Attn:  Small Business Owners

The Real Truth about Computer Servicing

 

Important point number 1:  Reactive Vs Proactive Usually computer maintenance is not carried out until something happens, like a hardware malfunction or software glitch. “EMERGENCY” such as a server crash, lost tape backup, email issue, etc.  The service and price you pay depends upon the   technician’s experience. The end result is you may get an unpleasant surprise in the cost of the service. What is really needed is a process like McDonalds where you get consistent good quality at a fixed price.

Important point number 2:  Fixed Price Vs Unknown Cost or Expense The other significant factor is a fixed price “takes off the pressure.” Let me explain how this works: when you are working on an hourly rate there is pressure to get the job done as quickly as possible. This can create an atmosphere where mistakes can occur or some part of the process overlooked. Having a fixed price system with a checklist eliminates errors. : A step-by-step checklist at a fixed price is the only way to get reliable standards. Computer technicians all have different amounts of skill and education but a fixed system of achieving grades means consistent results.

Important point number 3:  The Total Cost of Ownership.  The cost of computer hardware has dropped dramatically in the last few years; unfortunately this has not reduced the cost of ownership. With “always-on” Internet there is an everyday risk of data corruption. By using the “Service Block” maintenance agreement small business owners can make use of the convenient support package and lower the total cost of ownership. It is a bit like having a part time IT department.  The total cost of ownership of a computer (or TCO) is made up of five components: the hardware, the software, the installation, the training and the maintenance. The maintenance can easily exceed all the other components added together. Why is this? If important information gets corrupted and data is lost this could instantly threaten the viability of a business, and waste valuable hours in data recovery.

Industry analysts have demonstrated that the initial purchase price of a PC is far outweighed by the associated support costs over its life cycle. As a result of the findings, some businesses now focus on the TCO package when pricing their new purchases.

Below is a computer service agreement. This is the latest concept that is being used to-day in the area of small business. The agreement is designed to address the problem of the lack of periodic maintenance and software security. This way your computers get regular attention. In addition, you have someone to regularly call if you have a problem. IT is like your own part time IT department. Using a malfunctioning computer furtively erodes your profits. Some of computers I personally attend to ….are not up to date with security and never had any periodic maintenance. In fact, some of them are limping along operating in slow motion. Spam or unwanted email is another time waster …that can be addressed.

        “Always-on-Internet” creates more security problems. A broadband Internet connection is slowly becoming a necessity for small business. It has the advantage of time saving and cutting out line user’s charges. In addition, most system updates today come in huge files and are unmanageable for dialup modems.

This agreement will ensure that you don’t overpay for the service of your computers. If you have any questions, please call me at 713 291 9841.

Kind regards,
Ronnie Lee Jones

 A+, Network+, MCSE, CCNA Certified

 Mobile PC Service

 Ronnie@mymobilepcservice.com

 http://www.mymobilepcservice.com