[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Are you considering a Budget IT support plan? Stop! The \u201cBudget\u201d is an IT support program with a base package plus a reserve of IT support dollars. This program is very complex and requires more investigation before you commit to it.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Under this program, the provider assigns you a budget reserve. Any IT service can withdraw from the reserve, including IT support, hosting, professional services, managed security, custom programming, and unified communications. While it sounds great, keeping your cost below the reserve is nearly impossible. Below are the positive and negative aspects of the Budget program to consider before you commit.<\/p>\n
Companies that offer this program rank high on the IT maturity scale. Many clients are attracted to this IT program because it provides rollover for unused hours. They also offer a one-stop shop for all their IT support needs throughout the United States.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, the billing and invoicing of this plan are incredibly complex, and the financial risk is entirely on the client. In a deeper review, this plan has two parts: the base package and the budget reserve.<\/p>\n
Base Package<\/em><\/p>\n Companies that offer the base package invest heavily in people, processes, and technology, which we all agree is wonderful. However, it does not include the things that protect your network, like network monitoring and basic security. For example, you will pay a hefty difference if you want your desktops monitored. (Something you should absolutely do.) As a result, the base package could cost as much as a third of the total monthly commitment.\u00a0<\/p>\n Budget Reserv<\/em>e<\/strong><\/p>\n The tricky part of the IT Support Budget plan is the budget reserve. For instance, these companies claim that the client can apply any services against the IT budget, and the unused budget will roll over for an additional two months. However, the reality is there is rarely any budget left over. Let\u2019s see how it works below:<\/p>\n Basics of\u00a0 Budget Reserve Calculation<\/em><\/p>\n The average IT budget is based on 30 minutes per workstation and 1 hour per server per month. As an example, 100 computers would require 50 hours. Next, they calculate the 50 hours with a combined industry average of 10 % onsite and 90% remote rate. The hourly rates are applied against the budget whenever the client calls in. Since the calculations are based on the average industry usage, the likelihood of having any leftover budget is very slim. Unfortunately, you often run over your budget with helpdesk calls. When that happens, you must pay overage fees that rack up quickly.<\/p>\n Every Level and Service Has a Different Cost<\/em><\/p>\n The IT Support Budget plan cons don\u2019t stop there since we only covered helpdesk rates. Astonishingly, everything above the helpdesk level is at a much higher rate, and additional work will eat away at your budget much faster!<\/p>\n Further, the client can also apply other service options toward their budget. For example, clients may apply hosting, telecom, programming, or managed security toward their budget. Adding these additional options guarantees they will run over their allotted budget since the budget is based on the calls, no additional options.<\/p>\n Many small- and medium-sized businesses seek superior service at a fixed monthly amount. However, the budget model quickly spirals costs out of control because many clients find it impossible to stay under budget. Statistically, it takes 30 minutes per workstation and 1 hour per server to support a client environment. These hours illustrate the time needed for companies highly dependent on their network for business operations. For this reason, companies need to ADD additional services rather than applying them to the monthly budget or they will go over. To summarize, the client’s IT cost is highly unpredictable with the Budget program.<\/p>\n A better alternative to \u201cBudget\u201d IT support is INSIs Managed services or Customized IT\u2122.\u00a0 INSIs unique model offers decreased rates on helpdesk support issues without sacrificing quality by charging entry-level rates for entry-level tickets, which constitute 80% of IT support tickets. Further, we can manage the entire environment, fill in the gaps for an internal IT team, or break out the services to the client\u2019s exact needs. Finally, we can do all this for a fixed fee.<\/p>\n Go here<\/a> to see the various types of IT support, their pros and cons, and great questions to ask the provider on each one.\u00a0Contact INSI<\/a> to discover the IT Support Plan that’s right for your Atlanta company. Call\u00a0 770-387-2424, option 2.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _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=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Innovative Network Systems, Inc. has a unique approach to integrating IT support<\/a> and 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’s 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 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> 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 get notified when a new article is posted, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n To 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":" What is the \u201cBudget\u201d IT Support Plan? Are you considering a Budget IT support plan? Stop! The \u201cBudget\u201d is an IT support program with a base package plus a reserve of IT support dollars. This program is very complex and requires more investigation before you commit to it.\u00a0 Under this program, the provider assigns you […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":56837,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"Why Atlanta Companies Choose the Budget Program<\/h2>\n
