What is the “Use-It-or-Lose-It” IT Support Model?
The “Use-It-or-Lose-It” IT Support Model provides a fixed fee for a certain number of hours. Subsequently, the hours are determined at 1/4 of an hour per workstation per month for a stable environment. Alternatively, the model can also be determined at 1/2 of an hour per workstation per month for an environment where the end-users are heavy computer users. In addition, the client is charged an overage fee if they exceed the number of hours.
Positive Aspects About This Program
The “Use-It-or-Lose-It” IT Support Program is more sophisticated than the Adhoc or blocks of time I previously wrote about. In fact, I really like this program. Subsequently, the program is simple, reliable, straightforward, and honest. Most importantly, these companies typically document the network, monitor the network infrastructure, and have staff on hand to respond to issues in a timely manner.
Negative Aspects About the Program
The only thing negative about this program is that the client bears the risk of cost. For example, if they go over their numbers, they have to pay a hefty overage fee. This can get quite expensive in the event of a server crash. Similarly, if they don’t use all of their hours, they lose them.
Why Companies Choose the “Use-It-or-Lose-It” IT Support Program
SMBs like this program because it is stable and easy to manage. In my experience, IT support companies who offer this service are typically small. For this reason, it is ideal for a company with no strong growth plans, has a stable network, and does not have an overly complex environment.
A Better Alternative
A better alternative to “Use-It-Or-Lose-It” IT services, is INSI’s managed services or customized IT™. INSI has a tiered structure that can offer decreased rates on 80% of the IT support issues without sacrificing quality. This is because our tiered structure allows us to charge entry-level rates for entry-level tickets, which constitutes 80% of the IT support tickets. Further, we can manage the entire environment, fill in the gaps for an internal IT team, or we can break out the services to the client’s exact needs. Finally, we can do all this for a fixed fee.
Do You Want To Learn More About The Difference Between “Use-It-or-Lose-It” and INSI’s Customized IT™?
Go here to see the various types of IT support, their pros and cons, and great questions to ask the provider on each one.
In addition, if you would like to know more about this topic and how it affects you, visit Amazon or Barnes & Noble for a copy of the book IT Outsourcing Secrets – A Small Business Guide to Comparing IT Support Companies.
