Technology has come a long way since the days of break-fix IT. The reality is that most internal IT services simply aren't equipped to keep up with the pace of innovation. As a result, internal IT has become reactive rather than proactive. It responds to issues and spends very little time preempting threats and preventing issues that could be avoided with a little preventative maintenance. Managed services not only proactively manage your tech, but they scale with your business. Here's a few other benefits of managed services:

Here are a few of the things that managed services can do for you:

• Keep your computers up-to-date, such as the following:
• Operating system (OS)
• Antivirus and device security
• Software and drivers
• Firmware and BIOS
• Keep your network up-to-date
• Monitor network performance and internet connectivity
• Manage assets and their warranties
• Provide remote access for rapid support and recovery when things inevitably do go wrong
• Guarantee support response times so you are back up and running as quickly as possible in the event something does go wrong

As an alternative to managed services, you could try hiring an IT person at an on-demand or break-fix capacity. However, you might not find it worthwhile if you're constantly stuck in crisis mode or you have employees being paid to just sit there? Your time is valuable. It only takes one catastrophe - that could have been avoided by a little preventative maintenance - to payback the cost of years of managed services. In the same way you don't run your car into the ground, you don't want to run your tech into the ground. If nothing else, your tech gets you from point A to B.

You could also try the DIY approach to IT. If your business is very small and you're fairly tech savvy, then you might be able to handle your tech needs. However, if you're running a business larger than one or two people, the indirect costs associated with downtime and inefficiencies can quickly make it not worth the effort. More of your time means more opportunities to grow your business and more of doing what matters most to you.

Do you hire a mechanic to change the oil, belts, seals, filters, etc. in your car? If so, you probably do it because its not worth your time to learn or purchase the tools to keep your car running. It's the same with IT. The tech in your business is like a car that will break down if you don't perform preventative maintenance. You could spend your valuable time learning how to do it yourself or hire the pros to help.

Additionally, the world is full of dirt, gravel, and other debris that are waiting for their chance to get into your car and wreck havoc. The world is also full of bots and cyber criminals that are trying to get into your tech. Without the proper proactive actions and protections you are a sitting target. Don't worry. Managed services greatly help to improve your cyber security posture. They ensure your systems are up-to-date and protected with antivirus and other critical safeguards.