As technology becomes increasingly important for businesses, many companies turn to managing IT services to ensure their systems run smoothly. Managed IT services involve:
- Outsourcing IT support to a third-party provider, who is responsible for monitoring.
- Maintaining.
- Repairing the company’s technology infrastructure.
While managed IT services can be an effective solution for many businesses, some IT consultants prefer a different approach known as “break-fix.” Break-fix is a common service model for delivering IT services where the consultant fixes the issue when it arises rather than proactively preventing or resolving issues. This approach is beneficial as it offers a lower upfront cost and promises quick fixes to any problem.
However, in reality, break-fix models are more beneficial for the consultant than they are for the customer. This article will explain why using break-fix models can be expensive and why managed IT services are a more budget-friendly and extensive option for businesses.
What Fundamental Conflicts of Interest Exist Between You and Your IT Company?
1. There is No Motivation to Stabilize your Network
If your IT services company uses a break-fix model, it might need more incentive to keep your computer network stable or fix problems quickly. They receive payment according to the number of hours they work. As a result, unexpected situations, increasing project scope, difficulties in learning, and sheer incompetence could all fall on you, the customer.
In this type of computer support plan, the more issues you have, the more profit they make. However, this is not desirable for you as the customer. They may assign a junior technician to work on your problem, and it may take two to three times longer to resolve the issue than a senior and more expensive technician.
The technician feels they need more incentive to manage their time efficiently or be productive. They may even try to prolong the project and create more problems. Although, if they are ethical and wish to maintain you as a client, they should prioritize solving your issues quickly and effectively. Nonetheless, it is not a wise decision to expect that outcome.
2. Difficult to Manage and Budget Effectively
You may face management issues with the Break-Fix support plan as a customer. It’s important to monitor the consultant’s hours to avoid excessive charges. However, verifying the exact number of hours worked can be difficult, so you have to trust that the consultant is keeping an honest and ethical record of their time.
Unfortunately, not all consultants can be trusted to do so. And budgeting for projects and expenses with IT consulting firms becomes difficult because one month, you may have no IT bill, and the next, you may have one that costs thousands.
3. Regular Monitoring and Maintenance are Necessary for IT Systems
If you need a managed IT service plan, you’ll have to take care of your computer system maintenance. Break-Fix support plans may not provide reliable protection for unexpected issues, which can result in high costs in the long run.
Regular monitoring and maintenance of IT systems are necessary to protect against threats such as new cyberattacks, accidental data backup errors, employee mistakes, hardware failures, and possible sabotage by disgruntled employees. The list of risks is extensive. And, if you don’t have an IT consulting services provider as your partner, you become more vulnerable to these threats.
Related Posts: Managed IT Services: What is a Break-fix vs. Managed IT?
What are the Advantages of Utilizing Managed IT Services?
A managed plan prioritizes documentation, system monitoring, regular maintenance, and proactive problem-solving to prevent issues and provide faster solutions based on the client’s history. Having a managed plan and experience with the client, the right technician can be assigned to address issues effectively.
If you hire a break-fix technician, it may take them a long time to understand your system to provide the correct solution. On the other hand, managed IT firms are dedicated to ensuring your system’s continual dependability and consistency. This means any solution they provide will align with your business objectives.
Managed services plans typically involve a monthly fee, which provides a company with a predictable cost and avoids unexpected charges when problems arise. Regular monitoring and maintenance are essential given the constant influx of new malware threats and various potential technical issues (e.g., data backup problems, employee mistakes, hardware malfunctions, and even deliberate acts of sabotage).
The Bottom Line
The Break-Fix model may not be the best business choice regarding computer support. While this plan can provide a temporary solution for IT issues and save time in the short run, it puts your business at risk in the long term. A managed IT services provider that offering IT security service is a more reliable and cost effective solution.
You will receive a thorough plan that considers your business’s unique requirements and safeguards your IT systems from any possible threats. Regular monitoring and maintenance can ensure your system’s stability and save you money in the long run.
Layer One Networks 