As you can see, the more mature the organization, the better the service you will receive.\u00a0 Therefore, it is imperative to understand the provider’s stage in the IT maturity model.<\/p>\n
Know the Type of IT Support Contract<\/h2>\n
![\"IT](\"https:\/\/insi.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Picture1-300x132.png\")
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The IT support contract tells you much about the company\u2019s IT model. It lets you know if it is a sustainable model, the experience of their people, and the likely outcome if you choose them. The following are the more common types in Atlanta:<\/p>\n
Ad Hoc IT Support Contract \u2013 High Risk and Low on the IT Maturity Scale. <\/strong>Independent contractors don\u2019t charge much for their services because they do not have much overhead.\u00a0<\/span>Nor<\/em>\u00a0<\/span>have they invested in people, processes, or technology to perform proper documentation, track your assets, or monitor your network. In other words, they lack efficiencies. As a result, you can expect multiple visits, breaks, and security risks, which cause the cost to spiral out of control.<\/p>\n Blocks of Time IT Support Contract \u2013 High Risk and Low on the IT Maturity Scale: <\/strong>These IT support companies usually have a handful of IT people and technology tools to provide a certain efficiency level. However, the risk is high because of the liability for unused hours. Therefore, they can\u2019t staff correctly because they do not know when the client will call in the hours. In the meantime, they still have bills to pay. So, when the client calls during these hours, they may not have the personnel to respond to your needs. This model is a high risk for the client and the IT support provider, and they often go out of business and start back up under a new name.<\/p>\n Use-it-Or-Lose-it IT Support Contract\u2013 is High Risk and Medium on the IT Maturity Scale:\u00a0<\/strong>Use-it-Or-Lose-it firms usually invest in people, processes, and technology, but the cost burden is still heavily placed on the client. That\u2019s because the client will either go over their hours and pay an overage fee or not use all of their hours and pay for hours they don\u2019t use.<\/p>\n Budget IT Support Contract\u2013 High Risk and High on the IT Maturity Scale:\u00a0<\/strong>Budget companies invest highly in processes, people, and technology. However, the cost risk is exceptionally high to the client, and the invoices are highly unpredictable.<\/p>\n Fixed-Rate IT Support Contract\u2013 Low Risk and Medium to High on the IT Maturity Scale<\/strong>: Also known as price per seat or price per device, Fixed-rate companies absorb all the cost of devices under contract. This method makes the risk extremely low, and it is a safe bet they invested in people, processes, and technology to run efficiently and make a profit. Unfortunately, the client is paying the same high rates for entry-level tickets as for advanced support issues.<\/p>\n INSI Customized IT\u2122<\/strong> IT Support Contract\u2013 Low on Risk and High on IT Maturity\u00a0<\/strong>the INSI\u00a0Customized IT<\/strong>\u2122 (CIT.) The CIT support program absorbs all costs with a monthly flat rate. It also lowers the price by 80% of the IT support cost (helpdesk support) and invests heavily in people, processes, and technology. INSI designed the Customized IT<\/strong>\u2122 to address the IT support industry\u2019s flaws and offer real solutions.<\/p>\n INSI has long been a proponent of educating and empowering small- and medium-sized businesses with industry knowledge, current technology trends, events, issues, and news.\u00a0 For example, our\u00a0<\/span>\u201cHow To\u201d<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>articles provide easy step-by-step instructions on identifying different types of\u00a0phishing<\/a>,\u00a0spear phishing,<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>and\u00a0smishing<\/a>.\u00a0 We all know that informed, knowledgeable, and resourceful business professionals make the best IT support contract decisions.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/insi.net\/best-it-support-provider-in-atlanta\/” button_text=”Connect with INSI” _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Innovative Network Systems, Inc. has a unique approach to integrating\u00a0<\/span>IT support<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>and\u00a0<\/span>cybersecurity<\/a>. Our month-to-month programs range from basic support to proactive support, managed support, and customized support. Each program is tailored to the client\u2019s needs and internal IT strengths.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n For more information about cybersecurity dangers and the preventative measures for your company, connect with the top MSP in Atlanta; Contact INSI: 770-387-2424, option 2 or click the link below. In addition, we offer 16 different\u00a0<\/span>cybersecurity programs<\/a>\u00a0to protect you and your data.<\/p>\n Deborah Frazier<\/a>\u00a0is the author of\u00a0IT Outsourcing Secrets \u2013 A Small Business Guide to Compare IT Support Companies.<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>With nearly 20 years of experience consulting small and medium-sized businesses on their IT support needs, she brings a wealth of knowledge to INSI as Head of Marketing and Sales. If you like this article and want to be notified when a new article is posted, click\u00a0<\/span>here<\/a>.<\/p>\n To\u00a0<\/span>make an appointment for more information about INSI and our Marietta and Atlanta metro IT Support services, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The type of IT support contracts you sign with your Managed Service provider tells a lot about your provider\u2019s ability to prevent, respond to, and resolve your IT issues. That\u2019s because certain models are flawed in the way they are structured. If they are on the lower end of the rating scale, you can expect […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":56020,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"Summary on Types of IT Support Contracts<\/h2>\n
