Server Maintenance | The technician ensures servers are running the latest service packs and security updates. Even if your software program automatically checks for updates, details may have been overlooked, like rebooting the system to make the patches take effect. In other cases, your server's antivirus or anti-spyware software may have stopped downloading updates, or it wasn't instructed to apply those updates to a new employee's workstation. The technician can help prevent these errors.

Firewall Updates | To guard against hackers' ongoing efforts, manufacturers regularly release new antivirus codes for their firewalls. The technician will update your firewall's operating system and all antivirus signature files.

Check Back-Up Integrity | You may try to manage backups on your own but inadvertently overlook critical steps. For example, it's easy for your employee to replace the tape and go back to work, unaware that the backup failed because of a corrupted file or a full tape. Not only does the visiting technician make sure your tapes have adequate storage space, he will regularly clean your tape drives and create new emergency repair disks.

Monitor Server Use | If you're like many SMBs, you don't have the IT staff required to track the increasing amount of data stored on your network. Working with you on-site, the technician helps identify unnecessary files or applications, deletes them without harming your applications and monitors your employees' use of their storage allotments.

What About Remote Network Monitoring?
Another great way to take the pulse of your network is through remote network monitoring -- our ability to remotely connect to your network and run software that tracks your network resources from afar.

However, companies with little or no IT staff often gain more value from on-site visits than from remote network monitoring alone. That's because remote monitoring can identify issues, but can't fix physical problems at your site -- such as a UPS that is no longer charging because of a low battery or the need to add a new user.

Maintenance Makes Sense

Just like paying a monthly fee for health insurance, on-site network maintenance makes good financial sense. Considering that emergency repairs often require overtime labor, priority rates for replacement parts and other fees, you could spend as much during one network crisis as you would for an entire year of monthly maintenance visits. In addition, a major network breakdown costs you in the form of lost profits and potential liability for any breach of your data's security.

Personal Service Pays Off

Regular visits from an on-site technician will help us learn the nuances of your business. When you're ready to upgrade your network, this first-hand knowledge can help us recommend the solutions that fit you best.

We can also recommend just the right combination of managed services. You may need a package that includes remote network monitoring and on-site maintenance. Or you may only require on-site maintenance, plus some additional security consulting.

Regardless of the exact services you need, we can help you keep an eye on small problems -- before they become large ones. Call us today.

Is On-Site Network Maintenance Right For You?

If your company's IT staff is small, or if you employ a significant number of part-time, freelance or seasonal employees, you can benefit from on-site maintenance.

It's also recommended if you are a professional services firm (e.g., a financial, medical/dental or law practice) that uses industry-specific software. Chances are, your employees are skilled at running your specific application, but not as knowledgeable about network/server upkeep.