Server Maintenance
What is a Server Maintenance Contract?
A server maintenance contract is a service offered by Rimtech Software whereby a technician performs
regular maintenance duties on your file server on a scheduled basis. This can include tasks such as
checking backup results, monitoring virus activity, checking hardware error logs or failure reports and
installing software updates.
The purpose of ongoing server maintenance is to detect potential problems before they escalate into a
major issue that may cause your server or network to fail and severely affect the operation of your
business.
How is the work carried out?
All server maintenance work is carried out remotely from our office in Brisbane, using Remote Desktop via
your Internet connection. We do not rely solely on software reporting or automated processes – a Rimtech
technician actually logs on to your server and methodically performs the required checks and maintenance.
Depending on your requirements, this is completed weekly, fortnightly or monthly as a recurring booking.
What does it include?
A normal server maintenance appointment would involve some or all of the following preventative tasks:
• Check backup logs for failures or problems
• Check antivirus software for indications of virus activity
• Check antivirus software is updated
• Install critical Windows updates
• Check hardware logs for indication of failures
• Check system logs for software or operating system problems
• Check user security and permissions
• Other important checks and updates as determined by Rimtech
What doesn’t it include?
Whilst we take great care to maintain your server, it must be understood that any additional ad-hoc work is
outside of the scope of the agreement. This includes:
• Any on-site maintenance or repairs
• Maintenance of workstations, printers, Internet connection or other IT equipment
• Additional works outside of your nominated appointments
• ProfitPak support or upgrades (this is part of your Software Support contract)
• Installation of new hardware or software
• Maintenance of your email / email addresses
Why does my business need a Server Maintenance Contract?
If your company is like most, you rely heavily on computer systems for the daily operation of your business.
Your server (or servers) provide the backbone of this computer network and generally hold all of your
business-critical data including your business management software (ProfitPak), as well as documents,
records, marketing materials and much more. To lose access to these resources for an extended period
due to a server failure can be very costly; worse still, to lose some or all of this information permanently
can result in immeasurable damage to the reputation of a business and to its ability to operate.
By having an ongoing server maintenance agreement with Rimtech, you are reducing the exposure of your
business to threats such as virus, hardware failures and backup failures. Your response time to act upon
developing problems is also greatly improved as the server is being regularly monitored, rather than no
action being taken until the problem becomes critical due to non-awareness.
These preventative actions can potentially save your business far more in lost income than the expense
that is outlaid.
How much does it cost?
The pricing scheme is based on the number of maintenance appointments required per year. We offer
contracts for weekly, fortnightly or monthly (4-weekly) bookings.
For a business with 1 server and less than 5 workstations, monthly maintenance is recommended.
For a business with 1 or 2 servers and over 5 workstations, fortnightly maintenance is recommended.
For a business with 2 or more servers, multiple sites and over 20 workstations, weekly maintenance is
recommended.
Note that the above recommendations are generalised and we review the specific requirements of each
customer on a case-by-case basis.
What are the requirements?
For Rimtech to be able to offer this service to you, there are a few specific requirements that must be met:
• Server(s) must run a Windows Server operating system (eg Windows Server 2003, Server 2008)
• Terminal Services (Remote Desktop) must be installed and configured for remote access
• A high speed (ADSL) Internet connection and a Static IP address
• Managed antivirus software installed on all computers in your domain (e.g. AVG Antivirus Network
Edition)
• Preferably hardware monitoring software installed on the server (eg Intel Server Monitor)
• You must nominate a technical contact – an onsite staff member with some understanding of your
site’s network and who is able to respond to technical correspondence from Rimtech.