Small and midsize businesses have most--if not all--of the same IT needs as larger organizations, but they lack the resources and dedicated IT departments to manage them. At the same time, small-business managers and owners would rather focus on effectively running their companies than on trying to resolve various computer issues.
Unfortunately, technology requires maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair. For assistance with those tasks, small and medium businesses (SMBs) have a choice between relying on independent IT consultants and working with IT services from big-box stores.
In most instances, the technicians at big-box retail chains are not just low-wage sales reps wearing a different hat. Usually they have at least some entry-level experience as technicians, and in some instances they may obtained certification such as CompTIA's A+, which demonstrates expertise with basic PC hardware.
That said, what do the large retailers offer, and can their tech support do the job for a small business?
Best Buy Geek Squad
The Best Buy Geek Squad offers a comprehensive suite of services for SMBs. With more than 11,000 technicians nationwide--most of them zipping around in signature Geek Squad Volkswagen beetles--and with numerous mammoth Best Buy stores conveniently located for drop-off service, the Geek Squad is familiar to most SMBs.
Technicians can perform most of these services in-store, remotely (via online tools), or on-site in a home or office. Housecalls cost more than the equivalent services performed at a Best Buy store or remotely online. Best Buy backs up its tech service with a 30-day guarantee.
Staples Tech Support
Though not as widespread or recognizable as Best Buy, Staples is a major presence in the U.S. retail landscape. Aside from selling office equipment and supplies--including computers and networking equipment--Staples offers IT services through EasyTech.
A business with one or two PCs in need of attention might be better off with Office Depot, but a company with four or five such PCs will save a bundle by working with Staples EasyTech. And Staples will perform PC tuneup services free of charge if you bring the PC to the store.
Office Depot
Another familiar fixture of big-box strip malls is Office Depot. It provides less-comprehensive services than the Best Buy Geek Squad does. Office Depot offers around-the-clock service, however, which can be a tremendous benefit for an SMB staring at a "blue screen of death" on a crashed PC at three in the morning.
Next page: More types of tech support--and which should you choose?