End Costly Computer Network Upgrades

Quick, choose your method of computer network upgrade:

1. A major upgrade every couple of years.
2. Small, constant upgrades. Monthly, if necessary.

If you choose option #1, you are not alone. I’ve been in the tech industry for nearly 15 years. Option #1 is the method that most small businesses choose when it comes to network upgrades and computer network support in Palm Beach and South Florida.

Timeline and cost of major computer network upgrades:

• DAY 1: Call your friend (Bob), who knows a little something about IT. Ask for assistance.
• DAY 7: Installs the cheapest system possible to get you up and running. ($8000)
• DAY 8-30: Bob spends nearly every day “working out the bugs.” ($3000)
• MONTH 2-6: Bob deals with a few problems each week. Staff complains ($2000)
• MONTH 7-12: Things break. Often. Just a little longer until you can upgrade. ($2000)
• YEAR 2: MAJOR upgrade. Bob is out. IT company moves in. ($8000)
• YEAR 2-3: IT company comes only when things are broken. ($5000)
• YEAR 3-4: Same things break. More often.  You are IT company’s favorite client ($6000)
• YEAR 5: MAJOR upgrade.  ($8000)
• YEAR 5: IT company comes only when things are broken. ($4000)

Total 5 year cost: $46,000.

What’s worse is that the charges come in large, unpredictable chunks – very difficult to manage with the tight cash-flow of a small business. Even worse than that, your employees  are inefficient because of their mostly-working computers and who knows how much money you have wasted in downtime waiting for Bob or your computer network support company to show up when the system is down.

Managed Services Provider = Constant Network Upgrades

There is a much better way to ensure that your staff is efficient, happy and that their computers work when they need them: a Managed Services Provider.

• DAY 1: Meet with three Managed Services Providers in your area. Get proposals from each.
• DAY 2-7: Call their references and do your due diligence.
• DAY 8:  Sign network install proposal and monthly service agreement.
• WEEK 2-4: Install network that is solid and expandable. Lease if necessary. ($10000)
• YEAR 1: Receive unlimited support.  ($8000)
• YEAR 2: Receive unlimited support and small upgrades each month.  ($9000)
• YEAR 3: Receive unlimited support and small upgrades each month.  ($9000)
• YEAR 4: Receive unlimited support and small upgrades each month.  ($9000)
• YEAR 5: Receive unlimited support and small upgrades each month.  ($9000)

Total 5 year cost: $54,000. For just $200 more per month, your business will have a system that:

• Is installed properly from the start.
• Is upgradable for many years.
• Is monitored constantly for errors.
• Has regular preventative maintenance performed.
• Provides your employees unlimited access to help when they need it.

What’s better than that? A fixed price each month with NO additional charges.

For more information on Managed Services Providers in your area and what you should expect from them, visit this Managed Services Provider information website.