Managed IT Services vs Break-Fix: Choose Your IT Support

Managed IT Services vs Break-Fix: Which IT Support Model is Right for Your Business?

Choosing the right IT support model is crucial for modern businesses. This article compares break-fix services and managed IT services to help you decide which approach best fits your needs.

An Introduction to LK Technologies - A Trusted Cincinnati IT Services Provider

LK Technologies is a leading provider of IT solutions for small businesses in Cincinnati, OH. For over 20 years, they have offered managed IT services, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and more to boost efficiency and growth for local companies. Their expertise in tailoring technology solutions has made LK Technologies a trusted partner for many organizations in the region.

LK Technologies was founded in 2001 by a team of IT professionals who saw a need for more proactive, preventative IT support in the Cincinnati area. As businesses were increasingly relying on technology to operate, the break-fix model of waiting for things to break before calling an IT provider was becoming unsustainable. LK Technologies aimed to provide an alternative with managed services centered around regular maintenance, monitoring, and optimization.

Over the past two decades, LK Technologies has expanded from a handful of clients to providing ongoing managed IT services, project management, and cybersecurity support for over 150 organizations in the greater Cincinnati region. However, they still maintain a boutique, white-glove approach to IT with dedicated account managers for each client. Their managed services cover the full breadth of IT infrastructure including networks, endpoints, backups, business continuity, cloud solutions, telephony systems, and more.

LK Technologies has received accolades including being named to the MSP 500 list by CRN and the Channel Futures MSP 501 list for multiple years running. These lists recognize the top technology providers and IT managed service companies in North America. LK Technologies has become the trusted IT partner for Cincinnati businesses looking to leverage technology securely and effectively.

What are Break-Fix IT Services?

Break-fix is a reactive IT support model based on troubleshooting issues as they arise. You call a provider when something breaks or stops working properly in your technology environment. The provider sends an engineer to resolve the specific technical issue.

Some examples of common break-fix service requests include:

• A server crashes unexpectedly, preventing employees from accessing files or systems. A technician is dispatched to get the server back online and troubleshoot the cause.
• VPN access stops working for remote employees. An engineer reconfigures the VPN to restore access.
• A virus infects computers across your office. The IT provider cleans machines of malware to regain functionality.
• New workstations arrive but aren't configured properly on your network. Technicians visit to get PCs hooked up and installed.

Break-fix often involves an hourly rate plus fees for parts and materials. Costs depend on the complexity of the problem and how long repairs take. Straightforward issues like updating software or removing viruses may have minimum charges. Complex repairs like server or network outages have less predictable costs.

Pros of break-fix services:

• Cost-effective for occasional minor issues - Paying hourly or per incident can save money compared to a monthly managed IT contract if problems are infrequent.
• Flexible, pay-as-you-go model - You only pay when you need support without an ongoing contract.

Cons of break-fix services:

• Unpredictable costs for ongoing repairs - Hourly fees rapidly add up if you face frequent issues and downtime. Break-fix doesn't budget or cap expenses.
• Repeated downtime from reactive approach - Waiting for outages means lost productivity and business impact from technology failures.
• Security risks from lack of preventative maintenance - Systems aren't proactively secured and monitored, leaving you vulnerable to cyberthreats.
• Variable response times - Low priority issues may have delayed resolution when relying on break-fix support.

Break-fix works best for relatively simple IT environments with infrequent, minor issues. As companies grow and technology complexity increases, break-fix becomes less effective. The unpredictable, reactive nature of break-fix makes it hard to rely on as a long-term IT support strategy.

What are Managed IT Services?

Managed IT services provide continuous monitoring, maintenance, and optimization of your technology environment. Rather than one-off repairs, managed service providers (MSPs) take full responsibility for managing and securing your IT infrastructure and systems.

Managed IT services evolved as an alternative to break-fix support. They focus on prevention, system management, and uptime rather than reacting to crises. With managed services, an MSP becomes a true partner, overseeing your technology so you can focus on your business.

Some examples of services provided by managed IT companies like LK Technologies include:

• 24/7 real-time network and system monitoring - Advanced software keeps constant watch over networks to detect performance issues or outages for rapid response.
• Patch management - Software patches, driver updates, and system upgrades are applied to ensure functionality and security.
• Cloud services - Cloud backup provides offsite data protection while cloud hosting delivers flexible access to storage, software, servers and more.
• Cybersecurity - Businesses are secured through measures like antivirus software, firewalls, intrusion detection, vulnerability scans, and employee security training.
• Help desk support - Employees have 24-hour help desk access via phone, email, chat, and remote session for any IT issues.
• Business continuity - Disaster recovery plans and failover measures prevent downtime from outages.
• Reporting - Detailed reports provide visibility into system health, asset inventory, operational efficiency, and security status.

