Computer repair and tech support services for small business is a booming marketplace. As computers, software, networks, wireless, mobile and a host of other tech has taken over small-business operations head to toe, the need to keep it all in operating order – or to get it up and running in the first place – has grown exponentially.
Businesses are adding in-house tech support for the sake of convenience. But a proliferation of outside tech support and repair services is making it easier for small and home-based businesses to get fast and affordable tech help.
Earlier this year, Susan Forman’s fledgling recruiting business Excelon Associates in South Florida came to a halt when her computer stopped working. She couldn’t reach her local computer tech, and her desperation grew until her husband mentioned Support.com.
Working exclusively online, the remote repair team at Support.com fixed Forman’s computer in hours. “It saved my business,” says Forman.
With the advent of “remote control” software that lets a tech engineer tap into your computer from anywhere, diagnostic and repair services are now easily accessible online. And it’s a secure process that can only occur with your approval, used thousands of times daily by businesses nationwide.
The advantages for entrepreneurs are huge. No more playing 20 questions with tech support over the phone. The services know what to look for and have an arsenal of fixes that have already worked for other businesses.
According to RescueCom, a fast-growing franchise network of computer support services, the top five problems reported by small business are:
1. Windows problems (22.3 percent), where Windows won’t start or is running poorly.
2. Hardware problems (18.1 percent) where peripherals such as a printer or scanner are not working.
3. Slow computers due to viruses or spyware (13.7 percent).
4. Internet connection trouble (13.4 percent).
5. Data access trouble (12.3 percent), often made worse by businesses that fail to back up their information.
Here are some of the services offering remote diagnostic and repair solutions for small business and home office users:
• Support.com: www.support.com or call (800) PC-SUPPORT.
• FixFlash: www.fixflash.com or (800) 574-8961.
• RescueCom: www.rescuecom.com or (800) 737-2837.
• Geek Squad: www.geeksquad.com or (800) 433-5778.
• TunePCnow.com: Visit the site or call (800) 940-9175
Daniel Kehrer can be reached at editor@business.com.
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