A small team with simple systems
List the work someone must still own: accounts, updates, licences, backups, and supplier queries. Compare options against that list.
Managed IT or break-fix?
Compare the responsibilities.
Choose a support arrangement by looking at what happens between incidents, who owns maintenance, and how work is approved.
What is the difference?
Managed IT is an ongoing arrangement for an agreed set of systems and responsibilities. Break-fix support is engaged to address a particular problem or task. The practical difference is the scope of continuing work, rather than simply whether a bill arrives monthly or after a job.
Either model needs clear boundaries. Paying for recurring support does not automatically include every migration or security service. A one-off repair does not establish who maintains the system afterwards.
Compare what you are buying.
| Consideration | Managed arrangement | Break-fix arrangement |
|---|---|---|
| Day-to-day ownership | Specified ongoing tasks belong to the provider. | Your business retains tasks outside the requested work. |
| Maintenance | Check which updates and reviews are included. | Arrange maintenance separately if required. |
| Costs | Separate recurring scope, setup, and additional work. | Confirm the rates, approval limits, and scope of the job. |
| Security and recovery | Identify the controls, monitoring, and testing actually covered. | Identify who looks after these between engagements. |
Work through a realistic scenario.
A growing business with recurring interruptions
Look beyond the latest repair. Ask whether maintenance, clearer ownership, or a planned change would address the pattern.
A business with internal IT
A co-managed scope can fill specific gaps while keeping operational knowledge and selected responsibilities in-house.
Questions to put in your shortlist.
- Which users, devices, and applications are covered?
- Who owns maintenance, security alerts, and restore testing?
- Which hours, response targets, and escalation paths apply?
- What is excluded, and how is extra work approved?
- What documentation and access transfer if the arrangement ends?
Compare written scope before comparing prices. whatishost can discuss ongoing, project, and co-managed support; the proposal determines the actual service commitments.
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