A Better Alternative<\/h2>\n
Do You Want To Learn More About The Difference Between the \u201cBudget\u201d Model and INSI\u2019s Customized IT\u2122?<\/h2>\n
About INSI: The Best MSP in Atlanta!<\/h2>\n
About the Author<\/h2>\n
What is the \u201cBudget\u201d IT Support Plan?<\/strong><\/h3>\nConsidering a Budget IT support plan? The \u201cBudget\u201d is an IT support program with a base package plus a reserve of IT support dollars.\u00a0 Subsequently, the budget reserve can be used for IT support, hosting, professional services, managed security, custom programming, and unified communications.\n
Positive Aspects\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\nCompanies that offer this program usually rank high on the IT maturity scale.\u00a0 Further, many clients like the idea of rollover \u201chours\u201d and only paying for what they use.\u00a0 Last, they like a one-stop-shop for all their IT support needs.\n
Negative Aspects<\/strong><\/h3>\nUnfortunately, the billing and invoicing of this plan are extremely complex.\u00a0 In addition, it puts the full risk of the cost on the client.\u00a0 Subsequently, there are two parts to this plan: the base package and the budget reserve.\n
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Base Package<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nThe base package covers all the things mentioned in the IT Maturity article. While it is obvious these companies invest heavily in people, processes, and technology, it\u2019s the clients who absorb all the cost.\u00a0For example, their base package covers network monitoring and Block and Tackle Security.\u00a0 However, you will pay a hefty difference if you want your desktops monitored as well.\u00a0 As a result, the base package could cost as much as a third of the total monthly commitment.\n
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Budget Reserve<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nNow you get into the really tricky part: the budget reserve.\u00a0 For instance, these types of companies claim that the client can apply any services against the IT budget.\u00a0 In addition, the unused budget will roll over for an additional two months.\u00a0 However, the reality is there is rarely any budget left over.\u00a0 Let\u2019s see how below:\n
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Basics of\u00a0 Budget Reserve Calculation<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nSimply put, the average budget is based on 30 minutes per workstation per month and 1 hour per server per month.\u00a0 As an example, 100 computers would require 50 hours. \u00a0\u00a0Next, they calculate the 50 hours with a combined industry average of 10 % onsite rate and 90% remote rate.\u00a0 Consequently, every time a client calls in, that time is applied against the budget.\u00a0 Since the calculations are based on the average industry usage, the likelihood of having any leftover budget is slim.\n
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Every Level and Service Has a Different Cost<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nHowever, the Budget plan doesn\u2019t stop there.\u00a0 In fact, those are just helpdesk rates.\u00a0 Hence, everything above helpdesk level is at a much higher rate.\u00a0 Therefore, the additional work eats away at your budget much faster!\n\nIn addition, the client can also apply other service options toward their budget. For example, the client may apply hosting, telecom, programming, or managed security toward their budget.\u00a0 This guarantees they will run over their allotted budget since the budget is based on the calls, not additional options.\n
Why Companies Choose the Budget Program<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe client wants superior service at a set amount per month.\u00a0 In fact, many believe they can control their cost and stay under budget.\u00a0 However, industry metrics do not lie.\u00a0 It will take an average of 30 minutes per workstation and 1 hour per server to support a client environment whose users are dependent on their servers.\u00a0 If a company chooses the budget plan, they will need to prepare for these realities.\n
A Better Alternative<\/strong><\/h2>\nA better alternative to \u201cFlat Fee\u201d IT services, is INSI\u2019s Managed services\u00a0or\u00a0Customized IT\u2122.\u00a0 INSI has a tiered structure that can offer decreased rates on 80% of the IT support issues without sacrificing quality.\u00a0 This is because our tiered structure allows us to charge entry-level rates for entry-level tickets, which constitutes 80% of the IT support tickets.\u00a0 Further, we can manage the entire environment, fill in the gaps for an internal IT team, or we can break out the services to the client\u2019s exact needs.\u00a0 Finally, we can do all this for a fixed fee.\n
Do You Want To Learn More About The Difference Between the \u201cBudget\u201d Model and INSI\u2019s Customized IT\u2122?<\/strong><\/h2>\nGo here to see the various types of IT support, their pros and cons, and great questions to ask the provider on each one.\n\nIn addition, if you would like to know more about this topic and how it affects you, visit Amazon\u00a0or\u00a0Barnes & Noble\u00a0for a copy of the book\u00a0IT Outsourcing Secrets \u2013 A Small Business Guide to Comparing IT Support Companies.<\/em><\/strong><\/a>","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[18,48],"tags":[29,36,58,59,37,38,31,49,60,50,51,39,40,41,42,52,20,53,43,24,25,56,44,55],"yoast_head":"\n