There are many different network support providers. Some are great, others are good, and still others are bad for you. In the same way that there are many support firms available, there’s also a variety of ways to obtain assistance from network support companies. As companies change their approach to delivering IT services, you will also have to choose what kind of service is best for your organization.

There are two main types of services that provide network support: managed IT services, and break-fix service. In the managed type of network support, a network company is responsible for managing your entire network infrastructure. They take care of all tasks, from network design and implementation through to maintenance and remote support. These firms typically have dedicated teams consisting of highly skilled desktop engineers. They are knowledgeable about the latest technology and are certified through major technology companies such as Microsoft, Cisco and Linux. Some companies provide proactive monitoring services to identify problems even before they occur. They increase network uptime by leaps and bodes and enhance your business’ growth.

If you choose managed services, the fee will be fixed. The fee will vary depending on the variables. It may be per workstation/server, per employee, or a fixed dollar amount. These services will benefit you on two levels: firstly, they can help you predict your monthly support cost, and secondly, you’ll get an instant response when a problem arises without having to pay additional fees, which prevents downtime. Break-fix is an option that does not require a monthly payment. This type is usually the best option for small-sized firms that cannot pay for a monthly contract. Even though it’s cheaper in the short-term, long-term costs of not having maintenance and monitoring can be severe.