| Today, the hub of the small business and home-based | | | | network service level agreements and subcontractor |
| entrepreneur is the computer system and network. For | | | | agreement forms. No matter which agreement best |
| many users and business owners computers are the | | | | suits your needs, be sure the company has a |
| lifelines of the company, but what if they suddenly | | | | reputable track record and that the agreements state |
| crashed? Will your computer service contract cover | | | | who is at fault should future problems arise, the |
| faulty work, loss of data, or future problems? | | | | timeframes for coverage and how much liability is |
| Before signing a contract and allowing an IT contractor | | | | covered. |
| to perform work on your system or network, it is | | | | When to look for service guarantees |
| essential to read the fine print. Often times, | | | | Any time you hire someone to provide computer |
| unprofessional businesses may offer very little in the | | | | consulting or technical support, it is essential to request |
| way of a warranty. Contracts will alert you to those | | | | and closely review the computer service contract. |
| contractors who may not carry the credentials | | | | Again, researching service contract templates will |
| necessary to ensure your future success, and will also | | | | prepare you for reviewing contracts. A few of the |
| alert you to low-quality technical work. It is important to | | | | most common agreements include: |
| only work with companies who offer reputable | | | | * Consulting Services Agreements – This identifies |
| computer support services. | | | | the work to be performed, and defines the terms and |
| Be aware of poorly written computer service | | | | price and payment. |
| contracts | | | | * Network Installation and Maintenance Agreement |
| Purchasing computer service contracts can prove to | | | | – Details the guarantees and expectations for the |
| be one of the most important investments you can | | | | stability, safety and security of networks, and liabilities. |
| make in the future of your work. It’s equally | | | | * Subcontractor/Independent Contractor Agreement |
| important however, to find a contractor with | | | | – Ensures subcontracts and independent |
| substantive training and a solid service contract; | | | | contractors perform to the specifications outlined in the |
| otherwise you may be subject to major problems | | | | contract. It also details the scope of work, price and |
| down the road. Avoid this risk by hiring only those | | | | necessary solutions should the work not meet your |
| professionals who are willing to abide by your contract | | | | standards. |
| and take the time to understand what is covered in | | | | Before signing a contract, protect yourself by taking |
| the contract. | | | | the time to get the facts. Within the fine print of the |
| One way to familiarize yourself with these contracts | | | | computer service contract you want to look for clear |
| and know what to look for is by previewing samples | | | | and concise language that details the terms of service, |
| of computer maintenance agreements which can be | | | | coverage timeframes and liability coverage. The |
| found online from companies that produce contract | | | | contract is your key to knowing exactly what you are |
| templates. There are several agreement samples | | | | paying for and who you are working with. |
| available including, computer service network contracts, | | | | |