Comtec Enterprises has launched its first network management service, the Comtec Care Solid Ground Solution, in collaboration with Cisco. The managed service has been designed specifically for SMB to mid-market organisations, and will allow these businesses to exploit and maximise their network architecture, achieving enterprise-class value from their IT assets.

Utilising Comtec’s state-of-the-art Network Operations Centre (NOC) and on-site datacentre, the fully managed service will offer SMB’s a two-tier solution that incorporates 24/7 network monitoring, proactive maintenance and lifecycle management for all Cisco networking and Internet Protocol Telephony (IPT) technology. Chris Jenkins, general manager for Comtec, explains:
“Unlike their enterprise counterparts, SMBs are likely to have limited time, money and skills to ensure the continual optimal performance of their network. Technology can, undoubtedly, enable SMBs to gain the operational efficiency and productivity advantages enjoyed by large enterprises, but the inherent requirements for training and ongoing maintenance can sap resources that could be leveraged for business development. With Solid Ground we will alleviate this burden, allowing SMBs to optimise their resources whilst providing the peace of mind afforded through managed services endorsed by Cisco.”

The Comtec Care Solid Ground Solution, in collaboration with Cisco Smart Care, provides SMB and mid-market users of Cisco products with complete verification of the security, reliability and operational efficiency of their network. The service takes the onus away from the user, ensuring that security or performance issues are pre-empted and acted upon before they can affect business performance or employee productivity. Solid Ground is available through two tiers of service:

• Network Foundation
• Next business day hardware replacement
• Telephone support during business hours
• Network Foundation Plus
• Next business day hardware replacement
• 24/7 helpdesk support through Comtec’s Network Operations Centre (NOC)
• Proactive network monitoring including security advisories and end of sale / end of life notifications etc
• Cisco Monitor Manager / Director providing 24/7 network monitoring and maintenance

Nick Claxson, managing director at Comtec comments, “We offer our customers an open, honest approach to managed services, whereby they can actually see where their services are hosted, understand the infrastructure, and be safe in the knowledge that their IT assets are protected by us – the people they buy from.”