Have you heard the terms IT support and managed IT services and wondered, what is the difference? You aren’t alone. Many people use the terms interchangeably, and it can often get confusing to tell the two apart…
Both IT support and managed IT services play crucial roles in the management of your IT infrastructure. In this article, we will break down the key differences between the two and share which your business can benefit from the most.
What is IT support?
Traditional IT support, often referred to as ‘break-fix IT’, is a reactive service. It focuses on resolving issues when they arise, making sure your business can operate without disruption. Think of it as an ad hoc system.
For example, if your systems crash, you lose data, perhaps your software glitches, or you have a virus infection, IT support would come in handy to resolve this.
What are managed IT services?
Managed IT services take a proactive approach to technology, as opposed to the reactive nature of IT support. It manages IT systems for businesses, covering a set of specific functions. Rather than waiting for an issue to arise, managed service providers (MSPs) monitor and manage your systems continuously to ensure they are running smoothly.
How do I know which is best for my business?
Both IT support and managed IT services play a crucial role in the upkeep of your business’s IT infrastructure. Below are some key differences between the two:
Reactive vs. proactive
The biggest difference between the two is that IT support is reactive, whereas managed IT services are proactive. Think of IT support as like taking your dog to the emergency vet because he isn’t as sprightly as usual. Whereas managed IT services are like having pet insurance, regularly performing health check-ups to make sure he’s good and well. The same goes for your IT; managed IT services are proactive and constantly monitor to make sure nothing’s amiss.
Engagement
With IT support, engagement and interaction are often sporadic and out of necessity, whereas managed service providers integrate themselves into your systems and work closely with your organisation to understand your needs and create a technology strategy that supports your business’s long-term goals.
Costs
The costs of both services are also accounted for differently. IT support is often billed hourly, with additional charges for emergency support and on-site visits. Managed IT support is usually offered as a monthly subscription or a fixed fee, covering all the services, including emergencies and site visits.
This makes for easier budgeting and eliminates the stress of potential unexpected costs to your business.
Scope
IT support often focuses on resolving immediate issues, such as troubleshooting hardware or a security breach. Managed IT support, on the other hand, tends to offer a broader range of services, as they often have a team of experts with specialised knowledge in myriad areas.
Which do I choose?
Choosing between IT support and managed IT services depends on a multitude of factors, such as the industry you operate in, your budget, the size and complexity of your technology. If you rarely rely on technology, you may be able to get away with the occasional IT support fix. However, if you rely heavily on technology for your business to function and prefer predictable costs and a safety blanket, you may benefit more from managed IT services.
Here at Daffodil IT, we provide IT support and managed IT services for all your tech needs. Our team of in-house experts are ready to provide that helping hand. Remember, your IT should work for you, not against you.
Still unsure about which you’d benefit from the most? Give us a call! We can help provide honest advice on what you can benefit from the most.
