| Support element | Reactive break-fix | Managed IT support (structured) |
|---|---|---|
| Incident handling | Ad hoc, billed per call | Ticketed, prioritised, SLA-governed |
| System monitoring | None (you report the problem) | Continuous, with automated alerting |
| Preventive maintenance | Rarely included | Scheduled: patching, backups, antivirus |
| Security posture | Reactive only | Ongoing hardening, GDPR-aligned practices |
| Cost model | Variable, unpredictable | Fixed monthly, all-inclusive |
| Escalation | No defined path | Documented tiers with specialist routing |
| Reporting | None | Monthly metrics and quarterly reviews |