Computer Maintenance Contracts
Keep your business technology running smoothly with professional maintenance contracts tailored to your needs.
Get Your Contract QuoteUnderstanding Computer Maintenance Contracts – Which One Suits Your Needs?
IT maintenance contracts are essential for keeping business technology running smoothly. However, not all contracts are the same. Unlike general IT support models, maintenance contracts focus on ensuring system reliability, security, and long-term performance. Here's a breakdown of the different types available and how they can benefit your business.
Comprehensive Maintenance Contracts
A full-coverage contract that includes regular system checks, updates, and troubleshooting to prevent and fix issues before they escalate.
Key Features
- Scheduled System Inspections: Ensuring hardware and software are up to date and working as expected.
- Security & Compliance Monitoring: Keeping systems protected from threats and vulnerabilities, and up to date with industry standards.
- Rapid Issue Resolution: Guaranteed response times for critical issues, ensuring systems are up and running as soon as possible.
- Hardware & Software Maintenance: Keeping everything running at peak performance.
Ideal For:
- Businesses with mission-critical IT infrastructure.
- Companies needing regulatory compliance.
- Organisations seeking a proactive IT approach.
Hardware Maintenance Contracts
This contract type focuses solely on physical IT assets, ensuring devices like servers, workstations, and networking equipment remain operational.
Key Features
- Proactive Hardware Servicing: Regular check-ups and parts replacements
- Breakdown Repairs & Component Replacements: Fast fixes for faulty hardware
- On-Site or Remote Assistance: Depending on service level agreements (SLAs).
Ideal For:
- Companies reliant on in-house servers and networking hardware.
- Businesses with expensive or high-maintenance IT equipment.
Software Maintenance Contracts
Focuses on keeping software updated, patched, and optimised for security and performance.
Key Features
- Regular Software Updates & Patch Management: Ensuring security and compatibility.
- Performance Enhancements & Bug Fixes: Keeping software running smoothly.
- Support for Custom Software & Third-Party Applications: Assistance tailored to your software stack.
Ideal For:
- Businesses using specialised software that requires ongoing updates.
- Companies relying on third-party applications for daily operations.
Network Maintenance Contracts
These contracts focus on maintaining the health of IT networks, including internet, internal systems, and cybersecurity.
Key Features
- Firewall & Security Monitoring: Protecting against cyber threats.
- Bandwidth & Performance Optimisation: Ensuring smooth network traffic.
- Troubleshooting & Fixes for Connectivity Issues: Reducing downtime and improving user experience.
Ideal For:
- Companies with high network dependency.
- Businesses handling sensitive or large amounts of data.
Tailored IT Maintenance Contracts
A flexible option where businesses can customise maintenance plans to their needs.
Key Features
- Pick & Choose Services: Combine hardware, software, and network maintenance into a single contract.
- Scalable to Business Growth: Adjust services as IT needs evolve.
- Custom SLAs: Define response times and service expectations.
Ideal For:
- Businesses with diverse IT needs requiring a mix of services.
- Companies wanting flexibility in their IT maintenance plan.
- Organisations with an in-house IT team who may not need full service offerings.
Are All Maintenance Contracts the Same?
Advantages of Computer Maintenance Contracts
- Cost savings: By identifying and fixing problems before they become major issues, a maintenance contract can help to prevent costly repairs and downtime.
- Improved performance: Regular maintenance can help to improve the performance and efficiency of your computer equipment.
- Increased reliability: A maintenance contract can help to increase the reliability of your computer equipment by identifying and addressing potential problems before they occur.
- Technical support: Many maintenance contracts include technical support as part of the agreement, which can be useful if you encounter any problems with your computer equipment.
- Convenience: A maintenance contract can take the burden of maintaining your computer equipment off your hands, allowing you to focus on other tasks.
- Peace of mind: Knowing that your computer equipment is being regularly maintained can provide peace of mind and help you to feel more confident in its ability to function properly.
Things to Consider
- Cost considerations: A maintenance contract may cost more in the short term than paying for maintenance on an as-needed basis. However, it can help to save money in the long run by preventing costly repairs and downtime.
- Service flexibility: Some contracts may not provide the flexibility to customise the services that are included. Depending on the provider, you may be limited to the specific services outlined in the contract.
