When my son needed a bicycle and we went to the store, I listened to the salesman discuss the benefits of the add-on warranty. The bicycle comes with a 30-day manufacturer's defect warranty. Sorry, but that is not enough to give me the peace-of-mind in knowing that my child is on a safe product. With that in mind, I was receptive to what the salesman had to say.
Why would you buy a warranty for a bicycle?
I bought the warranty because it made sense. If anything should happen to the bicycle within a two-year period, the store will perform most repairs AND will perform MAINTENANCE routines on it, as well. Regardless of the price paid for the bicycle, let's say that a bicycle repair may cost anywhere from $5 (to replace an inner tube) to $150 or more to fix a broken rim, shot derailleur or anything else that may be pricey on a bicycle. (As you may suspect, I am not a major bicycle parts expert.) During the two year warranty, we may bring the bicycle in for unlimited repairs and two full "maintenance tune-ups." Inasmuch as I want my child on a safe bicycle and I would normally pay around $20-$35 for a tune-up each year anyway, it's what a parent does.
The bicycle needs to function smoothly, perform as expected and do what I need it to do. If it were to break down miles from home, have a flat, or simply not brake going downhill that would simply be unacceptable. Besides, paying $40 for two tune-ups automatically confers a reasonable savings.
Why talk about a bicycle warranty on a technology blog?
The IT industry is in a constant state of change. One of the most significant changes in our world has been the availability of low-cost high-speed reliable Internet broadband connectivity. The Internet has brought information "to our fingertips." The benefits of MSN, Yahoo! and Google don't require explanation. But did you realize the ubiquity of high-speed Internet access also means you can now have support provided remotely and immediately. Furthermore, having your computer available online means that it can be monitored remotely for failures, viruses, hardware changes and general software issues. This is where the remote monitoring and maintenance process has grown.
Our company, Holzsager Technology Services, provides this service under the name of HTS Insight and HTS Insight Hassle-Free IT. When someone subscribes to this service, we are able to provide the subscriber with prompt remediation of computer issues, immediate support at the desktop (which may be watched to reduce the likelihood of future incidences), updating of the computers files and patches, as well as verification that the machine is protected by its security software and maintaining the subscription properly. The list goes on rather extensively. The point that I wish to emphasize is that the peace-of-mind that one achieves by enrolling in such a plan gives benefit beyond fixing the computer, it improves the performance and reliability of the machine and builds for better productivity.
What is the price of success?
Small businesses are constantly straining to save money while improving output. If automation has improved your performance and the machine that provides the system goes down, where does that leave the business? For a monthly fee, the business can continue to work, focus on their strengths, stay competitive, and maintain profitability without the worry of the computers and networks. Does this appeal to you? Can you see how this would enhance what you do on a daily basis? If you are interested in learning more about "Managed Services," feel free to contact us at fred@tech4now.com or by calling (201) 797-5050. It's a call that may change your life. If you would like more information on this or any other aspect of technology, feel free to visit our website, www.tech4now.com or our blog.
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