Why Managed IT Services is Better Than On Demand IT for Most Businesses
Trying to decide which IT support model is best for your business?
This short guide will clear up the jargon you hear regarding IT service models and show why we recommend the Managed Services model for most businesses.
Now, before we jump into the complex world of technology, let’s get a grasp on things by talking about something you are familiar with—driving your car.
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Just like your work computer, you likely drive your car every work day. It’s essential for getting things done, you might say.
Now, if you had the choice, which of these cars would you rather have?
A car you’re unaware of any issues and you cruise along until it doesn’t work anymore. If it breaks, you cross your fingers and hope for an inexpensive fix?
-or-
A car that’s been thoroughly inspected, covered for any issues, and gets complimentary maintenance and repairs at a flat monthly rate?
Sounds simple right? The difference between On Demand IT and Managed Services is as simple as this, but the benefits to your business have a compounding effect.
Let’s talk about why.
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Life with On Demand IT (AKA Hourly Support)
What it means: On Demand IT support is a break-glass-in-case-of-emergency approach to your business. On Demand IT is support hired on an hourly basis for the purpose of fixing an issue or consulting on a particular project. Basically, when something is broken, you call to get it fixed.
Why some might want it: Your technology is low priority. Or you have an IT expert on staff who occasionally needs help with a particular issue. We have clients using On Demand IT that it’s a good fit for.
“But, my technology is a priority and I don’t have an IT pro on staff—can I still use On Demand IT?"
You can…but tell us, does this sound familiar? Most small businesses start off with a little technology. But, as they grow, they add to the pile of technology: software, hardware, phones, apps, backups, user accounts—all without any planning. They plan on dealing with it “one day in the future.”
Eventually, the pile becomes overwhelming, but since IT has never found a home in the budget, the easy decision is to put bandaids on the issues instead of solving root causes.
At this stage, the businesses often delegate IT stuff to their most tech-savvy employee. Let’s call her Susan.
Everyone in the company knows that when they have a tech issue, they can check to see if Susan knows how to fix it.
Now, Susan knows a little IT stuff. Small fixes she’s picked up through her life.
So, on top of Susan’s actual job, she helps other team members with their tech woes. When things are over Susan’s head or she’s too busy, that’s when she calls in a professional IT service to help solve a single isolated issue.
But, this model almost always plays out the same. Since employees can’t resolve their tech issues, they let issues pile up until it halts work altogether.
And since the IT service has been asked to only resolve the isolated issue and not root causes, then the chaotic pile of technology remains the same. But, hey, you’re back up and running for now.
This is what we call a break/fix experience with technology.
The break/fix approach puts your technology costs in the fog, employees on their own, and makes the most precious business tools unreliable. With the inability to forecast costs, and nobody fixing root causes or preventing future issues, you can only hope for good luck.
When we help companies that have high-priority technology that are caught in this repetitive break/fix cycle, we transition them to managed services so we can clean house, streamline technology, and make sure all the moving parts are in sync for good.
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Life with Managed IT Services (AKA Flat Fee Unlimited Service.)
What it means: IT service that manages all your technology for a flat monthly fee. This includes prevention, security, unlimited service calls for any issues, and designs your technology to scale with your business.
Why some might want it: You want your technology to work for you, invisibly, so you and the team can focus completely on growing the business.
“But, is it really expensive?”
No, it is not. Here’s three overlooked reasons why:
Eliminates unexpected expenses. Our managed services pricing works by first determining what technology you need supported, then simply giving you a flat monthly price based on how many users are in your company.
Prevents future downtime. Just like your car, if you allow unchecked issues to stack up, you’ll likely have a major blowout at some point. Preventing any major issues or business setbacks, not only saves you money with your IT support, it saves your business money by skipping downtime or worse.
Creates more efficient systems. By getting specialized experts to help you reach your goals, your business and team work more efficiently—which clears the way for you to earn more and save more.
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Let’s summarize.
On Demand IT: Support hired on an hourly basis for the purpose of fixing an existing issue or consulting on a particular project.
Managed Services: Support that’s like having your own IT team that designs, secures, maintains, and repairs your technology for a flat monthly cost.
We recommend Managed Services as the best approach to solving your technology, reaching your business goals, and allowing you to focus on what matters most.
If you have any questions about either of these services—please reach out below. We’re happy to review your business and give you crystal clear pricing.