If you’re a small business owner, chances are you’ve faced an IT issue at the worst possible time — a crashed server, a locked-out employee, or a printer that won’t print before a big client meeting. When that happens, the difference between Managed IT and break/fix IT becomes clear.
In this blog, we’ll break down the differences in these approaches, and help you decide which is right for your business — now and as you grow.
What Is Break/Fix IT Support?
Break/fix is exactly what it sounds like: you wait until something breaks, and then you call someone to fix it. You pay per incident or by the hour.
It’s reactive. There’s no ongoing monitoring, no proactive maintenance, and no long-term planning. It can seem like a cost-saving option for very small businesses or startups — at least at first.
Typical scenarios where break/fix is used:
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A server crashes and you call a tech to recover data
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Your internet goes down and you scramble for help
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You need a new laptop set up, but only once or twice a year
What Are Managed IT Services?
Managed IT services are proactive. Instead of waiting for something to break, a managed service provider (MSP) monitors your systems 24/7, updates your software, secures your network, and supports your users — all for a fixed monthly fee.
It’s like having your own IT department without the cost of hiring one.
Managed IT typically includes:
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24/7 monitoring and helpdesk support
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Data backups and disaster recovery
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Cybersecurity protections (including services like firewall monitoring, endpoint protection, and email filtering)
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Device and user management
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Strategic IT planning and budgeting
Break/Fix vs. Managed IT: Key Differences
| Feature | Break/Fix Support | Managed IT Services |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Reactive (fix when broken) | Proactive (prevent issues) |
| Cost | Pay-as-you-go | Predictable monthly fee |
| Downtime | Can be lengthy | Often prevented |
| Support Availability | As needed | Ongoing, usually 24/7 |
| Cybersecurity | Not included | Included in most packages |
| Scalability | Limited | Designed to grow with your business |
How to Evaluate What You Really Need
Not every business has the same tech demands — and that’s okay. Before making the switch from break/fix to managed IT, ask yourself:
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How much downtime can we afford before it affects customers?
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Do we have someone responsible for cybersecurity, or is it an afterthought?
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Have we experienced recurring IT issues that never seem fully resolved?
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Are we planning to grow, hire, or open new locations in the next 12 months?
Taking stock of your current situation helps clarify whether your IT approach supports or limits your business goals. Even just listing out your recent IT headaches can be a good place to start.
What Does This Mean for Your Business?
Break/fix might work if:
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You’re a solo entrepreneur or micro business
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You have minimal tech needs
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You’re okay with occasional downtime
Managed IT is a better fit if:
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You rely on technology to operate day-to-day
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You want predictable costs and fewer emergencies
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You’re growing and need scalable, secure infrastructure
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You’re subject to compliance requirements (HIPAA, PCI, etc.)
Why Small Businesses Choose Managed IT
At Harbor IT, we work with small and mid-sized businesses every day to take the weight of IT off their plate. Our cyber-first approach ensures that your systems are not only up and running, but also secure, optimized, and ready to scale.
We help you:
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Eliminate surprise IT bills
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Reduce downtime
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Protect your data from ransomware and phishing
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Plan for growth with confidence
