Managed IT vs Break-FixThe Real Cost Comparison
65% of SMBs have shifted from break-fix to managed IT (CompTIA). Break-fix appears cheaper until the first major incident. Managed IT averages $100-250/user/month with predictable billing. Break-fix runs $150-250/hour with no cap.
Why Managed IT Wins
Eight dimensions that determine what you actually pay.
Flat monthly per-user fee vs unpredictable hourly billing
24/7 proactive AI-powered monitoring vs no monitoring at all
Included MSSP-level security vs bolt-on or absent security
SLA-backed response times vs depends-on-availability
Built-in compliance support (CMMC, HIPAA) vs not available
What Managed IT Includes
24/7 Monitoring and Alerting
Around-the-clock monitoring of servers, endpoints, network devices, and cloud infrastructure. Critical issues routed to engineers within 15 minutes.
AI-Powered Threat Detection
Private AI models analyze traffic, endpoints, and logs in real time. 3x faster anomaly detection versus traditional SIEM. Data stays on your infrastructure.
Patch Management
Automated patching for OS, applications, and firmware. Tested in staging before deployment. Monthly reports document what was applied.
Strategic IT Planning (vCIO)
Quarterly business reviews, technology roadmaps, budgeting assistance, and vendor management. Break-fix providers do not offer this.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between managed IT and break-fix?
Managed IT monitors, maintains, and secures your systems continuously for a flat fee. Break-fix is reactive: you call only when something breaks and pay per hour.
Which is cheaper?
Break-fix appears cheaper until the first incident. A single major outage costs $8,000-25,000/hour in downtime (Gartner). Most SMBs find managed IT cheaper over 12 months.
Do I need managed IT for a small business?
Small businesses are the most vulnerable. 60% close within 6 months of a major cyberattack (Ponemon). Managed IT provides enterprise-grade protection at per-user pricing.
Does managed IT include cybersecurity?
At PTG, yes. AI-powered threat detection, SIEM, EDR, vulnerability scanning, and compliance support are built into the monthly fee, not bolted on.
Related Resources
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