In today's technology driven world, businesses are heavily reliant on various hardware equipment like computers, servers, networking devices, printers and other electronic gadgets. While these hardware systems certainly boost productivity and efficiency, they are also prone to faults, glitches and downtime issues. This is where hardware support services play a critical role in keeping businesses up and running smoothly.
Round the Clock Support
One of the major benefits of engaging professional hardware support providers is availability of round the clock technical assistance. Since IT systems and networks form the backbone of day to day business operations, any downtime can translate to huge losses. Professional support teams ensure someone is always available to address hardware issues as and when they occur. They provide 24/7 support through phone, email or remote assistance to resolve problems quickly without hampering productivity. This peace of mind is crucial for businesses that operate globally and require continuous network uptime.
On-site/Remote Maintenance and Support
Depending on the requirement, hardware support providers offer both on-site as well as remote maintenance services. On-site support involves a technician visiting the customer location to physically diagnose and fix hardware issues. This allows addressing issues that require physical access or component replacement. On the other hand, remote support is carried out through remote desktop connectivity. It enables remotely accessing systems over internet to troubleshoot software issues, install updates and patches without the need for an on-ground technician. Both options ensure downtime is reduced to minimum.
Key Hardware Support Services
Under the umbrella of Hardware support services, there are several specific routine and breakdown maintenance tasks that are covered:
- Preventive Maintenance: Regular wellness checks, equipment cleaning, driver/firmware updates to identify issues proactively before failures occur.
- Hardware Repairs: Technical support for repairs and replacement of defective parts like processors, drives, displays, ports etc.
- Onsite Support: As mentioned, on-call technicians make visits for repairs requiring physical access within defined response times.
- Helpdesk Support: Dedicated phone/email helpdesk for reporting problems and queries which are resolved remotely when possible.
- Deployments and Refreshes: Installation and setup support for new hardware, system refreshes and upgrades.
- Remote Monitoring: 24/7 monitoring of key systems for failures and performance using remote tools.
- Resources Pool Management: Managing equipment refresh cycles, warranty upgrades, and disposal of old assets.
Importance of SLA Compliance
It is advisable to check service level agreements (SLA) when selecting a support provider. These are commitments around predefined response times for various incident levels. For example, a critical issue affecting many users may have a response time of 30 minutes while a general query may have 4 hour response SLA. Getting these commitments in writing ensures prompt resolution of issues within acceptable time frames to achieve agreed performance indicators. It provides visibility into the level of service and accountability.
Opt for Experienced Hardware Vendors
When selecting a support partner, always go for experienced hardware vendors who specialize in providing dedicated support for those brands/types of devices used in your business. They will have deeper expertise, certified engineers, genuine spare parts and quicker turnaround owing to existing relationships with OEMs. Investing in support packages directly from hardware manufacturers also entitles valuable add-ons like on-site support, extended warranties and accidental damage protection.
Standardization Simplifies Support
Businesses should also try standardizing their hardware infrastructure with a smaller set of compatible models from reputed brands for easier management. This includes standardizing operating systems, applications in use, security solutions etc. This simplifies support activities to a large extent as issues can be addressed more efficiently through generic solutions when the environment has a common denominator. It also brings down support costs in the long run.
Cost Optimization Strategies
To control spiraling hardware support costs, businesses must evaluate and implement cost optimization strategies regularly. Some approaches organizations deploy include asset management systems for better renewal planning, support automation through self-help portals and remote monitoring tools, centralized procurement leveraging volume discounts and customized support packages based on usage profiles. Outsourcing non-core support activities also helps reduce overheads. All these efforts combined can significantly optimize the hardware support expenditure.
Reliable hardware support through qualified providers is no longer an option but a business necessity. It ensures continued operations by addressing breakdowns and issues seamlessly. Choosing a reputed support partner, getting service commitments in writing, standardizing infrastructure and optimizing costs are some best practices to derive maximum value from hardware support engagements. This fosters stable IT environments for productive business operations.
For more details on the report, Read- https://www.marketwebjournal.com/hardware-support-services-trends-size-and-share-analysis/
The Report "Banking Hardware Maintenance, Software Support and Helpdesk Support Services Market by Key Trends and Statistics, Regional Perspective, Market Size Estimation, Vendor Insights, Partnership Opportunities and Competitive Landscape - Global Forecast to 2021", projects that maintenance and support services market for major hardware devices and equipment for retail banks will grow from USD 8.4 billion in 2018 to USD 10.4 billion by 2021 at the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.5%.
Key factors that drive the growth of this market include focus to improve IT infrastructure and capabilities, emphasis around offering enriched customer experience, and improving operational and supply chain efficiencies.Download PDF Brochure @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=255123529Developing countries to drive adoption of banking infrastructure; advanced countries to focus on automationCountries like Indonesia, Brazil, and Turkey are expanding their banking infrastructure further fueled by population growth.
Banks in countries such as China, India, Canada, and Japan are aligning their resources to incorporate technological advances and have not showcased significant changes in their spending patterns.
In countries such as the US, Russia, France, and Germany; the banks focus on automation to sustain competition and reduce costs.
Focus on improving customer experience, operational efficiency and supply chain management Retail banking institutions across the globe have adopted advanced solutions such as latest ATMs, digital signage systems, and kiosks to improve customer satisfaction and acquire new customers.
These solutions empower banking leaders to track and manage diverse customer touch points for consistent customer experience.
