As you know it’s been quite a while since our last last newsletter. There have been quite a few changes since then and we wanted to bring you up to speed on these changes.

With the addition of a new PC technician we are introducing a two-tier pricing structure for service. The PC technicians can assist you with new computer setups and data migrations, printer installations, wired and wireless network installation and configuration, virus removal, most email problems, data backup and recovery service, and a host of other PC related services.

The senior technicians are primarily focused on providing support to clients running domain-based networks and focus on deployment and maintenance of these networks. 

New Service Rates (Effective March 15^th, 2011)

With the addition of a new PC Tech I’m introducing a new service rate structure that I hope will better meet your needs for service. For PC Tech work Lucas will be available at a lower rate for both remote, telephone, and on-site service related to desktop and laptop computers.

By utilizing Lucas for PC support I can focus my efforts on higher technical support issues related to domain-based network support of Microsoft Server and Microsoft Small Business Server installations. For existing customers that prefer my assistance I will be available at the Sr. Tech rates listed below.

    PC Tech - Remote and Phone Support            $60/hr    15 minute minimum and 15 minute increments

    PC Tech - Onsite Service Call                         $80/hr,   1 hour minimum and 15 minute increments

    Sr. Tech - Remote and Phone Support            $70/hr,   15 minute minimum and 15 minute increments
    Sr. Tech - Onsite Service Call                         $100/hr, 1 hour minimum and 15 minute increments 


Have You Considered the Advantages of a Managed Services Agreement?

Managed Service Agreements are also available at reduced hourly rates and with added benefits not offered to break/fix customers. A managed service agreement transfers the burden of managing your home-based business network or small business network to Premier Computers.

With a managed services agreement we will first document your network environment.

Hardware: desktops, laptops, mobile devices (Blackberries, MobilePC, and Android), servers, printers, routers, switches, etc…

Software: We will document all software including versions, Service Packs, Product ID codes, license keys, etc. We will organize and maintain your software media. Media can be installed in a central file storage location so that it can be installed across the network eliminating the need to keep the physical media handy. We will also track software renewal dates and alert you so that renewal are purchase before the expiration dates.

Network Documentation: IP addresses for all devices on the network. Network equipment is labeled with IP address to simplify network management.

Password Locker: If you like we can also create a password-protected password locker that documents all user names and passwords used on your network. This includes login credentials for workstations, servers, routers, managed switches, websites, etc…

This is very helpful in situations were a computer is replaced and the user has asked the system to memorize the passwords. When the new system is installed we can quickly locate and install the required login credential greatly simplifying the process of migrating to a new system.

Life-Cycle Planning (Optional): We will determine the age of each piece of hardware and prepare a life-cycle replacement schedule so that you can anticipate hardware and software replacement costs for upcoming budget years.

Monitoring Service (Optional): This is a small client app that can be installed individual computers and provides real-time monitoring of system performance parameters and will automatically notify us of any problems so that they can be caught early on and corrected before they create larger problems.

Scheduled Maintenance (Optional): This is typically done after-hours once a month but can be adjusted to meet your specific business needs. We will remote into each computer that is covered under the managed service agreement and verify that all critical updates, service packs, and software updates are current. We will check anti-virus log files to confirm that the system is clean and that the anti-virus software is current and that daily virus pattern updates are happening on schedule.

Software Installation Service (Optional): We will take care of all software installations on your network. This can almost always be done via a remote session and with even one day notice we can accommodate these requests. We will read the manual prior to software installation and make sure that all recommend preparation steps are completed PRIOR to installing the software. This greatly increases the chances of a successful outcome.

We are very interested in transitioning as many clients as possible to our managed service agreements and are offering reduced hourly rates to clients that sign up. Besides the reduced hourly support rates you gain the reliability and decreased down-time that results from 24/7 network monitoring and routinely scheduled maintenance. Clients on managed service agreements also receive priority scheduling over break/fix clients and a free annual system tune-up is included with each covered system.

We offer managed service agreements on a month-to-month basis so there is no long term commitment. We also offer automated monthly billing to the credit card of your choice. For more information or to schedule a no obligation on-site meeting, please call (303) 499-5152 or use the Contact Us link on the Home Page.

New Help Desk System is Now Available

We highly encourage you to use our new Help Desk system to open support tickets. It’s extremely easy to use and gives you a running history of all worked performed and the status of your repair.

To open a support ticket, simply visit our web site at www.premier-computers.com and click on the “Open a Support Ticket” link. Enter your name, email address, and a description of the problem and click on the “Create” button. It’s that simple! You will receive an email in just a few moments that will allow you to track the status of your support case. We are also immediately notified of the support ticket via email and on our mobile devices and will get back to you as soon as possible to schedule a support call.

Try it and save $10 on your first support call submitted via the Help Desk system!