Managed Services
When we first opened our doors almost 10 years ago, we started working on computers with the “break-fix” model. Customers would call or bring in their computers when they broke, and we would fix them. We charged for various repairs, setups and installs and collected payment after the units were repaired. Back then we were not perusing managed services, just fixing things as they broke.
After a few years, we found that our regular customers could save money by buying service hours upfront. With a pricing structure similar to most cell-phone plans, our clients would buy a predetermined number of support hours at a discount to cover a years’ worth of computer and network services. This positioned us to provide better management and maintenance of our client’s computers and networks. We could stay ahead of small issues before they became big problems.
This was a win-win for us and our clients. They could call us about problems, and the labor portion of their invoice was covered under their service contract. This was better than the previous setup, but was still lacking in some respects. We were still fixing things as they broke. We didn’t know there was an issue until the client reported it. Our clients networks were not fully managed, just semi managed.
Due to costs, clients sometimes did not take our preventative maintenance suggestions, or ignored potential issues that turned into bigger issues later. This often caused service overages or charges that were not included in the on-site service agreement. This did not always result in the type of network protection and client satisfaction we hoped for. Most of the routine maintenance that needed to be done were pushed to the back burner to make way for the more pressing emergencies.
Not everyone was happy with this form of managed system arrangement, but most understood it was a affordable middle ground. We fixed the things that were broke, only when it was broke, and didn’t worry about an issue until it became a problem.
Looking for a better option, we went searching to see how bigger support companies handle the similar issues we faced. How can you get a client to agree to do the best thing? How can you convince them to let you fix issues as they arise? How could you possibly get their network in the best possible condition, while not costing them an arm and leg for the service? We hypothesized that the biggest barrier to a truly healthy network was the unpredictable pricing.
Set monthly Pricing
We all love predictable. We hate surprise bills, we hate surprise charges, and we hate surprise broken computers. Wouldn’t you like to add a little more predictability to your business?
With our managed service plans you pay a set monthly fee. We cover everything else. No more surprise monthly bills. No more “This took longer than we expected.” No more “We could do this to make it better, but it will take some time”
With our managed services plans you’ll be covered for things like;
- Virus infections
- Hardware failures
- Network Outages
- Software errors
- Email issues
- Backup failures
With our managed services, at your next budget meeting you can provide examples like;
If our computer is broke, the service is covered
If our server goes down, we’re covered
If our backup malfunctions, that’s covered too
When an employee has a virus infection, We are covered for that as well.
When we recommend a product, either hardware or software, we are now responsible for making it work. We are responsible for setup and configuration. You no longer have to worry about how long it will take to setup. You don’t have to worry about how much time this repair will take. You don’t have to worry about how big the bill will be when we’re done.
What’s included
With our managed services you can feel safe knwoing we are providing;
- 24×7 System monitoring
- Daily backup and archiving
- Virus protection
- Spyware protection
- Network monitoring
- Labor is included
- Discount on parts and supplies
- Printer service (supported models)
- Travel is included
- Remote support is included
- And more!
The fine print
As with any agreement, there are limitations. The use of our managed service platform requires that you have a server. This does not have to be a big fancy server, but it has to be a separate machine that nobody uses on a regular basis. An in house server helps a business succeed in so many ways. It allows for a centralized file store, centralized backups, centralized updates and patch management. It allows us to manage a network system without always bothering the employees. Its uses are endless, and it’s cost can be relatively low.
Don’t have a server? No problem, you can rent one from us. You heard that right, for as little as $55 a month; we can provide a server for your small business. We will bring it out and set it up. We will maintain it if it has a problem. We will replace it if it breaks. We will also upgrade it for free every 6 years. It does needs to be current to keep up with the pace of your business.
We feel so strongly about the ability to maintain and support your network that we are now providing rental servers for our small business clients. There is just no way to provide the level of service we are aiming for without a server.
The server rental is a separate contract, but will be billed along with your managed service invoice. The server rental requires a 3 year contract.
How much does all this cost?
The monthly quoted price for our managed services will be based on your current asset inventory. We base our quotes off the age of the equipment, the current setup, the number of users, and the level of support available from the hardware or software vendors. We determine how much “effort” it will take to maintain your current setup, and we create a plan that provides that level of service.
If you add new users, or new equipment, the price may be subject to change.
When your business is ready to add more users, more equipment, and more capabilities, we’re your technology partner. We will research with you and find what best fits your needs, and your setup. When we need to make changes to the current setup to allow new capabilities, we will discuss that with you, before the project begins. Our managed services will help future upgrades and roll outs go as smooth as possible.
Managed Services Benefits
- Improved performance and increased productivity
- Reduced administrative and technical costs
- Problems identified before they occur
- Discounted prices on hardware, software, and other services
- Monthly billing
- Priority scheduling service
- Monthly reports
- Access to service tickets and resolutions
Lets get started
Custom-pc has the perfect managed services plan to keep your small business running. Our expertise and dedication to excellence will keep your productivity high, and your costs low.
