What do small businesses want from an IT company ?

[JonKidd]

Hi all,
I am currently self employed as an IT Contractor. Typically I work 6/12 months on different client sites working via my Ltd company through job agencies.
I have 20 years experience in IT and would now like to move into providing local small businesses with my skills. I am therefore doing a bit of a feasibility study into what small/medium sized businesses look for from a small local IT company. I am targeting solicitors, independent estate agents etc.

I'm hoping that some of you on here will be able to help with some of these answers or give advice etc.

Is a hardware maintenance essential for the business ie if the server died one morning, could the business cope without it for up to say 3 days or would the business demand someone on site within a couple of hours to resolve?

If hardware maintenance is essential then would the business use a maintenance contract or rely on an external company arriving on site quickly for an hourly fee ?

Is the business concerned with receiving the latest updates/security patches/virus definitions for the computers in the business?

Is remote support (ie the ability for an external company to connect to a computer in the business and show a user what to do on the screen if they are having a problem) something that the business would be willing to pay for ? If so, would the business prefer to pay per call or use a contract agreement ?

Is backup of data an issue within the business ?

What does the business want or expect from a small IT provider ?

Is email (external and internal) an important part of the business now ?

Does the business have a presence on the internet, if not is this something that would appeal ?

If the business is happy to call on an IT company, if and when they need them, what would be a reasonable hourly rate ?

Would a business address add credibility when contacting an IT company or would this not be an issue ?

For a new business (or an established one looking to replace) would the idea of an 'out of the box' solution at a fixed price ie one server, one printer and 5 workstations complete with software for £1999 appeal ?

If the business called a local IT company would you expect to speak to someone technical everytime or would the business be happy to be called back by someone ?

Thanks in advance for answers or advice
Jon

[despatch_uk]

Hi jon

I know exactly how you feel after being a contractor for a number of years i have now started my business up and know most of the pitfalls

if you want pm me and we can chat

[tomdenancy]

...It's hard work...If their server goes down, all hell brakes lose - work stops. Thankfully, its rare, I try and get them to purchase UPS's and Tape Backup drives to avoid major problems. Ohh, and what do they expect from IT support? Us to be instantly at their offices when they have a problem ;-) Remote Control Software fixes this issue.

[bizloulou]

I would pay for that service. As a business owner, my systems are my lifeblood.