Do you need help with Business Continuity or IT Management?
IT support isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for businesses. Dave from GoodChoice IT breaks down the different types of managed IT services and helps you figure out which one best suits your company’s needs. It’s all about finding the right mix to keep things running smoothly and securely.
Key Takeaways
- Break-fix is reactive, only fixing things when they go wrong.
- Managed IT Services are proactive, aiming to prevent issues and keep systems stable.
- Co-managed IT combines in-house staff for daily tasks with an external provider for strategy and security.
- A part-time IT Director can offer strategic guidance, especially for larger firms.
- The right IT support model saves time, money, and stress while boosting security.
The Old Way: Break-Fix Support
Remember the days when you’d just wait for your computer to break and then call someone to fix it? That’s the essence of ‘break-fix’ IT support. While it might seem straightforward, relying solely on this method means you’re missing out on a lot of potential benefits. Technology should be actively helping your business move forward, not just waiting for something to go wrong. Plus, with cybersecurity being such a huge risk these days, not being proactive can seriously put your business in danger. If you’re not keeping up with security, you could end up losing the whole business.
Stepping Up: Managed IT Services
The next step up from break-fix is managed IT services. This is where an external company takes care of most of your IT needs. They usually don’t get too involved in the big-picture IT strategy, though some might offer a ‘virtual CIO’ service. It’s worth noting that some of these virtual CIOs are really just sales consultants, so you need to be a bit careful. The real value comes when you have someone who can align what the IT provider is doing with what your business actually needs. This often involves translating technical jargon so the management team can make informed decisions about IT.
The Hybrid Approach: Co-Managed IT
For businesses with around 50 staff, a model called ‘co-managed IT’ can be a great option. This involves having your own in-house IT team, perhaps handling the day-to-day stuff and building good relationships with staff. Then, a managed service provider handles the more complex or strategic parts. This way, if someone has a simple email issue, your in-house person can sort it out quickly without you having to pay a premium for your external provider to handle it. It’s a good balance, using the strengths of both in-house knowledge and external expertise.
Strategic Guidance: The Part-Time IT Director
For larger companies, bringing in a part-time or fractional IT Director can be really beneficial. This person works with you long-term, getting to know your business inside out. They help make sure the IT decisions being made align with your business goals. They’re not just fixing problems; they’re providing strategic advice and helping you understand technology so you can make better choices. This role is about bridging the gap between technology and business strategy.
Fully Outsourced IT: When IT Isn’t Core
Some businesses decide that IT isn’t their main focus and choose to outsource it completely. This means handing over all IT responsibilities to an external provider. While this can work, there’s an argument to be made that having some core IT understanding within your business is important, much like finance or marketing. If you completely outsource, you might lose the ability to use IT as a real driver for business growth because that internal knowledge is missing. It’s important to have someone on your team who truly understands technology and can advise on its strategic use.
Avoiding the Pitfalls
Be wary of IT providers who charge extremely low prices, like £10 a month. Reputable managed service providers often spend more than that on tools per user. Such cheap services might be okay for a handful of computers, but as you grow, you’ll likely run into problems. You need proactive IT management, not just reactive fixes. It’s also a good idea to find an IT provider you trust and stick with them long-term, rather than switching every few years. Building a good relationship can lead to better support and a better understanding of your business needs.
If you have any questions or want to chat about how technology can help your business grow, feel free to reach out. I’m happy to help you explore your options.
