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By: Janina Criador
- IT Management
- December 12, 2023
- Comments 0
Managed Services vs. Traditional IT Support
Every business needs to maintain its systems. Regardless of the industry your company operates in, having a well-defined management plan for your website and platforms is crucial.
Despite the convenience and advancements of technology, it is not without its flaws. As much as we rely on technology for our businesses, there is always a possibility of issues arising. These potential flaws can pose risks of disrupting your business, impacting profits, and causing significant problems for customers. Most common ways to address these issues are information technology (IT) services like managed services or IT support services and help desk add-ons, which have proven to be beneficial for small to medium sized businesses looking for affordable solutions.
Choosing the right technical support model can be a critical decision for businesses of all sizes. Managed services and traditional IT support represent two distinct approaches to maintaining and optimizing your technology infrastructure. However, how can one know which option is most suitable for their business? In this blog post, we’ll explore and uncover the key differences between these two.
What is Traditional IT?
Traditional IT support or break-fix support describes a type of support that is reactive. In this approach, users report issues to the help desk, and the help desk provides resolutions. Limited support can cause these delays, especially during standard business hours.
Traditional IT can be in-house or outsourced, with smaller businesses often opting for in-house support. However, medium to larger businesses that don’t rely heavily on 24×7 IT availability may also choose this model.
Traditional IT fits businesses with stable and non-complex IT needs and applications. It may not be ideal for those requiring specialized skillsets, frequent upgrades, or extensive IT infrastructure.
What is Managed IT?
Managed IT support differs notably from traditional IT support because it uses proactive network monitoring. It has the characteristic of being ‘always on,’ which means it has 24/7 response times.
Managed IT offers flexible coverage options, scalability, and dynamic issue prevention. Gain access to a specialized pool of experts for your applications. With this, you can effectively lower training expenses and free up internal resources for strategic projects. Service Level Agreement (SLA) guarantees responsiveness and issue resolution, ensuring application continuity and providing valuable performance data for future planning.
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What is the difference Managed IT and Traditional IT
Comparing Traditional IT and Managed IT can be challenging for those unfamiliar with either option. This guide helps you understand the differences and choose the best service for your business.
Managed IT Pricing and Efficiency
Considering the expenses and cost-effectiveness is vital to highlight when comparing managed services with support services. Managed IT services pricing offer a transparent flat fee. It enables you to assess affordability and budget compatibility ASAP. This is particularly favorable for those working with tighter budgets yet aiming to maintain operational systems.
Adjusting plans provides flexibility to align costs with organizational changes, ensuring payment only for used services. Contrastingly, traditional IT may necessitate ongoing payments, even in the absence of assistance needs.
Patching and Upgrades
With the break-fix approach, addressing patches and upgrades typically occurs only upon request. These services include essential updates and improvements. However, neglecting software upgrades or failing to patch vulnerabilities exposes your system to significant risks of breaches. It poses potential issues for your security and data.
Managed services, on the other hand, implements robust security measures. Instead of awaiting approval, a reliable managed IT service takes the initiative to address issues and upgrades. These security services ensure that your system stays ahead, making your business more attractive.
Availability and Monitoring
A notable distinction between managed services and traditional IT lies in their availability. The latter may not be available 24/7. Addressing issues in support services often involves creating a ticket, with no assurance of an immediate resolution.
In contrast, when considering managed services, the team takes proactive monitoring. They promptly address and resolve issues as soon as they come up. This approach minimizes the risk of prolonged downtime, providing enhanced protection for your business.
What is the pricing?
Pricing structures for traditional IT Support have different approaches. Some opt for an annual fee negotiation. This provides unlimited access to a help desk. It is also often subject to yearly renegotiation based on the prior volume of support desk calls.
Alternatively, certain entities opt for pre-payment arrangements. It takes block hours to use as needed. This approach offers a cost-effective entry into IT support, providing access to a help desk only when essential. This model proves advantageous for smaller companies less dependent on continuous IT system operation for their business activities.
Managed Services pricing operates under a distinct paradigm. It involves a transparent and fixed monthly fee, specifically for the equipment and devices currently in use. Consequently, if a company experiences unexpected downsizing, resulting in the disuse of certain PCs, there is a direct impact on costs. The billing model ensures payment only for the resources used in any given month.
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How to choose between the two?
The solution is fairly simple.
To what extent is your business dependent on the continuous operation of your IT systems?
Consider the financial impact on your business if your systems were inactive for a day, or possibly two or three days. Evaluate how this downtime could affect your business financially.
If the functionality of your IT systems is crucial for serving your clients, choosing an MSP might be the more suitable option. This is particularly true if you require round-the-clock, year-round support.
Another rationale is the preference for cost control and the assurance of reliable support in unforeseen circumstances.
Which solution is most effective for your industry?
There exists a diverse array of distinctive business models to contemplate when deciding between managed services and support services. This decision often depends on your current needs and how the service will help maintain or improve your network.
However, it’s essential to understand that cost and cost-effectiveness are crucial for small businesses managing their budgets carefully. Achieving efficient performance at a reasonable cost may involve carefully justifying specific expenses in the pursuit of the ideal business model. Additionally, it’s crucial to consider the potential impact on profits resulting from a lack of support for a particular model.
Ready to make the optimal decision for your business and unlock a new dimension of IT excellence? Harness the expertise of ECF Data today and delve into the realm of IT solutions customized to meet your unique needs. Let’s ensure that IT works for your business goals, and not the other way around.
