Tips and Training >> Definitions >> Maintenance Plan
What is a Maintenance Plan?
A maintenance plan is more than a warranty. It supports video conferencing equipment in a way that enables users to maintain a well running video conferencing system or network. Maintenance plans typically provide replacement or repair of systems that fail and some level of technical support.
A maintenance plan is also sometimes called a "service plan" and it goes well beyond a warranty. Maintenance plans sometimes include onsite preventative maintenance support on an annual or quarterly basis. This can be valuable, as users of video conferencing equipment often find that a system deteriorates in performance over time due to user changes, adjustments and sometimes even use for non-video conferencing purposes.
An important feature that should be available to purchasers of video conference maintenance plans is the ability to test with a help desk in the event a video conferencing system does not operate as expected. In this way, a maintenance plan assures that a technical support team is available to assist with problems or issues that arise with the use of video conferencing equipment.
What is the advantage of a Maintenance Plan?
It is more than a warranty. Warranties alone require a video system to definably fail before repair or replacement is available. A maintenance plan supported by a reputable long time supplier offers repair, replacement and technical support for systems that can be too complicated for users to install, manage and maintain themselves. A maintenance plan is a method of ensuring "uptime" for your video conferencing equipment.
Many service providers merely resell a manufacturer's extended warranty as a maintenance plan. This undermines the benefits you should expect as an owner of video systems. A maintenance plan is a pre-paid service, usually for a period of not less than one year. Therefore, in order to assure service on video conferencing products, users must pre-pay at the beginning of a service period.
What is the disadvantage of a Maintenance Plan?
Many service providers merely resell a manufacturer's extended warranty as a maintenance plan. This undermines the benefits you should expect as an owner of video systems. A maintenance plan is a pre-paid service, usually for a period of not less than one year. Therefore, in order to assure service on video conferencing products, users must pre-pay at the beginning of a service period.
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