FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
About Planet Virtual
Q: What is it exactly that Planet Virtual does?
A: Planet Virtual is an information technology organization specializing in managed IT services, network support, software support, cloud computing services, web design, and web development. Pretty much anything and everything related to computers and network technology, we can provide service and support. More than technical experts, we are problem solvers. Computers and technology can be a hassle and a headache for many businesses and individuals where computers and technology are simply tools. We are here to give you that piece of mind you need so you can worry about what really matters to you.
Q: How can my business benefit from your services?
A: It all depends on what kind of business you have, the technological assets you possess, and what your financial & management goals are. If you are running a large-scale business with many employees using many computer systems and you don't have an in-house IT staff employed and don't want the hassle of managing one, you can hire us for a fraction of the price to take care of everything. If you don't have that many employees or you just don't have the need for constant IT support, we still offer many other services that may be both convenient and profitable. Want to virtualize your server to save money on energy and maintenance, we can help you. Want to get your business on the web with a powerful and aesthetically-pleasing website to increase exposure and revenue? We can help you with that as well. There's always something we can offer that can ONLY improve your business and more than anything, your bottom line.
Q: What is an MSA and why do you guys offer it?
A: Until the MSA model was developed, only Fortune 500 companies could afford a proactive IT staff. Most small businesses have a hard time getting consistent, reliable advice and support for their computer systems. This greatly limits productivity and expansion. Planet Virtual provides all of the services a business needs, on a 24/7 basis, at a very affordable rate. The small to medium size business community can now outsource their IT needs just like outsourcing payroll, or recruiting services. Allowing small business owners to focus on their business and GROW!
Q: How will Planet Virtual help my business and employees perform better?
A: Most small business either don’t have reliable technology help or avoid using it for as long as possible because day to day support will run up a tab quickly. Planet Virtual will allow your employees to get the support and training they need, on a day to day basis, when they need it, for a flat fee. Knowing that they are not running up the “tab” will allow them to proactively get answers to the questions that are slowing their work performance each day, keeping your business from being dragged down by technology problems. And keeping your staff trained and up to date with the latest and greatest ways to get their jobs done.
Managed Services
Q: Why can't I register on your site?
A: Registration and member accounts for now are only limited to those who have signed affirmative service contracts with us. They are given web accounts on our site for special privileges and quality support.
Q: How is your flat fee composed?
A: You will be required to pay a flat fee for every user & server that is part of your company, you do not have to pay any additional fees for firewalls, printers, PCs, mobile phones, etc. Your monthly rate is only affected by adding or removing a user or server. So if you hire a new employee your next month's bill goes up by one user. If you let go of an employee then your next month's bill would go down.
Q: What if I want somebody to come to my office instead of supporting me over the Internet or phone?
A: In order for Planet Virtual to offer our low monthly prices we must first try and resolve all issues remotely. We have taken every step to insure our tools provide SECURE remote connections, which require your authorization every time, and allow you to watch while we work. If the engineer determines that the issue cannot be resolved remotely, then they will be dispatched to your office for a prompt resolution.
Q: Do multiple locations affect pricing?
A: Yes because if an on-site visit is required and your location is not located within Miami-Dade or Broward County, then a travel time charge may be applied. But at the same time your locations are not considered part of the MSA pricing equation so they do not effect your monthly rate.
Q: Is Project Management included in a MSA?
A: Your first major project or upgrade is FREE! Once your free project is used, projects will then be charged as an additional flat fee depending on the project, once the project has been completed, supporting the upgrade is included in the MSA and does not affect your monthly rate.
Q: I don’t have an Internet connection; can I still be a customer of Subscription Support?
A: No, we will gladly help you setup your internet connection, but that’s how far our support can go without an internet connection. Without access to internet we cannot offer remote support, which is our main tool to provide fast reliable service.
Support & Coverage
Q: What software do you support?
A: Planet virtual will support all Microsoft products and will work with third party vendors to support all your industry specific applications. Some examples of applications we are familiar with:
Accounting: QuickBooks, OSAS, Peachtree, Sage Software, Timberline
Real Estate: Real Hound, Displaysoft
Property Management: Sage Software, Jenark, Skyline
Construction: Expedition
Engineering: AutoCAD
Health Care Dental: Easy Dental, Dexis, Florida Prob, VixWin, Ortho2, Dolphin Imaging
Auto: Interactive DMS
Attorneys: Time Matters, Perfect Practice, PC Law
And much more!!!
Q: What hardware do you support?
A: We will support any hardware on a limited basis. By this we mean that we do not do hardware repairs. We will, however, diagnose hardware problems and work with the hardware manufacturer on your behalf in the case of warranty repairs. In the case that a piece of hardware is not under warranty we will assist you with purchasing new hardware or in having a hardware repaired by a Planet Virtual partner.
Planet Virtual vs. Your Current IT Support
Q: Why should I use this service over a traditional hourly consulting service?
A: Hourly consulting is reactive in nature and expensive. Planet Virtual combines the best IT management tools and practices with the highest level of customer service. We proactively monitor and manage the health of your network, solving problems before they have an impact on your business. The flat fee model stops your pocket from making important IT decisions and puts that responsibility into the hands of professionals.
Q: We have a friend that knows his way around a computer that we call when we want computer help... why shouldn’t we just stick with that?
A: We’ve found through years of experience that many small businesses use a friend or part-time employee to try to manage their computer systems. However, these people often aren’t up to date with the latest technologies or solutions, move on to full time jobs, or are unavailable when you need them, costing you lost productivity and bringing your business to a standstill. Planet Virtual is an affordable solution that allows you to contact a qualified team of experts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
