IT Support Contracts and how they help you March 3, 2008
Posted by candasys in business advice, business help, it consultants.Tags: computer help, get help with computers, help with it, it support, it support contract, support contract
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IT Support Contracts and how they help you
IT support contracts should be complete and transparent, and should not confuse you with obscure wording. If there is some unavoidable legalese that you don’t understand, discuss it with your IT support contractor and get clarifications in writing and agree the level of service you require so that the contractor can supply an appropriate service level agreement (SLA ).
IT support covers a wide range of requirements and you might not need all the services offered. You should preferably select a contractor who allows you to tailor the kind of support to your specific needs.
One point you should get clarified in particular is the kinds of response you can expect to support requests. Support companies and your expectations can vary widely in this matter.
With the above general outline, let us delve into the major specifics of IT support contracts.
Typical Terms of an IT Support Contract
The contract should be clear about the items supported.
- EQUIPMENT: An IT setup will typically have servers, PCs, Laptops, Printers and so on. Which specific items will receive support?
- AGE LIMITATIONS: Are there any clauses that put a limit on the age of the equipment that will be supported?
- SOFTWARE: You will be using many kinds of software such as server software, desktop OS, functional software like Payroll, system protection software like Anti-Virus, etc. Installing and configuring some of these pieces of software can be a daunting task. The software can crash during operations. Identify which software will be supported? What kind of support will be provided, e.g., will there be any support for installation and configuration or upgrades?
- HOME USERS: Under flexible working arrangements, many users might be working with company equipment from their homes. Will they be supported?
The next important issue is how the support will be provided.
- HOW: Typically, support is provided over the telephone first, assessing the the extent of the problem, where possible guiding the user to rectify the problem by themselves. If this proves unsatisfactory, remote support by accessing the clients system from the support company’s system may be attempted. To enable such remote support, the support company might install a VPN connection or remote desktop support client. If this also proves insufficient, a site visit may be needed. Understand exactly how a support request will be handled, and how the service level will be escalated to a higher level.
- WHEN: Response times can differ with different kinds of problems. Server problems will need to be attended without delay. How much delay is provided in the contract? Desktop problems can afford some delay. Don’t insist on expensively short response times for these.
IT support contracts will typically also contain certain obligations on your part. Some major obligations are listed below. Check that you have made arrangements to meet all such obligations.
- Designating a specified person as the person responsible for the preliminary fault identification and troubleshooting. This person will be the main contact person with the IT support company.
- Try not to make system changes without prior consent of the support company
- Doing regular housekeeping activities like backups, testing the backups, and so on (check who is responsible for these tasks and who is responsible for data recovery should the need arise).
- Paying bills as agreed in the contracts
There will also be certain exclusions from the scope of support. Pre-existing faults and support for functional software such as accounting are examples of typical exclusions.
Finally, there will typically be a clause on how to resolve disputes.
Network Support : How should it be done? March 3, 2008
Posted by candasys in business advice, business help, it consultants, network help, network support.Tags: business help, business support, network help, network support, network training
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Network Support : How should it be done?
Big companies often have a large network that they need to manage and maintain. This type of system management requires staff that has a computer technical education as well as network training. Without this type of extensive system management large companies would be unable to function as a working whole. Network training gives someone the skills and training that they need to manage and control a large network, as well as make decisions regarding the network that can affect the entire company.
Many of the details pertaining to network management have to do with the security issues surrounding the computer network of a company. There are many issues that have to do with the security of a company that uses computers as one of their main forms of communication with the outside world. This communication via the Internet means that individual computers, as well as the entire network, are at risk when ports to the outside computer world are opened. Network training gives people the skills that they need to maintain a secure system and keep track of the computer network. With secure network management the communication network of a company can be managed and maintained.
The number of network management positions within a company will be determined by the size of the company. The larger the network of computers the more system administration will be needed to keep track of all the system tools and computers. Studies show that companies without any type of network management in place will soon be plagued with issues of down time as their computer system fails to run efficiently. Studies also show that hiring a computer technician, network consultant or IT Consultant without proper network training can lead to an inefficient system as well. As more companies rely on their computer system for communication with their clients and customers, the importance of adequate and superior network management will increase.
Choosing the right network support is crucial to the success and growth of any business therefore make sure you pick the right team and in many cases outsource the network support to specialized teams or companies who will dedicate their time and effort on keeping your network up and running.
The benefits of IT Consultants March 3, 2008
Posted by candasys in business advice, business help, it consultants.Tags: business help, business support, computer consultant, computer support, Internet marketing, IT Consultant, it support
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The benefits of IT Consultants
IT consultants are expert professionals who hold the in-depth knowledge and concept of internet marketing to the fullest to serve the virtual needs of any business. These consultants understand the emerging demands and requirements of the market and business.
In other words, it is not wrong to say that consultants are the driving force behind increasing your market value. Along with clearer concepts and skills, these people are acquainted with adopting newer technologies and tricks. These experts add their valuable contribution by understanding the needs and studying the prospective solution for meeting the arise demands. As a result, IT consultancy has considered as an essential role to play in the working of the IT businesses.
Benefits of IT Consultants
As we have already stated consultants can drive your business into the real path of growth, success and profit. There are some major benefits of choosing their services; including saving time and money, requirements analysis and much more
Contacting consultants will help a company to save its valuable time and resources in valueless marketing strategies.
Sometimes, a company fails to realize what it actually requires. Hiring IT consultancy will help a company to understand the emerging situation.
