February 28, 2025 | By christa

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Stop Paying for Emergency IT Support

• Cybersecurity

Invest in Smarter Solutions

When it comes to managing IT, many businesses take a “fix it when it breaks” approach, thinking it’s the most cost-effective option. On the surface – it makes sense. Why pay for support if nothing’s wrong? In reality, there are some serious risks behind a reactive mindset. We’re talking about emergency repairs, unexpected downtime, and other expenses that quickly pile up.

The good news? By understanding these hidden costs, you can take steps to better manage your IT and position your business for more efficient operations.

1. The Premium Price of Reactive IT Support

When businesses opt for “break-fix” IT support, they only address issues as they arise often with the notion that it’s more efficient.The reality is the opposite. Emergency maintenance comes at a premium price that quickly exceeds routine maintenance because it requires immediate attention and expedited parts. Further, emergencies that occur outside of normal business hours incur higher labor costs.

On the contrary, routine maintenance comes at a predictable monthly cost ensuring systems are regularly maintained and issues are addressed before they escalate.

2. Productivity Losses During Downtime

When systems go down, work grinds to a halt. Employees are left twiddling their thumbs, clients start getting impatient, and the business takes a hit. One study found that the average cost of downtime is $5,600 per minute.

With proactive IT support, your systems are continuously monitored with issues often resolved before downtime occurs.

3. Unplanned Hardware and Software Costs

A common issue with reactive IT support is the lack of planning for hardware upgrades and software renewals. Businesses often find themselves scrambling to replace failing equipment or renew licenses at the last minute, which can mean paying expedited fees or premium prices. A business that does not plan for hardware upgrades, for example, may face unexpected failures, leading to emergency purchases and increased costs.

Managed IT services include strategic planning to avoid such situations. Providers track hardware lifecycles and software needs, ensuring renewals are planned and budgeted in advance.

4. Cybersecurity Risks and Their Costs

Perhaps the most significant hidden cost of reactive IT is the risk of a cybersecurity breach. Without proactive measures in place, businesses are more vulnerable to attacks like ransomware, which can result in devastating financial losses. According to IBM’s 2024 Cost of a Data Breach Report, ransomware branches average $5.37 million (or $4.38 million if law enforcement is involved), making them the most expensive type of attack.

The Case for Proactive IT Management

The hidden costs of reactive IT support – premium repairs, downtime, unplanned expenses, and cybersecurity risks–can quietly erode your bottom line. By switching to a proactive IT model, businesses can save money, improve productivity, and protect against potential threats.

LeadingIT is Chicagoland’s trusted advisor for organizations with 25-250 users, specializing in IT and cybersecurity solutions that align with your business goals. We pride ourselves on delivering the unsolvable solved. Our unlimited support model ensures that your team always has the help they need, when they need it, with no hidden costs. Plus, our unbeatable 3 sets us apart: a seamless 14-day onboarding process, a rock-solid guarantee, and no long-term contracts. At LeadingIT, our mission is to solve IT right, 100% of the time, empowering growth-minded businesses to thrive securely and efficiently.