- Hidden costs: Some maintenance contracts may include hidden costs or fees, such as charges for additional services. It's important to carefully review the terms of the contract to understand what is included.
- Provider availability: If the service provider is not available when you need them, it can be frustrating. It's important to choose a provider with a good reputation for reliability and responsiveness.
Warning: There Are Sharks Out There
The IT industry is largely unregulated - anyone can set up a website and claim to be "Professional IT Services." Don't let smooth-talking salespeople lock you into contracts that benefit them more than your business.
Smooth Talkers
High-pressure sales tactics with promises that sound too good to be true. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Lock-In Contracts
Long-term contracts with heavy penalties for early termination. Good service doesn't need to trap you.
Hidden Fees
Vague pricing with charges for everything beyond basic service. Every printer installation becomes a "project."
Poor Support
Disappear when you need them most. Outsourced call centres that don't understand your business.
Remember: In an unregulated industry, your only protection is choosing providers with proven track records, transparent pricing, and local accountability.
Choosing the Right Provider
Choosing the right provider for your computer maintenance contract is important because the quality of the service that you receive can have a significant impact on the performance and reliability of your computer equipment. A good provider will be able to identify and fix problems quickly and effectively, which can help to prevent costly repairs and downtime.
Key factors to consider:
- Reputation: Look for a provider with a good reputation in the industry and positive reviews.
- Expertise: Choose a provider with knowledgeable and experienced technicians.
- Responsiveness: Look for a provider that offers timely technical support when you need it.
- Services offered: Ensure the provider offers the services you need.
- Transparent pricing: Look for clear pricing with no hidden fees.
- Contract terms: Review the terms carefully to ensure they meet your needs.
Why Choose Sheridan Computers?
Our Philosophy: We're Either the Right Fit or We're Not
Security is a Team Sport
Threat intelligence from all our clients protects everyone. We all potentially get attacked, so we learn and strengthen defences for all our clients. This collective security approach only works when everyone is fully protected.
We Protect You Like Our Own
This isn't just about using the same systems - we will protect any business that onboards with us like it is our own business. Best practices? That's a low bar for us - our standards are much higher.
Our Ethical Stance
Getting new clients as an MSP is challenging - we understand that. But removing services just to hit a price point? That's ethically wrong. We'd rather be honest and say we're not the right fit than compromise your security for a sale.
All-or-Nothing Approach
We don't join the race to the bottom that creates vulnerable businesses. Everyone gets full protection because one weak link affects everyone. If you're looking for corners to cut, we're clearly the wrong provider.
We're good at what we do - we've been doing it for over 20 years. We're selective because we care about doing it right - not because we're expensive, but because cutting corners in security is ethically wrong.
"I will protect any business that onboards with me like it is my own business. Best practices? That's a low bar for me - my standards are much higher."
Transparency & Trust
Our computer maintenance contracts clearly and explicitly state the terms and conditions of the agreement in a way that is easy to understand. This includes a clear description of the services that are included, any additional fees or charges that may be incurred, and the length of the contract. Our contracts also outline the responsibilities of both parties and any other relevant terms and conditions.
We believe that transparency is important because it helps to ensure that both parties have a clear understanding of the terms of the agreement and can make informed decisions. We believe that the transparency of our contracts helps to build trust and confidence, and prevent misunderstandings or disputes from arising.
Related Services
Managed IT Services
Complete IT management with 24/7 monitoring, proactive maintenance, and expert support. Predictable costs with no surprises.
Learn MoreCyber Security
Multi-layered security protection to defend your business from evolving cyber threats and ensure compliance.
Secure Your BusinessSecurity Training
Cybersecurity awareness training powered by Huntress. Train your team to be your first line of defence.
Start TrainingTransparent Pricing
Honest pricing guide that reveals the minefield of IT support costs. See what you should really expect to pay.
View Pricing GuideService Packages
View our transparent package pricing online. No forms, no sales calls - just honest pricing you can see right now.
View PackagesIT Support
Expert IT support for when you need it. Understanding what IT support your business needs and how to choose the right provider.
Get SupportReady to Protect Your Business with Professional IT Maintenance?
Let us help you choose the right maintenance contract for your business needs. Get expert advice and a tailored quote today.
Get Your Quote Learn More About IT Support