Benefits of managed IT services include:

• Focus on prevention, optimization, and risk reduction - Technology is proactively managed to avoid issues before they occur.
• Deep visibility into your infrastructure for efficiency - Detailed monitoring and reporting reveal opportunities to streamline IT operations.
• Around-the-clock monitoring and scheduled maintenance - Critical systems are continuously monitored while routine maintenance prevents problems.
• Reduced downtime through proactive management - Technology failures are minimized through early issue detection.
• Fixed monthly costs for predictable IT budgeting - Managed IT services are priced as a flat monthly fee making spend predictable.
• Improved security - Regular patches, upgrades, monitoring, and training defend against increasingly sophisticated cyberthreats.
• Access to expertise - You tap into the MSP's broad knowledge base for strategic technology optimization.
• Scalability - Managed services scale to support your changing needs as your business evolves.

Managed IT provides the continuous care and maintenance technology requires - along with expert guidance - so you can focus on your core business priorities.

Choosing the Right IT Support Model for Your Business

When selecting an IT support approach, weigh factors like your budget, risk tolerance, and need for proactive maintenance. For many modern businesses, managed services provide greater reliability, security, and strategic value compared to break-fix.

Here is an overview of how the two models compare:

Factor	Break-Fix	Managed Services
Cost	Pay per incident	Monthly fixed fee
Approach	Reactive	Proactive
Responsibility	Shared between you and provider	Owned by provider
Resolving Issues	Wait for failure then call provider	Prevent issues before they arise
Security	Vulnerable with gaps in prevention	Enhanced through layered protection
Uptime	Repeated downtime	Maximized through monitoring
Scalability	Limited - requires overhauling support	Built-in and flexible
Strategy	Tactical troubleshooting	Strategic IT optimization
Budgeting	Unpredictable	Fixed monthly costs

For many businesses, the choice comes down to whether IT support is viewed as merely technical upkeep or a source of strategic advantage. With break-fix, you view technology through a cost-centered lens, paying for fixes only when unavoidable. Managed services recognize technology as a critical business driver deserving proactive investment in security, reliability, and performance.

Here are signs your business may benefit from transitioning to managed IT services:

• Frequent technology issues and downtime - Ongoing break-fix costs signal the need for preventative maintenance to reduce failures.
• Complex, growing IT environment - As your technology footprint expands, a break-fix approach becomes inefficient.
• Limited internal IT expertise - Lean IT teams lack capacity for deep monitoring and upkeep, increasing risk.
• Security concerns - Proactive security and compliance management are vital for protecting your business.
• New business initiatives - Expansion plans depend on scalable, high-performing technology.

For most modern businesses, partnering with an MSP like LK Technologies for managed IT services can provide:

• Continuous proactive maintenance to optimize uptime
• Enhanced security and compliance
• Improved operational efficiency
• Greater agility and reduced risk
• A strategic expert guiding your technology roadmap

Partnering with LK Technologies for Complete Managed IT Services

Partnering with LK Technologies gives you complete IT support so you can focus on your core business. Their tailored managed IT services and cybersecurity solutions enable organizations in Cincinnati to work productively and expand securely.

LK Technologies' managed IT packages are customized to match each company's technical environment, business priorities, and growth trajectory. They become your outsourced IT department, handling everything from daily maintenance to long-term strategy. Core elements of LK Technologies' managed services include:

Monitoring and Maintenance - Proactive monitoring pinpoints problems before they disrupt operations. Routine maintenance like patching and upgrades prevents issues.

Help Desk - Unlimited 24/7 end-user support resolves problems quickly via phone, email, remote access, and on-site visits.

Cybersecurity - LK Technologies secures clients through technologies like firewalls, antivirus software, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability testing.

Business Continuity - Disaster recovery plans and failover measures keep companies running through outages.

Reporting - Custom reports provide visibility into system health, usage data, inventory, and operational performance.

Cloud Computing - Hybrid cloud environment blending on-premise and cloud resources for performance, scalability, and business continuity.

Project Management - LK Technologies guides implementation of new technologies to boost capabilities while minimizing disruption.

Strategic Guidance - As a trusted advisor, LK Technologies helps chart your technology roadmap to reach business goals.

LK Technologies becomes your IT partner, giving you an entire department focused on driving technology results. Their managed services cover your infrastructure, endpoints, security, backups, continuity, telephony systems, and more. With LK Technologies' expert guidance, Cincinnati organizations get the most out of their IT investments.

Contact LK Technologies today  to learn more about their managed IT and cybersecurity services focused on fueling the growth of Cincinnati businesses through technology.