If there’s anything we learned in the past five years, it’s that the world runs on technology. Chances are your business does, too!
Your
communication systems, office computers, printers and scanners, productivity tools, payroll software, inventory systems, and data storage rely on secure and reliable technology.
According to the
U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 93% percent of small business owners report using at least one type of technology platform to help run their business. And among them, 94% claim technology allows them to run their business more efficiently.
If you’re looking for business success in the modern age, you must invest in technology that optimizes workflows and boosts efficiency. And you need to find an IT service model to make that happen.
An IT service model is the framework or approach for delivering managed IT services to clients or end-users. It outlines the structure, processes, and methodologies an IT service provider follows to meet their customers' technology needs efficiently and effectively.
Because no two organizations have the exact same needs, a one-size-fits-all IT solution package isn’t enough. That’s why there are various types of IT service models.
Each model, with its unique advantages, can empower businesses with the right tools and IT support—the key is understanding your organization’s tech needs and finding a suitable model to address them. Here are the three most common IT service delivery models:
An in-house IT staff or internal IT support means your organization hires internal technical employees responsible for all technology-related tasks, including IT planning, support, troubleshooting, installation, monitoring, maintenance, and upgrades.
Many large or enterprise organizations opt for a comprehensive in-house IT department. While some small and midsize businesses hire one or a few IT support staff to handle immediate IT issues, most find having an entire IT department on their payroll impractical and expensive.
Read More:
Steps to Take When Your In-House IT Leaves Your Medical Practice
IT software company Kaseya defines break/fix IT services as the reactive model of hiring IT service providers on an as-needed basis.
For example, if a business experiences downtime or IT issues, they call a break/fix IT service provider for assistance. The technician visits the business location, performs one-time IT services, and bills the business an hourly rate and the cost of parts.
While it was the primary model for IT service delivery ten years ago, technological advancements have allowed IT service providers to address tech concerns more efficiently and effectively, causing break/fix services to lose popularity.
Managed IT is the proactive and outsourced approach to managing an organization's IT infrastructure and services.
In this model, a business partners with a
trusted managed service provider (MSP) to handle their IT needs and pays a monthly or yearly fee, rather than relying solely on an internal IT department or addressing issues reactively.
According to technology marketing company
TechTarget, managed IT services can involve many different types of tasks and offerings. Still, the idea behind them is to transfer the burden of maintaining IT infrastructures from the customer to a service provider.
Read More:
Why Dental Offices Need Managed IT Services
Choosing the IT service delivery model that best meets your business’s unique needs can be complicated and confusing, especially since each has its own advantages and drawbacks. Here are some comparison tables to help you decide:
In-House IT Staff
Break/Fix Services
Managed IT Services
Break/Fix Services
Managed IT Services
In-House IT Staff
Break/Fix Services
Managed IT Services
Choosing the right IT service model for your business on your industry, size, budget, and the complexity of your IT needs.
An in-house IT team can be a great option if you have the resources and expertise to find, hire, and manage experienced IT professionals.
If you have a limited budget, use few devices, and don’t experience many IT issues,
break/fix services may be the more practical option.
However, if you’re looking for comprehensive IT services, proactive downtime prevention, and 24/7 access to expert advice, partnering with an
established managed IT services provider is an excellent business decision.
To find your organization's ideal IT service model, you can start with an in-depth consult with a reliable IT, cloud, and cybersecurity services provider like
ER Tech Pros. Our team of experienced engineers will thoroughly
evaluate your IT infrastructure, pinpoint any potential issues, and recommend IT solutions to meet your budget and business needs.
The three primary IT service models are:
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Provides virtualized computing resources over the internet, such as servers, storage, and networking.
Platform as a Service (PaaS): Offers a platform allowing customers to develop, run, and manage applications without dealing with the underlying infrastructure.
Software as a Service (SaaS): Delivers software applications over the internet, on a subscription basis, eliminating the need for installations or maintenance.
These models offer varying levels of control, flexibility, and management, catering to different business needs.
IaaS: Provides the most control, allowing businesses to manage applications, data, runtime, middleware, and operating systems. The provider manages virtualization, servers, storage, and networking.
PaaS: Offers control over applications and data, while the provider manages runtime, middleware, operating systems, and infrastructure components.
SaaS: The provider manages all aspects, including applications, data, runtime, middleware, operating systems, and infrastructure, offering the least control but the most convenience.
This hierarchy allows businesses to choose a model that aligns with their technical capabilities and desired level of management.
IaaS: Ideal for businesses needing scalable resources, such as startups or enterprises with fluctuating workloads. Commonly used for hosting websites, storage, and backup solutions.
PaaS: Suitable for developers focusing on application development without worrying about infrastructure. Commonly used for developing web or mobile applications.
SaaS: Best for businesses seeking ready-to-use applications. Commonly used for email services, customer relationship management (CRM), and collaboration tools.
Each model serves distinct business needs, and the choice depends on specific requirements and resources.
Yes, many organizations adopt a hybrid approach, utilizing multiple service models to meet different needs. For example:
Using SaaS for email and collaboration tools.
Employing PaaS for developing customer-facing applications.
Leveraging IaaS for data storage and backup solutions.
This combination allows businesses to optimize resources, enhance flexibility, and tailor IT solutions to specific operational requirements.
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ER Tech Pros is a managed service provider (MSP) that specializes in catering to the IT needs of businesses across the globe. We have offices in Sacramento and the Greater Fresno area.
We use our cutting-edge technology, extensive experience, and global team of technology experts to ensure your IT network is in its most secure and optimal state.
We focus on your IT so you can focus on growing your company.
8795 Folsom Blvd, Ste 205
Sacramento, CA 95826
1501 Howard Rd, Ste 2
Madera, CA 93637
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