Break Fix vs. Managed IT Services: What’s the Difference? | Manawa Networks

It goes without saying that technology has had significant implications on the way businesses run today, with over 92% of G2000 organizations outsourcing their IT operations today.

While both break-fix and managed services offer remedies to IT challenges, they diverge significantly in their approach, cost-effectiveness, and impact on business operations.

"Break-fix services may offer immediate relief, but they leave you vulnerable to recurring issues and unexpected downtime. Managed IT services, however, provide a holistic approach, where problems are anticipated and prevented, allowing businesses to focus on their core operations without interruption," says Matthew Held from Manawa Networks. 

This blog post aims to explore the contrasts between break-fix vs. managed services, enabling you to grasp their nuances and providing guidance to help you make the optimal choice for your organization's unique requirements.

Understanding the Benefits of IT Outsourcing Services

When it comes to optimizing your business's technological capabilities, outsourcing IT services can be a game-changer. It’s why the managed IT services market is valued at over 834.7 billion dollars. 

Image Credit: Global Newswire

By partnering with external experts, you gain access to a wealth of specialized knowledge, experience, and resources that may be challenging to maintain in-house. IT outsourcing offers the following benefits:

• Streamlined operations and optimized technological capabilities.
• Proactive approach to prevent IT issues before they occur.
• Comprehensive solution that goes beyond internal systems.
• Dedicated team of professionals managing your IT infrastructure.
• Strategic insights and industry best practices.
• Alignment of technology with business goals.
• Reduced operational costs on employee expenses, hardware costs, etc.

However, to leverage these benefits to the fullest extent, you must effectively pick the best service model option for your company between break-fix vs. managed services. 

This requires an in-depth understanding of your organization's IT systems, goals, and problems – which is where your MSP comes in. 

The Key Differences Between Break Fix vs. Managed Services

When it comes to managing your IT needs, understanding the difference between break-fix and managed services is crucial. Here are key points highlighting how these approaches differ:

1. Response vs. Proactive Support:

Break-fix: With break-fix services, the focus is on addressing IT issues as they occur. It's a reactive approach where you seek help when something goes wrong.

Managed services: Managed services take a proactive approach by providing ongoing monitoring, maintenance, and support. They aim to prevent issues before they disrupt your business operations.

2. Pay-as-you-go vs. Predictable Costs:

Break-fix: Break-fix services typically operate on a pay-as-you-go basis. You only pay when you encounter an IT problem that requires fixing.

Managed services: Managed services offer a more predictable cost structure. You pay a fixed monthly or annual fee, often based on the size and complexity of your IT infrastructure, and receive comprehensive support.

3. Time and Downtime:

Break-fix: When relying on break-fix services, resolving IT issues can take time as they only work on an hourly basis rather than providing full-time support. This downtime can disrupt your operations, impacting productivity and customer satisfaction.

Managed services: Managed services aim to minimize downtime. With 24/7 proactive monitoring and maintenance delivered by fast response times, potential issues are identified and resolved before they escalate. This reduces the risk of prolonged disruptions.

4. Scalability and Future-Proofing:

Break-fix: Break-fix services tend to focus on immediate fixes rather than long-term scalability or future-proofing your IT infrastructure.

Managed services: Managed services take a holistic approach, considering your business's growth and evolving IT needs. They offer scalability, ensuring your technology can adapt to changing demands and advancements.

5. Proactive Monitoring and Maintenance:

Break-fix: Break-fix models typically intervene only when an issue arises and requires immediate attention. They may not proactively monitor your systems for potential problems or perform regular maintenance.

Managed services: Managed services include proactive monitoring and regular maintenance as part of their comprehensive approach. This helps identify and address potential issues before they impact your business operations, reducing the risk of downtime.

6. IT Strategy and Consulting:

Break-fix: Break-fix services primarily focus on fixing specific IT problems and may not provide strategic guidance or consulting on broader technology initiatives.

Managed services: Managed services often offer strategic IT planning and consulting services. They work closely with your organization to align technology solutions with your business goals, helping you make informed decisions to drive growth and efficiency.

Choosing the Right Option for Your Business

Evidently, opting for managed services models over break-fix solutions is the smart choice for most organizations. This is because managed services provide proactive monitoring, maintenance, and support, preventing issues before they impact your operations while keeping pricing predictable.

The next question is, to whom do you outsource your small business’ IT management?

By entrusting your IT infrastructure to a full-time IT provider like Manawa, you gain access to a dedicated team of professionals who ensure the smooth operation of your systems while providing strategic insights to drive your business forward.

Say goodbye to reactive fixes and embrace the proactive approach of managed services for a more efficient and resilient IT environment. 

Choose managed services to unlock the full potential of your business and pave the way for future success. Learn more about our services today by scheduling a free consultation.