Contract Options

To effectively service small and medium-sized business, flexibility is paramount.  Smaller businesses are more dynamic, have an abundance of creativity, and are able to rapidly capitalize on new ideas.

Your needs may change on short notice, and so should your IT support options.  We have compiled an array of popular support models for you to choose from.  Though we think we have covered all the bases, we welcome the opportunity to discuss your unique situation. 

We understand that today's small business will be tomorrow's industry leader.  With Parks Consulting Group along as your technology partner, you can rest assured that your IT support will be there.

Our First Visit

On our first visit, with your permission, we will attempt to get a broad overview of your IT systems as a whole.  This no charge information gathering is so that we may service you more effectively, efficiently, and  with our eye on upstream and downstream components.  We will also want to hear your expectations of us, in matters such as:

• Communication (We don't want to present too much or too little)
• Dress Code (Often overlooked, we want to fit in with your environment)
• Documentation (From a basic summary, to detailed reporting and procedure notes)
• Contacts (Who in your organization can call us? Will we have multiple contacts?)
• Recommendations (Beyond the basic objective, will you want us to give our observations?)
• Safety (Do you have any requirements or hazards we will need to be aware of?)
• Policies and Procedures (We treat your policies seriously.)

By setting these important expectations in advance, we limit the possibility of problems in the future.  We want our partnership with you to last.

As Needed

The standard model for small office support, this option means what it says.  You call us when you need us, and we'll be there. 

As needed calls can be anything your business demands.  Support for an existing system such as: a broken component of a PC or server, troubleshooting a network issue, or assisting with an application.   One-time projects such as: moving an office, or implementing a new server, or expanding a network, you name it. 

Pre-Paid Time Blocks

Good for those who would rather be billed a single time, this option allows you to purchase a block of our time in advance, at an agreed upon rate.

Typically, blocks are purchased in 10, 25, 50, or 100 hour sizes.

As with our other options, there are no restrictions as to what services are available.  There are no minimum usage requirements or additional fees, but we do ask that you use your time within 12 months.

Scheduled Time

Some clients have needs that require recurring assistance.  We can arrange to be there when you need us, whether it be short term or long term.  Like our other options, all of our services are available, and there are no extra costs to using scheduled time. 

Examples of when scheduling a resource may be a good choice.

• My IT staff has a meeting from 12-4 every Thursday.  Can you cover for us?
• I would like to give my staff a 4-day workweek, can you work Fridays?
• I have a 4-month long project, can you be here every Monday and Tuesday?
• My sales force meets once a month.  Can you take care of their mobile needs?
• My IT guy goes to the satellite office on Wednesdays. Can you be here?
• We have lots of systems to upgrade, but I don't want to do it all at once.  Can you be here 1 day a week until it's caught up?
• Many more!

Projects

Projects, whether simple or complex, are an aspect of information technology that share a common thread. It seems there are rarely enough resources to accomplish the project objectives, while still handling the day-to-day operational tasks. 

Having experience with small and large projects, as well as day-to-day support, Parks Consulting Group makes a great supplemental asset to your project team.

S.M.A.R.T
System Maintenance Alert & Response Technician

Parks Consulting has a model for maintenance services called S.M.A.R.T, to assist organizations with the monitoring, and deploying of security patches, antivirus updates, service packs, and other critical system updates.

The dangers of viruses and hackers pose a real risk to businesses of all sizes.   In an age where not applying security patches and updates is becoming a legal liability, it is becoming critical that organizations have a plan to effectively deal with them. 

We take the challenge out of this process by monitoring for critical updates, and deploying them in your organization on an appropriate time schedule.  Alternatively, we can assist in developing a plan for you, notifying you of any applicable updates, and training an individual from your company how to deploy it. 

Mitigate the risk to your business critical systems, get S.M.A.R.T today!

Management Functions

Parks Consulting Group is able to provide interim technology management for smaller sized businesses.

In cases where an organization cannot budget for a full-time IT management position, this solution offers an affordable way to get an experienced individual. We can assist with many management functions such as:

• Strategic Planning (the direction of your technology)
• Resource Planning (budgeting for that strategy)
• Tactical Planning (a phased implementation of the strategy)
• Policy Planning (security, acceptable use, etc.)
• Disaster Recovery Planning (protecting the strategy)