Ambition Mission

My friend Stuart Selbst (www.SecureMyCompany.com) pointed out a website for a Managed Services provider in Tennessee who’s website had a “Managed Services Offering” listed.  The provider (www.DoubleClick-Solutions.com) was kind enough to give me permission to blog about it.

The page speaks to BENEFITS to customers for Managed Services customers, rather than speaking in vague features or technology terms.  I love it!  The only aspect I don’t agree with is the use of the term “Managed Services” in the title of their offering.  It should be, in my opinion, “Double Click Total Support” or something thereof.

 So to visit the page in question click here… http://www.doubleclick-solutions.com/ManagedServices.html

Here are the BENEFITS that impressed me - what a great customer facing message about the value that a customer has working with an MSP!

Unlike other computer consultants who profit from the failures in your IT environment, our purpose is to PREVENT computer problems from escalating into unexpected downtime, data loss, interruptions in business, and financial loss. In fact, our DoubleClick Managed Services program does not allow us to profit from your technology troubles in any way. This program is ideal for business owners who:
 

• Need to have their computer network, e-mail, database, and Internet access up and running 24/7/365 without problems.
• Value the security of their data, and want to do everything possible to prevent loss, corruption, or theft.
• Want to maximize the speed, availability, and performance of their network.
• Hate dealing with–or thinking about–computer problems and other complexities of operating a computer network.
• Don’t have the time or staff or budget to deal with computer network maintenance.

  The Benefits Are Obvious ·         You’ll avoid expensive repairs and recovery costs. Our network monitoring and maintenance will save you money by preventing expensive network disasters from ever happening in the first place.·         You’ll experience faster performance, fewer glitches, and practically zero downtime. Some parts of your system will degrade in performance over time, causing them to slow down, hang up, and crash. Our preventative maintenance and network monitoring will detect these problems early and prevent them from escalating into more expensive repairs and downtime.·         You’ll feel as though you have an in-house IT department–without the costs. As a network maintenance customer, you’ll have access to a knowledgeable support staff that can be reached immediately should you have any kind of problem or question. ·         You’ll receive substantial discounts on IT services that you are already buying.
Most IT firms will nickel and dime you over every little thing they do. Under this program, you’ll pay one flat, affordable rate and get all of the technical support you need. No hidden charges, caveats, or disclaimers. ·         You’ll reduce trip fees and receive faster response to your problems. Thanks to our remote monitoring and maintenance software, we will have the ability to remotely access and repair most network problems right from our offices. If we cannot fix it remotely, we will dispatch a technician to your office the same day.  If you currently work with a technician or technical service company we will partner with them to control your costs, alert them of alarms, and have them dispatched to your site when needed.·         You’ll be able to budget for network support just like rent or insurance. Wouldn’t it be nice to avoid unexpected costs for fixing or restoring your network? Now you can.·         You’ll sleep easier knowing the “gremlins at the gate” are being watched. Cyber criminals never sleep! But thanks to our 24/7/365 monitoring and on-going maintenance, you’ll have one less thing to worry about.  This may require the purchase of some additional hardware or software if necessary components are not present.  This will be identified during the free audit.•    You’ll safeguard your data. The data on the hard disk is always more important than the hardware that houses it. If you rely on your computer systems for daily operations, it’s time to get serious about protecting your critical, irreplaceable electronic information.•   You’ll stop annoying pop-ups and spyware from taking over your computer and your network. Not only are these intruders annoying, but they can introduce viruses and jeopardize the security of your network.  This may require the purchase of some additional hardware or software if necessary components are not present.  This will be identified during the free audit. •   You’ll gain incredible peace of mind. As a business owner, you already have enough to worry about. We’ll make sure everything pertaining to your network security and reliability is handled so you don’t have to worry about it. Happy Hunting!

Matt Makowicz

Everything Channel’s Xchange ‘08 had approx 250 VARs meeting with over 100 leading vendors.  Some highlights of note:

Bandspeed (www.bandspeed.com) - a fantastic WLAN solution that can lead to huge profitability for MSPs who want to deploy and sell managed WLAN solutions for customers.  Once I learned of them and asked other partners if they’ve heard of Bandspeed, I received one of two answers 1) “never heard of them” or 2) “Bandspeed ROCKS!”

Symantec - during our boardroom appointment, someone introduced the “elephant in the room” by asking the exec presenting about Syamntec’s recent partner/channel policy changes notably the practice of going direct to customers cutting out partners on renewals.  The exec tried to play the good cop bad cop routine but was unsuccessful at delivering any feelings that were warm or fuzzy.  At one point he even blamed the new practice on partners (or at least he tried) by stating that “30% of licenses don’t renew”  - my colleagues and I gently pointed out that the reason for the 30% is more likely due to VARs switching solutions for the customers rather than simply forgetting to sell the renewal. 

Overall, many vendors were trying very hard to position themselves as a one stop shop for a VAR.  “we have this product/software, but we’ll also train you, help you grow your business, etc…”  While all of that sounds great, many miss the mark in delivering what VARs are truly looking for - a PARTNERSHIP.  In an era where VARs need partnerships to diversify offerings, “commitment to our channel” has got to be real.  Of course, some vendors get this and others don’t even come close.

Happy hunting…

Matt Makowicz

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