What Is the Break-Fix Support Model?
The break-fix model originated from when companies operated large machines that required relatively simple maintenance, so any repairs could typically be performed in-house.
IT support that works similarly provides services—and billing—on an “as needed” basis.
When called in, they can perform troubleshooting, hardware repairs and replacements, or new installations. Once the issue is fixed, the provider leaves everything else up to you and your internal IT staff. But if you haven’t guessed already, this approach entails serious drawbacks.
What’s Wrong With the Break-Fix IT Model?
The break-fix IT model has a number of downsides in the current digital landscape:
Costly Downtime
The more your company relies on technology, the more an IT issue will hurt productivity and your bottom line. The break-fix support model may seem efficient, since you’re only bringing in help when needed, but you never know how long the solution will take, which could mean even more downtime.
Unpredictable Cost
The break-fix model is fee-based (you pay only for the service you get), so you never know the full price up front. Some problems may cost nothing, but others may inflict huge out-of-pocket expenses. The unpredictability makes budgeting for IT issues—and business planning overall—more challenging.
Uncertain Service Times
Because break-fix support engineers work on an as-needed basis, they may not be available to resolve your IT issue when you need them most. Having to wait for a provider to arrive during an emergency can devastate your business.
Unreliable Security
Without 24/7 IT monitoring and support, your business’s cybersecurity becomes less effective at preventing cybercrime, which is expected to grow by 15% over the next five years. A single data loss, theft, or corruption event could slow down your business significantly, if not force it to go under.
No Incentive To Optimize Infrastructure
Break-fix IT professionals make money whenever your network fails, so they are incentivized to maintain a sub-optimal state so that it breaks down more frequently. For similar reasons, they can take longer to fix problems, since they charge for their time. Preventative measures that protect your IT infrastructure would put the break-fix method out of business.
Hidden It Threats
Break-fix providers won’t investigate issues until you contact them, so some may go undetected if you don’t know the warning signs. Without professional monitoring and management, you may not be able to react fast enough to prevent a major breakdown.
Loss In Productivity
Without proactive experts on your side, you’re forced to rely on your internal staff. But not only may they be unable to resolve some malfunctions, they will also be taken from the IT duties they already have, hurting productivity overall. If you want to optimize your business operations, you ought to invest in a managed IT service.
How Managed IT Services Can Help
So how do managed IT support compare to break-fix providers? For one, they take responsibility for all your needs, from day-to-day tasks to major threats. They also perform preventive maintenance and constantly monitor your IT infrastructure to fix problems before they happen.
By saving you from worrying about potential disasters, managed IT support and services allow you to focus on your core business activities. They offer predictable monthly pricing, transparent service level agreements (SLAs), improved network uptime, 24/7 help desk support, and more.
Partner with Reverus Corp
Ready to stop worrying and put your firm’s IT infrastructure in the hands of a trusted partner? Look no further.
We are Reverus, and we pride ourselves on our security, cloud, and managed IT in the Charlotte area. We tailor solutions for a wide range of industries, including government, business, and nonprofits. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help keep your organization running smoothly!