About INSI: The Best MSP in Atlanta!<\/span><\/h2>\n
About the Author<\/h2>\n
IT support contracts and what they can do for you<\/strong><\/h2>\nIT support contracts can be very different, depending on who you use in the Atlanta or Marietta GA area. In our IT Support Landscape Series, this week, we will be discussing how to know the type of IT support contract you need.\n\nThe type of IT support contract you sign with your Managed Service provider tells a lot about your provider\u2019s ability to prevent, respond and resolve your IT issues.\u00a0 That\u2019s because certain models are flawed in the way they are structured.\u00a0 If they are on the lower end of the rating scale, you can expect end-user downtime, successful cyber-attacks, and, at worst, complete data loss.\n
Know the Risk and IT Maturity Level in Your IT Support Contract<\/strong><\/h3>\nAn IT Maturity Level is the ability of an IT organization to deliver exceptional service and continuously improve its IT performance.\u00a0 In my book, IT Outsourcing Secrets, I explain Gartner\u2019s IT Assessment tool for IT Maturity. The IT Maturity levels include:\n
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Know the Type of IT Support Contract<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n\nThe IT support contract tells you a lot about the company's IT model. It lets you know if it is a sustainable model, the experience of their people, and the likely outcome if you choose them. The following are the more common types in Atlanta:\n\nAd Hoc - High Risk and Low on the IT Maturity Scale.\u00a0<\/strong>Independent contractors don't charge much for their services because they do not have much overhead. Nor<\/em> have they invested in people, processes, or technology to perform proper documentation, track your assets and monitor your network. In other words, they lack efficiencies. As a result, you can expect to have multiple visits, breaks, and security risks, which cause the cost to spiral out of control.\n\nBlocks of Time - High Risk and Low on the IT Maturity Scale:\u00a0<\/strong>These IT support companies usually have a handful of IT people and technology tools to provide a certain level of efficiency. However, the risk is high because of the liability on the unused hours. Therefore, they can\u2019t staff correctly because they do not know when the client will call in the hours. In the meantime, they still have bills to pay. So, when the client calls in the hours, they may not have the personnel to respond to your needs. Without a doubt, this is a high risk for the client and the IT support provider, and they often go out of business and start back up under a new name.\n\nUse-it-Or-Lose-it - is High Risk and Medium on the IT Maturity Scale:\u00a0<\/strong>Use-it-Or-Lose-it firms usually invest in people, processes, and technology, but the cost burden is still heavily placed on the client. That's because the client will either go over their hours and pay an overage fee or not use all of their hours and pay for hours they don't use.\n\nBudget - High Risk and High on the IT Maturity Scale:\u00a0<\/strong>Budget companies invest highly in processes, people, and technology. However, the cost risk is exceptionally high to the client, and the invoices are highly unpredictable.\n\nFixed-Rate - Low Risk and Medium to High on the IT Maturity Scale<\/strong>: Also known as price per seat or price per device, Fixed Rate companies absorb all the cost on devices under contract. This makes the risk extremely low, and it is a safe bet they invested in people, processes, and technology to run efficiently and make a profit. Unfortunately, the client is paying the same high rates for entry-level tickets as for advanced support issues.\n\nINSI Customized IT\u2122<\/strong>\u00a0- Low on Risk and High on IT Maturity\u00a0<\/strong>the INSI\u00a0Customized IT<\/strong>\u2122 support program absorbs all costs with a monthly flat rate, lowers the price on 80% of the IT support cost (helpdesk support), and invests heavily in people, processes, and technology. In fact, INSI designed the\u00a0Customized IT<\/strong>\u2122 to address the IT support industry's flaws and offer real solutions.\nSummary on Types of IT Support Contracts<\/strong><\/h3>\nINSI has long been a proponent of educating and empowering small- and medium-sized businesses with industry knowledge, current technology trends, events, issues, and news.\u00a0 For example, our \u201cHow To\u201d<\/a> articles provide easy step-by-step instructions on identifying different types of\u00a0phishing<\/a>,\u00a0spear phishing,<\/a> and\u00a0smishing<\/a>\u00a0<\/u>to share with end-users.\u00a0 This is because we all know that informed, knowledgeable, and resourceful business professionals make the best IT support contract decisions.\n
About INSI, The Best IT Support Provider in Atlanta and Marietta GA<\/strong><\/h3>\nFor over 25 years, Innovative Network Systems (INSI) has offered an integrated approach to IT support and cybersecurity for small and medium-sized businesses in the Atlanta area. Their 100% local, college-educated, and experienced engineers provide a range of services from basic monitoring to fully Managed IT services. The INSI IT support model gives their clients the exact level and type of service they want while also providing greater accountability and reduced ongoing IT support costs. INSI options include cloud, cybersecurity, backups, cabling, wireless, business phones, and much more.\n
About the Author<\/strong><\/h4>\nDeborah Frazier is the author of IT Outsourcing Secrets \u2013 A Small Business Guide to Compare IT Support Companies. With nearly 20-years\u2019 experience consulting small and medium-sized businesses on their IT support needs, she brings a wealth of knowledge to INSI as Head of Marketing and Sales. If you like this article and would like to get notified when a new article is posted, click here.<\/a>","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[80],"tags":[62,38,31,72,53,43,23,24,25,54,55,30],"yoast_head":"\n