How Can Fractional IT Help Your Organization Succeed? 

These are excellent questions. There are two primary alternatives to Fractional IT Management: 

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1. In-House IT Department (employees of your company) 

2. Local Break/Fix Computer Repair Shops (local businesses that specialize in responsive repairs) 

 

In this article, we’ll explore the differences between these three options and highlight the benefits of choosing Allied Cyber's Fractional IT Management service. But first, let’s define each service.

 

In-House IT 

This option is common in larger companies. It involves hiring an internal technician or team of technicians to manage your business's devices, network, Office 365, and more. 

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Break/Fix Service 

Small businesses often rely on local break/fix shops. These are reactive services that you only interact with when a problem arises. 

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Fractional IT Management 

This option functions like an in-house IT department, but without the overhead. It proactively manages your network and devices, addressing potential issues before they disrupt operations. It also provides help desk services for unexpected problems. You’ll have access to a team of technicians rather than relying on just one, and you avoid the challenges of hiring and managing employees. 

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Cost Comparison (vs. In-House IT or Break/Fix) 

An in-house IT department is typically the most expensive option due to salaries, benefits, and overhead for each employee. Additionally, if an employee leaves or is unavailable, your business may face significant disruptions, especially if you are reliant one technician. 

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A break/fix service may seem cheaper initially, but there are hidden costs. Repairs may take longer and be more expensive because the technicians are unfamiliar with your systems. Additionally, break/fix shops are paid per repair, which could discourage them from addressing underlying issues until they become bigger problems. Lack of preventative maintenance can lead to a build-up of underlying issues that will result in unnecessary emergency repairs. Similar to driving a car, you don’t wait to change your oil until the engine blows up, you change the oil every 5,000km-10,000km  to ensure it runs well. Computers function the same way, preventative maintenance must be done to ensure optimal performance and longevity.  

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Fractional IT Management offers the same benefits as in-house IT, but at a fraction of the cost. Pricing is typically based on the number of users, so costs adjust as your business grows or shrinks. With Fractional IT Management, your IT expenses are more predictable, making budgeting and accounting easier. You also avoid the unpredictability of break/fix service costs, especially during busy months. 

                                                                                                                                                                                         

Staffing Ease 

Hiring qualified employees is one of the toughest tasks for any business owner. With Fractional IT Management, you don’t need to worry about recruiting, managing, or retaining a team of technicians. Allied's team is ready to provide friendly, efficient service, ensuring that no issue is resolved until you’re completely satisfied. 

                                                                                                                                                                                         

Efficiency (vs. Break/Fix) 

When it comes to IT support, speed is crucial. You need your devices up and running quickly to minimize downtime and keep your business moving forward. With a break/fix service, you depend on the technician's availability, which could lead to longer wait times. Additionally, because they are not familiar with your business and its needs, resolutions can take more time. 

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At Allied, we prioritize efficiency and effectiveness. Because we actively manage your network and devices, we have a deep understanding of your business’s needs, allowing us to resolve issues more efficiently. 

                                                                                                                                                                                         

New Device Setup 

When hiring a new employee, figuring out what devices they need can be overwhelming. Without proper guidance, you might end up purchasing something that doesn't suit their role. A design engineer, for example, will require a more robust device than an office administrator. 

With Allied as your Fractional IT Management partner, we will provide device recommendations, and upon approval, ship the devices directly to you, ready to go. All you need to do is enter a password, and your new hire is set up. 

                                                                                                                                                                                         

Cybersecurity 

This is a growing concern for business owners. According to Statistics Canada, 16% of Canadian businesses experienced a cybersecurity incident in 2023. The most common incidents were identity theft, scams, and ransomware attacks, with Canadian companies spending approximately $1.3 billion on recovery. 

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While a break/fix service is not likely to offer proactive cybersecurity measures, Allied's Fractional IT Management includes robust cybersecurity features to reduce your risk. These include: 

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1. User Awareness Training

2. Password Management Software 

3. Multi-Factor Authentication 

4. Dark Web Credential Monitoring 

5. Anti-Virus Software 

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While no solution can guarantee 100% protection, these measures significantly lower your risk of a cyber-security incident which can cause down-time, loss of revenue, loss of customers and damage to reputation. 

                                                                                                                                                                                         

How can Fractional IT Management help your business succeed?

Here is the bottom line: 

Choosing Allied Cyber as your Fractional IT Management partner can help you reduce downtime, improve cybersecurity, standardize your IT support costs, and eliminate HR concerns tied to an in-house IT department. 

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If you’re interested in learning more about our services or would like to partner with Allied, feel free to reach out. We’re just a phone call or email away!