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We’ve all had something that just couldn’t go a few months without causing problems: the car that’s always stalling, a leaky faucet, a temperamental computer. No matter how many times you fix it, it doesn’t seem to stay fixed for long. So, you try to diagnose the problem, give it a quick fix, and move on.
In the tech world, we call that the break/fix model. When something breaks, you fix that specific problem, even if there may be underlying problems that need to be addressed. Everyone does it—it’s easier and less time-consuming than completely overhauling the product or system.
But in today’s fast-paced tech world, break/fix just isn’t good enough anymore. We need to be able to rely on our technology for day-to-day operations, which means that our systems need to be much more stable and efficient than they were in the past.
One way to achieve that is by moving away from break/fix support and towards a managed service provider (MSP) model, where your IT infrastructure is actively monitored by a third party who can quickly identify and resolve any problems. Let’s dive into how the break/fix model is costing you time and money and what to do about it.
Why the Current IT Model Just Doesn’t Work Anymore
With traditional IT support, you’re constantly juggling multiple problems, which can lead to communication breakdowns and wasted time. You have to rely on your in-house team to identify and diagnose any issues that arise, which means that they’re spending most of their time doing reactive work instead of proactive work.
In addition, the break/fix model often means that you’re caught in a reactive cycle where issues are addressed individually, rather than holistically. This can result in the same problems coming up again and again, costing you even more time and money.
You probably never thought you’d hear a comparison between IT support and your love life but here we go. You and your significant other just had a little disagreement or argument about something silly, like the way they wait to charge their phone until it’s already dead. But is it really because they wait until their phone is dead to charge it? Or is it the underlying problem that you want to know they’re safe and available when you need them or want to talk?
Wow, we’re getting deep here! But it’s the same idea with IT support. In the break/fix model, you’re constantly trying to fix individual problems as they pop up, instead of addressing underlying issues that could be causing those problems in the first place.
So, there’s the problem of the break/fix model. On top of that, the old IT support model leaves little time and resources for strategic IT when compared to a technology partnership. The true cost of an in-house IT employee can depend on individual experience and location. And if your one or two employees are constantly troubleshooting and responding to IT issues, it’s hard to accomplish much else.
In a world where technology changes at the speed of light, it’s important to have a strategic approach that helps you serve your customers better.
How Your Business Benefits From a Technology Partnership
If the old version of IT support isn’t working for your business, what needs to take its place? Our solution: a technology partnership with a managed service provider. With a third party taking care of everything from support to cybersecurity, you’ll see benefits like:
- Reduced downtime and more stable operations
- Increased efficiency through strategic IT planning and support
- More reliable communication between your team and customers
- Better security protocols to protect sensitive data
- Employee training to help your team become more tech-savvy
- Strategic IT consulting for digital adoption
- Cloud-based systems to keep your operations running smoothly no matter what comes your way
We could talk for hours about all the great benefits of a technology partnership, but since we don’t have that time, just know that we think it’s the new way to serve your customers and support your employees.
5 Tips for a Collaborative Technology Partnership
Be On the Same Page When It Comes to Goals and Expectations
Before you start looking for a technology partner, take some time to determine what your goals are and what kind of support you’ll need. This will help ensure that your expectations and the provider’s align so that everyone is on the same page.
Some MSPs will only want to offer you cybersecurity or help you with the cloud. Others will be able to offer you comprehensive resources and tools to give you an IT overhaul. In your discovery call or consultation, outline exactly what you’re looking for and ask the provider any questions you have, even if it feels like overkill.
Embrace Change Regularly
IT support changes at a breakneck speed, and you’ll need to keep up with these changes if you want your partnership to be successful. Schedule regular brainstorming sessions or workshops with your provider to assess where your business is at and what kind of progress you’ve made, so that everyone can make informed decisions about how to move forward.
Get to Know Each Other—They’re Partners, Not Contract Workers
When you’re working with a technology partner, it’s important to remember that they’re your business partner, not just a contractor. You’re both going to want to make sure that you can build rapport and trust each other to make the most of your collaboration.
Communicate About Every Detail
Technology is a make-it-or-break-it tool. Since every business is different, you’ll have specific needs or know exactly what you and your employees need to succeed. Don’t be afraid to voice those needs and express your concerns, so that you can work together to create the best possible outcome for everyone.
Give Up a Little Bit of Control to the Experts
Just like when you outsource anything, you’re giving a bit of control over to the people who do it best or who have more time and resources than you to get the job done. With a technology partnership, you’ll still be collaborating on the decision-making, but it’s important to remember that your MSP are experts for a reason—they know how to get results from technology.
Why People Choose Stability Networks For Their Technology Partnership
A technology partnership is a powerful way to get the most out of your business technology. By moving away from the break/fix model and taking advantage of an MSP, you’ll be working with a team of experts whose only job is to make your technology better.
Hundreds of business owners have found that partnership with Stability Networks. The only way that we succeed is by helping our clients succeed, which is why we take the time to understand your goals and discover how technology will best help you. Schedule a consultation so you can find out if we’re the technology partner you’ve been looking for!
