MSP Comparison Checklist: Break-Fix vs. Typical MSP vs. GRIT
Not all IT support is created equal. Choosing the right IT partner can mean the difference between constant downtime, security risks, and missed opportunities—or a secure, efficient, and growth-ready business. On one end, you have the one-man-shop break-fix technician, scrambling to patch problems as they arise. In the middle, there’s the typical Managed Service Provider (MSP), putting out fires and sending invoices. Then there’s GRIT Technologies. We’re not just a vendor; we’re your strategic IT partner, committed to aligning technology with your business goals. Let’s break down how these options compare across key areas.
Here’s how they stack up.
Support Model
- Break-Fix The break-fix model is like an emergency room for your IT. When something crashes—your server, a workstation, or your email system—you call your technician. If they’re available, they’ll show up, often charging by the hour. If they’re on vacation or booked with other clients, you’re left waiting. This reactive approach can lead to prolonged downtime, frustrated employees, and lost revenue, especially for businesses that rely on consistent system availability.
t be on vacation.
- Typical MSP With a typical MSP, you get a more formalized process. You submit a ticket through an online portal or phone system and wait for a response. Response times can range from minutes to hours, depending on your service level agreement. Often, you’re dealing with a rotating cast of technicians, forcing you to explain your setup repeatedly. While this is an improvement over break-fix, it still feels transactional, leaving you to manage the bigger picture.
- GRIT At GRIT, we provide a live-answer help desk staffed by technicians who understand your unique IT environment. We prioritize rapid resolution to keep your users productive. Our team documents and builds familiarity with your environment, so you’re not starting from scratch with every call. This personalized, proactive support minimizes disruptions and keeps your business moving forward.
Proactivity
- Break-Fix Proactivity doesn’t exist here. If you don’t report a problem, nothing gets done. This means potential issues—like outdated software or failing hardware—go unnoticed until they cause a crisis. For small businesses with minimal IT needs, this might suffice, but it’s a gamble for anyone else.
- Typical MSP Most MSPs offer basic proactive measures, like automated patching for operating systems or occasional antivirus updates. You might get a quarterly review meeting, but these often lack depth or actionable insights. Long-term planning is minimal, leaving you to bear the risk of unexpected failures or misaligned IT investments.
- GRIT We take proactivity to another level. Our 24/7 monitoring systems detect issues before they impact your operations, from server performance dips to potential security threats. We conduct regular strategy sessions to align your IT with your business objectives, whether you’re expanding locations, adopting new software, or preparing for compliance audits. Our tailored IT roadmap ensures your technology evolves with your goals, reducing risks and maximizing efficiency.
Security Posture
- Break-Fix Security is an afterthought in the break-fix world. You might have basic antivirus software, but that’s often where it ends. Without proactive monitoring or expertise, you’re vulnerable to ransomware, phishing attacks, or data breaches—risks that can devastate a business.
- Typical MSP A typical MSP may offer a security package, but it’s often a bolt-on service rather than a core focus. You might get firewalls or backup solutions, but implementation can be inconsistent, and employee training (like phishing awareness) is rarely included. This patchwork approach leaves gaps in your defenses.
- GRIT Security is woven into every aspect of our service. We implement multi-factor authentication (MFA), advanced endpoint protection, and regular phishing simulations to keep your team vigilant. Robust backup and disaster recovery plans safeguard your data. With GRIT, security isn’t optional—it’s foundational.
Documentation and Strategy
- Break-Fix Documentation is virtually nonexistent. Your IT setup lives in the technician’s head, and if they’re unavailable or leave the business, you’re left scrambling. This lack of transparency makes it impossible to plan or scale effectively.
- Typical MSP MSPs usually maintain some documentation, but it’s often incomplete, outdated, or scattered across systems. Asset tracking might exist, but it’s rarely tied to a broader strategy, leaving you to piece together your IT history during critical moments.
- GRIT We provide comprehensive, up-to-date documentation, including network diagrams, asset inventories, and configuration details. Our IT maturity assessments track your progress over time, giving you clear insights into where you stand and what’s next. This transparency empowers you to make informed decisions and ensures continuity, even during transitions or growth.
Accountability
- Break-Fix Accountability is limited to fixing what’s broken. If your systems fail again or new issues arise, you’re on your own to coordinate solutions. This hands-off approach shifts all responsibility back to you.
- Typical MSP MSPs focus on completing tasks, but outcomes are often your problem. If a solution doesn’t work or a project derails, you’re left managing vendors or troubleshooting. This can feel like you’re paying for support but still doing the heavy lifting.
- GRIT We own the outcomes, not just the tickets. If something goes wrong, we coordinate with vendors, troubleshoot issues, and ensure resolution—no finger-pointing, no excuses. You have one trusted team to call, and we handle the rest, freeing you to focus on your business.
Who It’s Best For
- Break-Fix Suited for micro-businesses with minimal IT needs, like a small retail shop with one computer and no network. Anyone with growth ambitions or critical systems should look elsewhere.
- Typical MSP Ideal for businesses that need basic IT coverage and are comfortable with a reactive approach. If you’re content with “good enough” IT, this might work, but it won’t drive strategic value.
- GRIT Designed for organizations that view IT as a competitive advantage. Whether you’re a mid-sized firm prioritizing uptime, a healthcare provider needing compliance, or a growing business planning for scale, GRIT delivers security, reliability, and alignment with your vision.
Final Thought
If your current IT provider feels like a glorified task manager—fixing problems but never driving progress—it’s time to rethink your approach. GRIT Technologies is built for businesses that demand more from IT: more alignment with your goals, more robust security, and more accountability for outcomes. We don’t just keep your systems running; we help you plan strategically, protect your assets, and perform at scale.
Let’s walk through this checklist together. Contact GRIT Technologies today to explore how we can transform your IT into a true partnership for growth.
