Does network support require proactive monitoring?

To put this question a different way: is it possible to have network support without proactive monitoring?

Yes, it's possible, of course; there might even be a cost saving doing it this way, so your decision will be based on cost-effectiveness. But the crucial question is: will reactive support be adequate for keeping your business running to plan?

The "break-fix" support model

Many support contracts depend on something first going wrong with your computer network before you use an engineer's time. This is known as 'break-fix' support.

Of course, the fault will be fixed to your satisfaction. The problem with this reactive support model is that in the meantime your business may be unable to function properly. You have to account for this downtime somehow; lost staff productivity, or missed project deadlines due to network downtime can cost businesses dear.

You might of course save money if nothing goes wrong with your network and you do not end up calling a technician. However, if you are that confident of suffering no networking problems, you could do without any kind of support contract whatsoever.

The proactive network support model

A higher standard of network support involves using remote monitoring systems to keep an eye on your network's performance throughout the working day. There are two main advantages:

1. It prevents network faults in advance

Many IT network faults can be seen coming. Instead of suffering downtime and then reacting, network support technicians can ensure uptime by anticipating any issues and acting to prevent them.

You may not even be aware of the value your IT services contract is providing, since your network support engineers will apply preventative measures remotely. All you'll experience is great uptime.

2. You benefit from knowledge gained elsewhere.

When network problems occur for one client, a proactive network support approach can prevent other clients experiencing the same problem. This extra knowledge pool is another plus point for remote network monitoring.

Who in Bristol offers network support with proactive monitoring?

It's a question to ask any IT support firm you are considering, as their websites do not always make this clear. Chorus IT offers network support in Bristol with proactive IT monitoring as standard, for the reasons mentioned above. Contact our sales team on 01275 398900 for more details.