Why an online tech support plan is useful?
The computer hardware is covered by the manufacturer warranty plans from 90 days to 1 year, by the retailer Service Extended Warranty plans for an additional year, or by Computer/Consumer Electronics Product Warranty/Extended Warranty Plans administered as credit card enhancements (VISA, Mastercard, American Express) which start at around $50 for a 3 years plan.
The online technical support plans carry out the configuration, the maintenance and the repair of the computer software and ofthe local network with Internet access configuration, maintenance and troubleshooting. A month-to-month plan starts at less than $20 / month.
The cost of ownership would include the computer hardware and software, the extended warranty plan, the online tech support plan, and the internet connection for a stress-free usage.
What online tech support plans are offered?
You may drag the icons on the website and select an online tech support plan.
Currently there are 12 main online tech support providers included, other providers are pending - Adachi Computech Solutions, LLC, BluePhone, Comodo Security Solutions, Inc., Digital Support Technology, Inc., ErrorFix, Futuristic Internet Services LLC, LiveRepair.com, Inc., Monetize Networks, LLC, RescueCom, support.com, Inc., Support1000.Com, iYogi Inc. - offering 40 online tech support plans - annual, semiannual, monthly, hourly, minute, and session.
The website includes also free online tech support plans, tech support forums and self support.
The company is able to improve the product variety while a specific provider has to optimize the product mix offered for the organization's performance.
While the sales volume over the internet increased also, an increased number of customers seek information online before making purchases.
The company achieves cost efficiency through an aggregated awareness (AIDA and ATR frameworks) advertising effort for online tech support plans.
What alternate tech support plan options are available?
Alternate tech support plans are the more specific free and paid tech support plans offered by the hardware and software companies and by ISPs configuration, maintenance and troubleshooting.
What operating systems are supported?
Online tech support is available for Windows OS, Mac OS and Linux OS. All the Windows OS versions have 80% of the Desktop OS market - at Mainstream Support or Extended Support or Custom Support Relationships according to the Microsoft Support Life-cycle policy (MSL) - MAC OS has less than 10% and Linux 1-2%. Newer plans include support for non desktop operating systems for PDAs, symphonies.
While the personal computer sales declined in 2009, the laptop and notebook sales, the secondary market and the number of internet users augmented. The core competencies for the online technical support - operating systems, computer networks and networks security - would be interesting for the emergence of more distributed internet desktop operating systems - WebTops and WebOSes.
