Types of IT Support – Break Fix and Managed IT Support
IT support is an integral part of keeping any business running smoothly but what are the most common, and what do they include? Commonly, companies consider either Breakfix and Managed IT support. From helping with computer hardware and software to resolving network issues, IT support is essential for businesses of all sizes. There are several different types of IT support available, each of which can help to ensure that your business is running at peak efficiency.
Modern IT Support via Managed IT Support
So, what is the difference between Type of IT Support Breakfix vs. Managed IT Support? Managed IT support refers to the practice of outsourcing the IT management and maintenance (including support for end-users, and systems/software) to a third-party. This third party, commonly referred to as a Managed Service Provider (MSP) is responsible for monitoring and maintaining the health of the IT systems. They also provide technical support to end-users when issues arise. With a managed approach, the end-user support tickets tend to decrease over time.
With a modern managed option, the responsibility of your infrastructure shifts to your third party provider (leaving you to do what you do best: run your business). Some common services offered by managed IT support providers include:
- Better alignment of incentives between you and your support provider
- Buildout of roadmaps and annual IT budgets
- Remote monitoring and maintenance of IT systems
- Help desk support for end-users
- Patch management
- Software updates and upgrades
- Network and security management
- Disaster recovery planning and support
- Cloud services
By outsourcing, companies can reduce the burden on their internal IT staff and free them up to focus on more strategic projects. Also, Managed IT support will help to reduce the risk of downtime and data loss. This is because the service provider is responsible for proactively identifying and addressing issues before they cause problems.
Managed IT support often has fixed pricing, includes unlimited support, and no surprise increases in cost. No matter how many hours they spend per month in support of your infrastructure, your price remains the same.
Breakfix IT support is more reactive. The only time you interact with your provider is when something breaks. They do not proactively fix things before they become larger issues
Yesterday via Break-Fix Providers
Breakfix is often delivered reactively. This means the provider is only called when a specific issue arises. While this model worked in the past, the increase in complexity of IT systems requires a more modern approach. Some of the services include:
- User Support: End user support is the most common type of IT support. Commonly, it is focused on helping users with technical issues.
- Network Support: Network support is necessary for businesses that rely on a network of computers to communicate and share data.
- Cloud Support: Cloud support is becoming increasingly important as more businesses move to the cloud. This type of support can include helping to set up and configure cloud-based applications and services, providing troubleshooting and support for cloud-based services, and helping to ensure that data is secure in the cloud.
- Security Support: Security support is essential for businesses that need to
If you have fewer than 10 employees, this may be a good option for you.
Conclusion
So, if you are deciding which type of service to take advantage of, consider whether or not your infrastructure could be better. In most cases, there are areas for improvements, and aligning incentives between you and your provider will likely make all the difference.
To reach CTS Companies, find our Contact Us Page, or simply search for IT Services in Michigan. If you’re interested in learning more, consider the follow posts: What Should IT Support Cost?, How to Choose an Managed Service Provider or IT Support Copmany, and Do I Need an IT Company?