When it comes to business I.T. support, most owners are stuck choosing between two options:
- Break-Fix – You only call for help when something breaks
- Managed I.T. Services – You pay a provider to monitor and maintain your systems proactively
At first glance, break-fix seems cheaper. You’re not paying monthly fees, and you only get billed when there’s an issue.
But does that actually save you money in the long run?
Let’s compare both models — and look at which one offers better value for your business.
What Is Break-Fix Support?
This is the old-school model. Something breaks, you call in a tech, they fix it, and send you a bill.
It’s reactive by nature. And while it can work for very small businesses with minimal tech needs, it has major downsides: – Unpredictable costs — One issue could cost thousands – Longer downtime — Fixes happen after things go wrong – No preventative care — Security risks build up unnoticed – Limited support scope — Often no help unless something’s broken.
It’s like waiting for your car to break down on the highway instead of getting regular services.
What Is Managed I.T. Support?
Managed I.T. is a proactive model. You pay a fixed monthly fee for ongoing monitoring, maintenance, support, and strategic advice.
A good provider acts as your outsourced I.T. department — not just fixing problems, but preventing them. Services often include: – 24/7 monitoring – Security updates & patches – Cloud & backup management – Help desk support – Cybersecurity protection – Strategy and tech planning.
Instead of reacting to issues, your I.T. is being taken care of in the background.
🤔 Quick Breakdown: Managed vs Break-Fix
| Feature | Break-Fix | Managed I.T. |
| Cost Predictability | Unpredictable | Fixed monthly fee |
| Downtime Risk | Higher | Lower (proactive fixes) |
| Security & Updates | Manual, inconsistent | Regular, automated |
| Strategic Guidance | None | Included |
| Support Availability | Only when you call | Ongoing & on demand |
The Hidden Costs of Break-Fix
Many businesses underestimate how expensive reactive I.T. can be: – Lost revenue during downtime – Emergency repair costs (often premium rates) – Data loss or security breaches from missed updates – Staff frustration and productivity loss.
You might pay less upfront, but you often pay more over time.
When Managed I.T. Becomes a No-Brainer
If your business: – Has more than 5 employees – Relies on cloud apps, remote access, or multiple devices – Handles sensitive client data – Needs fast, reliable tech support.
…then managed I.T. isn’t just cost-effective — it’s essential.
It gives you peace of mind, predictable costs, and the ability to plan for growth.
Why Simplicity I.T. Uses the Managed Model
We believe tech support should be proactive, not reactive. That’s why Simplicity I.T. offers fully managed services that cover: – Help desk support – Cloud management – Cybersecurity protection – VoIP & remote work systems – Regular reporting & tech reviews.
All tailored to Australian SMEs — with no tech jargon and no lock-in contracts.
Still on Break-Fix? Let’s Chat.
If you’re currently using a break-fix provider (or winging it solo), we’d love to show you how managed I.T. compares — in cost, reliability, and peace of mind.
👉 Explore our managed services
Or book a free, no-pressure tech health check: 👉 Book your strategy session
Tech problems shouldn’t be surprises. Let’s move your I.T. from reactive to reliable.
