For many small and mid-sized businesses in Alberta, IT support still follows an old, familiar pattern:
Something breaks → you call someone → they fix it → you get a bill.

That’s the “break-fix” model, and while it may seem like the most cost-effective option on the surface, it often turns into a silent liability. At Grey Thread Solutions, we help businesses transition to a proactive approach where IT problems are prevented, not patched.

Let’s explore the real difference.

Break-Fix: The Hidden Risks

The break-fix model is reactive by design. You only pay when something goes wrong — but that “something” could be a crashed hard drive, a ransomware attack, or your entire office losing internet access during work hours.

The biggest problems with break-fix?

  • Downtime is unpredictable (and expensive)

  • No long-term improvements — the same issues return

  • Security gaps go unnoticed until it’s too late

  • Support is not prioritized — you’re just another ticket

It’s like calling a locksmith after you’ve been robbed, instead of installing a deadbolt before anything happens.

Proactive IT: A Smarter, Safer Approach

With proactive IT (like our ThreadGuard service tiers), we monitor, maintain, and secure your systems in the background, before small issues become major disruptions.

Here’s what you gain:

✅ Ongoing security updates and risk mitigation

✅ Remote monitoring that catches issues before they snowball

✅ Scheduled maintenance to reduce surprises

✅ Better budgeting — no more emergency invoices

✅ Priority support when you do need help

You’re not just paying for fixes, you’re investing in stability and resilience.

Real-World Cost Comparison

Here’s an example from a real (but anonymized) local client:

Event Break-Fix Model ThreadGuard (Proactive)
Server Outage $2,100 + 2 days downtime $0 – Issue prevented during maintenance
Email issue 4-hour response Resolved in 15 minutes
Microsoft 365 misconfiguration $275 fix after impact Proper setup from day one
Staff phishing incident Reactive cleanup + training Preventative security solutions in place
Break-fix isn’t cheaper, it’s just less predictable.

Which Approach Fits Your Business?

If your business can’t afford surprise downtime or security issues (and what business can?), it’s time to rethink your IT strategy.

Our ThreadGuard service tiers — Beacon, Enhanced, and Elite — are designed to give small and mid-sized organizations the right level of proactive care, from basic monitoring to full cyber security hardening.

Ready to Stop Playing IT Roulette?

Reach out today for a free risk assessment, or explore our ThreadGuard service tiers to see what level of proactive support fits your team.

Phone: (780) 770-9229
E-mail: Info@GreyThread.ca