business grows, the ad-hoc nature of break-fix services may not keep up with your expanding IT needs, leading to potential gaps in service and support.

Expertise and Specialization

Managed Services: MSPs offer a broad range of expertise and specialized skills. They stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and best practices, providing businesses access to a wealth of knowledge that might be too costly to develop in-house.

Break-Fix: The expertise available in a break-fix scenario is often limited to the specific issue at hand. While this can be effective for immediate fixes, it doesn’t provide the strategic planning and ongoing support that can be leveraged by a managed service provider.

Navigate the Shift from Break Fix to Managed Services With OneTech360

The transition from a break-fix model to managed services represents a significant shift in how businesses approach their IT infrastructure. Business owners who are contemplating this move should consider the long-term benefits of managed IT services.

With OneTech360, this transition becomes a strategic step towards a more efficient, secure, and scalable IT environment. OneTech360 brings together expert IT specialists and tailored strategies to ensure consistent operational efficiency and reduced downtime, driving your business toward uninterrupted success.

Ready to make the best choice for your IT needs? Reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation.