As a modern-day business leader, managing technology is key to business growth and success. As a company expands, even basic infrastructure demands can become overwhelming, which is where Managed IT Services come in. Below, we’ll introduce how Managed IT Services can improve business efficiency and why they are a better alternative to the traditional break/fix IT model.
The Importance of IT Support
Even the most successful of businesses experience IT issues. If you have ever worked with technology, then you know firsthand that things do not always run smoothly. However, there are some tricks that can help ensure that operations run more efficiently and effectively—at least from a technology standpoint. Evaluating your equipment, for example:
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How old are your computers?
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Is the age of your computers affecting your employees?
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How much computing power is enough for the needs of your employees?
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When will support end for your computers?
Combine these with physical server maintenance that will come as your business grows, and suddenly you are looking at a full-time job, which, according to current Glassdoor data, can cost upward of $156,850 for a full-time IT Manager.
For most businesses, the more affordable answer is to outsource their IT solutions.
Break/Fix IT Services
Break/fix IT services are fairly self-explanatory: if something “breaks,” someone has to fix it. This IT solution can be outsourced or be a hybrid situation, but the underlying theme with this IT model is “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Most of the energy is focused on solving problems, or “fighting fires.” Because of the reactive nature of the break/fix approach, you will probably feel you never have enough resources to do much but keep things moving along.
This is actually an excellent solution for those businesses who use little technology, or for those who do not need to support many employees. Most certainly, the break/fix IT business model belongs in the palette of IT services offered to business owners. However, if it is not the right fit for you, it can lead you down a path of compounding issues
Managed IT Services
Managed IT Services are an alternative to the traditional break/fix model, where services are performed and paid for as needed. Under the managed IT model, you can monitor and immediately resolve issues that come up through a Managed Service Provider (MSP). The right system should also include evaluations of the current state of operations, and a solid plan for all components of the business’s IT network. Most MSPs will offer around-the-clock support in some form or another, which is a big deal for anyone doing international business, or business across time zones. Utilizing an MSP can also help your company remain compliant with regulations that are quickly becoming hot-button government issues.
Taking a proactive approach and looking at the system as a whole as opposed to “fighting fires?” Managed IT services may be the ticket to improving operations within your business, rather than constantly being bogged down with repairs. Call HazeyTech now for your free consultation.
