If you are a home business owner and have a couple of computers under you, or for that matter if you run any business that uses computers, then getting a computer maintenance agreement that covers all your computer and network repairs, labour, preventative maintenance and replacement parts from a reputed service centre should be a high priority.

At the onset, an initial evaluation from MCS will take place to ensure that all the components are in a good working state. This will be beneficial to both the parties as any issues that are found can be discussed and resolved so that there are no issues later as to who has to cover the costs.

Contracts are usually for a minimum 12 month term and are paid either as a lump sum or by monthly standing order.

Typical Maintenance Contract Provisions

• All servers and workstations are covered.
• The response time after a request for a service has been placed is usually 4 hours.
• Provision of non-contract services at a discounted rate.
• All preventive maintenance activities are carried out quarterly. This will in the long run ensure that the numbers of service requests are reduced.
• MCS will ensure that all scheduled back up process' are working. The criticality of your organisation can decide the frequency with which they need to check on the processes.
• A confidentiality agreement wherein MCS will not disclose your network or any data related details to any third party.
• The agreement covers all charges for labour, travel and diagnostic time but excludes replacement part costs.
• MCS will only send technicians who are certified as per the requirement of your organisation.

• Equipment upgrades and new installations are covered under the agreement.
• Any problems caused by power surges are usually not covered.
• Hardware malfunction due to liquid spills will not be covered.
• Data corruption due to virus and hackers are not covered.
• Support for software applications like Microsoft Office is not covered.

• Monitor free disk space.
• Manage printers.
• Monitor error logs.
• Manage directory structure.
• Maintain all directory and file permissions.