Some businesses still use break-fix services to manage IT issues; this is where IT help is only called in when something breaks. This model might look cheaper at first, but it often leads to greater problems and higher costs.
A report from ITIC shows that downtime is expensive! Very expensive for 90% of companies. One hour of IT downtime costs over $300,000, while 41% face losses ranging from $1 million to $5 million per hour. These costs are unpredictable and add up fast.
This blog explains the real difference between break-fix and managed services. You’ll learn how each model works and what to expect if you choose one over the other.
Make IT One Less Thing to Worry About!
Discover how managed services free up your team and protect your business every day.
What Are Break-Fix Services and Who Still Uses Them?
Break-fix services mean you call for IT support only when something breaks. You pay for the time and materials needed to fix the issue. There are no monthly payments or contracts. Some businesses like this model because it feels simple and low-cost.
In the past, most businesses had only a few computers. Business operations would not stall completely when an IT issue came up. When they did, IT problems were less common and often easy to fix. So, calling a technician only when needed worked for a while and made sense at the time.
While technology has changed, some businesses still find break-fix works for them:
Small setups: You only use one or two computers and don’t rely on them all day. Paying for help only when needed might work.
In-house IT support: Your team handles daily IT needs, and you call outside help for special problems.
Temporary use: Your budget is tight or you’re between MSP contracts.
This model may seem cheaper, but it usually ends up costing more. Doing nothing until something breaks leads to more downtime, higher emergency rates, and unpredictable repair bills.
What Managed Services Offer That Break-Fix Services Don’t
Managing your IT does not have to be a constant battle. Switching to a managed service model can lower IT costs by as much as 25% and help your team work up to 65% more efficiently. That’s because managed services keep things running smoothly before problems pop up.
Managed Service Providers (MSPs) are there to help keep your systems functioning optimally and keep your business running smoothly. Instead of dealing with unpredictable break-fix bills, you pay a fixed price monthly, which includes:
24/7 monitoring: Signs such as failing hard drives, unusual network traffic, or backup errors are given an early warning detection to prevent an outage before it happens.
Remote & On-site Support: Many issues can be fixed in minutes over a secure remote session. If needed, a technician comes on-site to handle hardware or complex problems.
Updates & Security Fixes (or patches?): Ensures operating systems, software, and firmware are always current, closing vulnerabilities before hackers can take advantage.
Strategic IT planning: Your MSP reviews your systems regularly and recommends upgrades, new tools, or process improvements to align with your growth.
Built-in cybersecurity tools: Firewalls, antivirus, email filtering, and phishing protection are monitored and reported on, so you can prove compliance and track improvements over time.
This setup is better for modern businesses that rely heavily on technology. It supports remote work, reduces downtime, and avoids surprise costs. You’re paying to prevent problems, not just fix them.
How Break-Fix and Managed Services Compare Today
The difference between break-fix and managed services affects more than your IT. It impacts your business results and daily operations.
Costs and Billing
Break-fix model: You pay when problems happen. One month may be cheap, the next very expensive.
Managed services model: You pay a set monthly fee. This makes your costs steady and easier to plan for.
Downtime and Support Response
Break-fix model: You wait for help when something goes wrong. This takes time and hurts your productivity.
Why The Break-Fix Service Model Doesn’t Fit Most Businesses Anymore
Technology is constantly changing, and most businesses rely on more complex systems. Break-fix services no longer work well for the following reasons:
Hybrid setups: You use cloud and on-site systems. These setups need ongoing attention, not one-time repairs.
Always-on operations: Customers and teams expect systems to work all day, every day. Break-fix doesn’t meet that demand.
Backup and recovery: Managed services include full recovery tools. Break-fix doesn’t help until you’ve already lost data.
Security and compliance: Many industries now need 24/7 monitoring and clear reporting. MSPs offer this. Break-fix does.
More cyber threats: Attacks are more common and serious. Break-fix is too slow to stop them in time.
Your business relies on systems that need constant support, not just help after things go wrong.
When Break-Fix Services Still Works
Some businesses can still use break-fix services, but only in specific situations.
Here’s when it might make sense:
Small setups: You don’t use many computers, and delays in support won’t disrupt your work.
In-house IT support: Your team manages the systems, and you only need extra help sometimes.
Short-term needs: You’re planning a switch to an MSP, but still need basic support in the meantime.
Before choosing break-fix, ask yourself:
How long will it take to get support?
Can someone help you after hours?
Will the provider assist with problems such as lost data?
If you want more support but aren’t ready for a full plan, some MSPs offer break-fix and project-based managed services. This helps you transition without a full commitment.
How to Switch From Break-Fix Services to Managed Services
If you’ve used break-fix services for a long time, the switch may feel big. However, migrating to managed services is simple when you get it right.
Check for problem areas: You face regular downtime, missed updates, or surprise bills. These issues won’t improve on their own.
Pick the right MSP: Choose a provider with flexible options, a clear contract, and simple onboarding. AlphaKOR offers all of this without locking you into a long-term deal.
Start with a review: A good MSP starts with a full audit. This reveals risks and helps plan better solutions.
Know the timeline: AlphaKOR can complete onboarding in just 14 days and provides check-ins to ensure you’re on track.
Think bigger than IT: This is not just about fixing computers. Managed services protect your data, increase uptime, and provide your team with the tools to do more.
Evaluating the Features of Break-Fix vs Managed Services
Let’s compare what each model includes. This gives you a clearer idea of where each model stands and where it falls short:
Feature
Break-Fix Services
Managed Services
Payment
Pay per issue
Fixed monthly fee
Support Speed
Depends on the technician’s availability
Fast, based on your service plan
Problem Prevention
Not included
Included with monitoring
Updates and Monitoring
You manage it
Included and automatic
Uptime
Not guaranteed
High uptime built-in
Cybersecurity
Basic or none
Active protection and response
Growth Support
Hard to scale
Scales with your business
IT Planning
Not included
Included in the monthly service
You should review these areas quarterly. If your MSP isn’t bringing them up, they’re avoiding accountability.
Break Free from Break-Fix Services into Reliable IT with AlphaKOR
If your business still uses break-fix services, it’s a good time to explore something better. Managed services prevent problems, reduce risks, and strengthen your systems’ stability.
AlphaKOR has been helping businesses for over 30 years, with a 97% customer satisfaction rate. Our onboarding is fast, just 14 days, and we don’t require long-term contracts.
Selecting a managed services provider is a pivotal business decision, one where urgency and precision matter more than ever. Small and medium-sized businesses can...
Windsor industries are no longer running on muscle alone - now, uptime is currency. From classrooms running cloud-backed curricula to hospitals relying on predictive...
Businesses today can’t run smoothly without strong IT support. For Mississauga industries, the stakes are even higher. A Statista report found that the average cost of...
60% of businesses saw a surge in productivity after adopting digital technologies. Half of these businesses also reported lower operating costs through...
Many organizations invest in managed services to reduce their internal IT workload, prevent disruptions, and improve continuity. Yet, these goals often go unmet, not...
Staying ahead in today’s fast-paced digital world is a serious challenge, especially for businesses without in-house tech expertise. By 2024, nearly 73% of...
If you’ve used break-fix services for a long time, the switch may feel big. However, migrating to managed services is simple when you get it right.
