There are several factors to consider when picking an IT service provider, including:
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Quality of services
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Cost of services
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Reliability and automation
IT is an integral part of every business. To this end, businesses cannot afford to have problems with their IT infrastructure.
IT maintenance solutions mostly come in two arrangements: continuous maintenance from a managed service provider (MSP) or maintenance on a need-be basis when something goes wrong. These arrangements have varying benefits and shortcomings.
Here is an overview of how managed IT services compare to break-fix IT services.
Managed IT Services
Managed IT services in Alexandria entail having someone always monitoring your IT infrastructure and working both proactively and reactively to keep them operating optimally. The Managed Service Provider (MSP) is responsible for all IT maintenance, and they are always on the clock. The MSP can be an in-house IT department or a third-party IT service provider (outsourcing).
Managed IT services offer a wide range of benefits, including:
Pros of Managed IT Services
Reliability
Businesses cannot afford to have their IT infrastructure break down as it would disrupt all other operations. Fortunately, this risk is minimized when working with an MSP, as they offer preventative care services to prevent downtimes.
The MSP will also respond quickly to any problem to minimize its impacts. More importantly, they will keep your systems updated and leverage new technologies to improve your IT infrastructure.
Quality Services
Many companies opt to contract third-party service providers for MSP IT management (outsourcing). These third-party companies have vast resources, including teams of talented IT technicians. They will put all of these resources at your disposal to ensure that you get the best quality services – better quality than an in-house IT department would offer.
Cost Savings
In-house IT departments may be too expensive for small companies to sustain, but outsourcing is affordable. Third-party IT service providers have many clients and vast resources, which allows them to discount their prices. They also offer quality services, as mentioned.
Cons of Managed IT Services
However, there are cases when managed services are not ideal. For example, establishing an in-house IT department may be too expensive – making a case for outsourcing. Additionally, third-party IT service providers are not ideal for companies dealing with sensitive data – in which case these companies should employ in-house IT managers to secure their sensitive data.
Break-Fix IT Services
Break-fix IT services entail calling in an IT technician to fix IT problems after they occur. There is no one to monitor the IT infrastructure – just an IT technician on speed dial.
Break-fix IT services are only ideal if your IT infrastructure performs basic functions and doesn’t experience regular complications. However, the assumption that this arrangement will save you money is not always correct – you will spend more on the local technician than you will on an MSP if your IT infrastructure experiences regular complications.
However, the shortcomings of a break-fix arrangement are not worth any perceived benefits. For example, you need someone to always monitor and operate your IT infrastructure in a way that will optimize your overall performance.
Final Thoughts
A robust IT infrastructure will streamline your business’s operations and give you a strong competitive edge. You cannot afford to have your IT infrastructure break down, which is why you need a reliable IT maintenance service provider. An MSP is ideal, as proven by this comparison.