The Annual Maintenance Contract for IT: Why It’s a Must for Businesses Today

Information technology or IT is now a crucial element all companies need to run their businesses smoothly and keep them continuously productive and profitable. Nearly all operations, from the simplest to the most complicated ones, rely on the use of a computer, device, or machine and an Internet connection.

Because of this, the breakdown of any equipment and loss of connectivity often results in unexpected downtime, and this can often translate to a disaster to most companies.

Although most IT problems crop up without warning, many of these issues can be detected and prevented beforehand. If you don’t have an in-house team that can conduct regular IT health checks and perform the necessary repairs and updates, it is worthwhile to find a company that offers annual maintenance plans.

What Is an Annual Maintenance Contract for IT?

An IT annual maintenance contract or AMC is an agreement between a company and a service provider stating that the latter will handle the repair and maintenance of the former’s hardware and software systems.

By investing in an IT support AMC in Dubai, your company will get routine maintenance checks. You will have access to emergency repairs as well.

A typical AMC can last from one to three years, depending on your agreement with the service provider. You can extend the term for another year or so if you are satisfied with the plan.

All AMCs include service support. If you want a plan that covers IT support and replacement, ask your provider to include them in the agreement.

Like other formal agreements, an AMC contains straightforward provisions. These include:

• Details of hardware and software systems covered by the contract
• Items not covered by the contract
• Required number of visits
• Period of service
• Price
• Payment terms
• Penalty clause

What Benefits Do IT AMCs Offer?

When you sign an AMC with a trusted IT service provider, you can:

1. Save money on IT maintenance and repairs

There is nothing cheap about having several computers repaired all at once or dealing with server failure. When these things happen often, you will end up spending more than you need for upkeep and replacements.

When you have an AMC in place, you will save money on the maintenance and repairs of both your hardware and software systems. This is because many service providers offer  their contract clients a discount. You can also negotiate with the IT company to pay a lower fee.

Additionally, since you have already agreed on the fee to pay, which is stated in the contract, you won’t have to worry about the sudden increase in the prices of replacement parts and other relevant items.

Moreover, since you know how much you will be paying for this service, budgeting for this particular service is easier to do.  

1. Expect quick service in emergencies

IT emergencies can happen anytime. Whether they occur at night, early in the morning, or during the weekend, you need to have the issue fixed as soon as possible to minimize downtime.

With an AMC, you won’t have to waste time looking for a trustworthy contractor to make the necessary repairs. The chances that you will lose money on hiring an inept technician will be zero as well.

Since you have an agreement with an IT company, you will know immediately who you have to call and set the earliest time for the technician to visit your workplace. If you did your research well and you chose the best service provider, you can also be sure that an expert will handle all the repairs efficiently.

1. Have fixed schedules for hardware and software checks and maintenance

When you are running your business, you are constantly swamped with work. You may feel that there is not enough time every day to do everything you need to accomplish.

Because of this, you may forget to do a lot of things, including having your hardware and software systems checked and updated regularly.

When you have an agreement with an IT service provider, their team will take care of scheduling the maintenance works. They will stay on top of your routine maintenance schedule and order any supplies, if necessary.

Additionally, they will let you choose the best day and time to visit your office so that they minimize disruption in your workplace.

1. Expect expert technicians to handle all issues

Whether you have an IT emergency or upcoming scheduled maintenance, with an AMC, you can be sure that the service provider will send qualified, proficient technicians.

Although this is a given, you have to appreciate this fact. Bear in mind that if you have to hire an in-house IT staff, you may spend a lot of money, time, and effort on finding the ideal candidate. You can skip all these and have experts handle all the repairs and other important work when you need them.

Also, once you sign an agreement with an IT company, they will then send their technicians to learn about your business processes and requirements immediately. 

As such, when a problem or maintenance schedule comes up, they won’t need to spend a lot of time understanding your systems. They are able to make the necessary repairs and work faster.

This, in turn, enables your company to resume operations quicker.

1. Get more out of your IT investments

Lastly, with expert technicians handling all scheduled maintenance and repair works, you can be sure your hardware and software systems will function optimally for a long time.

Routine maintenance schedules, in particular, are vital in prolonging the functionality and lifespan of your computers and other devices. A technician inspects these items carefully to detect current issues and take the necessary actions to prevent them from causing more problems.

Additionally, they will be able to identify glitches in your hardware and software systems that you and your employees may not be aware of. They will also implement the right course of action or recommend solutions that can fix these issues.

Although there are benefits to having an in-house IT staff and investing in their training so that they can do their job better, having an AMC with a trusted tech service provider is the next best thing. You will get the help you need when you require it from a professional and competent technician all the time.

AUTHOR BIO:

Sharon Mallorca is the Sales Manager at Create IT in Dubai. Established by innovative digital agency Create Media Group, Create IT has rapidly become the Middle East’s leading IT Support and IT Solutions company, providing the highest quality IT support and services to a growing portfolio of global brands.