Navigating IT Services: Finding the Right Fit for Your Business

In the 21 years that Technology Plus has been in business, we have seen several changes in the way I.T. services are delivered to the SMB (Small-Medium Business) market. In today’s economy, almost every business must have technology in order to function on a daily basis. While everyone agrees that technology increases efficiency, business owners are primarily concerned with the cost of initial investment, maintenance, and downtime. These are the areas where I.T. service providers can make a difference in a technology solution, either by becoming an important tool or simply a drain on finances.

Over the years, we have seen three types of customers in how they address technology. No one approach is wrong, but each type has a style and budget that they work within.

1. Many companies make the initial investment, reap the return on investment, and then believe that if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it. These companies do not fully understand the importance of maintenance. Computers can and will get compromised, break, or simply become outdated. Firewalls can fail and need patches to continually operate effectively. Companies that ignore these facts will experience unexpected downtime and data loss, which equals lost $$$$$.
2. Other companies treat I.T. services as a line item on their P&L and want a provider that will offer an all-inclusive service/support package for a flat monthly fee, so they never have to think about the details or costs on a daily basis. This type of service is called Managed Services. There are providers who offer this service very well, but these packages often come with much higher monthly costs since they include regular maintenance and are prepared for any emergency services that might be needed. What if emergencies don’t happen? What if everything works as it should, and you only needed basic maintenance?
3. The third group of small businesses understands the importance of technology, maintenance, uptime, and—most importantly—their cash flow. These companies plan their I.T. purchases, services, and support, knowing they will benefit from the technology and pay only for the services they actually need or receive. When these businesses partner with a solid I.T. service provider, they benefit from their technology investment and rest easy knowing they are paying a fair price for only the services they need. Yes, emergencies can still happen, but they will only pay for them if they happen. These businesses know this is more like traditional customer service and less like an insurance plan.

At Technology Plus, we provide professional I.T. products and services at affordable rates, with service plans customized to each customer’s needs. The first group of companies—those who believe “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it”—is not a customer we want to have. This may sound harsh, but the simple fact is this: technology will fail, and when it does, the provider often gets the blame—even if the provider wasn’t allowed to properly maintain or service the equipment. In this scenario, everyone loses, and business is lost. Our goal is to help customers use technology to grow their business, not be at risk. Our solutions combine the best aspects of the second and third groups. We work with companies that understand the need for the right products to be installed and the proper service agreements in place.

This customized solution starts with a clear understanding of what the company does, how they utilize technology, and defining their expectations. Once this is done, we can customize a solution that is fair to all parties involved. By combining quality products with proper maintenance plans and a prompt response to support issues, we deliver a technology solution that allows businesses to run efficiently. Often, this solution is a mix of managed services, onsite service, remote support, and in-store services. Our project managers help plan the right solution for you; our administrative staff ensures your service needs are scheduled and invoicing is done correctly; our certified technicians provide onsite and remote helpdesk support in a timely manner; and our owners ensure you are satisfied.

Since 1995, we have learned that our job is to give customers an easy and affordable way to leverage the power of technology.

Consulting, Planning, Implementation, Support & Service with an emphasis on fair pricing. To learn more, give Technology Plus a call at (502) 499-1911 or Contact Us Here!