These days there are two different business models when it comes to IT providers: Break/Fix Model and Managed Services Provider. Unsure which provider is best for your business? We’ve got you covered.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the different IT providers.
What is Break/Fix?
This one is pretty self-explanatory. If something stops working or breaks at the office, a Break/Fix IT company will come in to fix the problem. They generally don’t do a lot of proactive work on the network. And they usually charge you only when they fix a problem.
What is a Managed Services Provider (MSP)?
MSPs take a more proactive approach to your business’ IT solutions. They monitor your network and devices and try to head off issues before they happen. They also push out updates to help keep your network safe and secure. They will also help you plan for upgrades before they cause problems. These companies often charge a monthly fee to keep the network running smoothly.
Why People Use Break/Fix Companies?
The main reason business owners decide to use a break/fix company is the cost. They don’t want The main reason: price. Business owners who have a Break/Fix provider don’t want to spend a lot of money on their network. They don’t want to pay a monthly fee for services they don’t actually use.
Why People Use MSPs
Business owners choose MSPs because they want to be protected from malicious attacks and need guidance on what they need to keep their network running properly. They understand that downtime will cost them more than the monthly fee.
Essentially, MSPs give business owners the power to budget for their IT expenses every month without worrying about their network.
Why You Should Choose an MSP
We’re a little biased here—BRITECITY is an MSP. But hear us out. Having a Managed Services Provider may sound like a bit of an expense, but the monthly fee keeps you from paying more for services in the long run.
An MSP’s job is to minimize downtime, calls to the helpdesk, and general issues.
Working with a Break/Fix company may cost less upfront, but it could cost you more in actual dollars and in downtime. Missed productivity leads to missed sales. You might find that being down may cost you more in one day than it would have cost to hire an MSP for an entire year.
What many business owners fail to see is the behind the scenes work an MSP conducts to keep your network running smoothly.
Some business owners that pay for an MSP sometimes complain that they aren’t really using the MSP’s services and switch back to a Break/Fix provider. Those same business owners are usually back with an MSP within 2 years as the network starts falling apart.
If you’re still with a Break/Fix company, it may be time to start looking at a Managed Services Provider like BRITECITY. Give us a call today to find out how we can help save you money on your IT!
Still not sure which type of provider is best for your business, we have a guide for what to look for when choosing an IT company.
BRITECITY is an Orange County IT Services firm supporting local businesses in the area of Managed IT Services, Cyber Security, Cloud Services and Strategic IT.