Empower Information Systems

Empower Information Systems Managed Service Solution
Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How can my business save money by using the Empower Information Systems Solution?
A. Unpredictable IT costs place a real burden on your business. The Empower Information Systems Solution gives you predictable, monthly IT expenses by eliminating the costs of upgrades, monitoring, patching and operations of your infrastructure. We give you the flexibility to choose from three scalable plans bronze, silver or gold. You pick the plan that is right for you. This allows you to redirect IT resources, reduce unanticipated support costs and plan your expenses accurately. 

For a complete cost analysis, contact Empower Information Systems Sales at 757-273-9399.  You may be surprised at how much we can reduce your current IT spending.

Q. Why should my business choose the Empower Information Systems Solution over hosting?
A. The greatest advantage Empower Information Systems has over hosting is that if our network or your Internet Service Provider’s network goes down, your systems are still operational.  Because the servers reside at each company’s premises, the only thing lost during an outage is monitoring and remote backups.  Empower Information Systems will be immediately notified of such an outage and will help restore the network.  The Empower Information Systems solution also includes many of the benefits of hosting, such as security and server monitoring, remote storage of data and fixed monthly fees but for significantly lower cost.

Q. What if my business already has an IT staff?
A. More than a third of all businesses using the Empower Information Systems solution also employ a part-time or full-time IT staff.  By eliminating the necessity to work on low-level, repetitive, non-strategic tasks, the Empower Information Systems solution frees your staff to focus on long-term strategic technology objectives, such as:

• Intranet portal services for employees
• Extranet portal services for customers
• Line of business applications employee technical training
• Database development and management
• Application performance reporting
• Management of digital dashboards
• Website Management
• Aligning IT goals with long-term vision of the management team
• Professional training and certifications

The Empower Information Systems Solution provides a solid foundation for these initiatives and allows your company to maximize its IT investment.

Q. How does Empower Information Systems handle backups?
A. Backups are continual and managed remotely.  All data is remotely sent to the Empower Information Systems data center.  The initial monthly fee includes 25 GB of remote storage, and additional storage is available for an added fee.  Empower Information Systems can retrieve customer files from up to 30 days prior to the last backup and this window can be extended for an additional fee.

Q. What kind of hardware is included with the Empower Information Systems solution?
A. Empower Information Systems does not provide the hardware; however, we will work with you to choose hardware from any tier one vendor. We can assist in setting up lease programs to make your upfront costs minimal. Empower Information System’s only requirement is your equipment be under an approved maintenance agreement or have a qualified parts program.

Q. What kind of software is included with the Empower Information Systems solution? 
A. Empower Information Systems provides software from Microsoft, SoftwareONE, TechData, Ingram Micro, Netgear, Cisco, HP and Toshiba.  Empower Information Systems provides a very robust software and support platform for small businesses to grow on. The specific software will depend upon the requirements of the customer. Empower Information Systems can offer very affordable software rental programs from Microsoft as well as the ability to setup lease programs for your software purchases.

Q. Do we need a disaster and recovery plan?
A. The Empower Information Systems solution solves most IT-related disaster and recovery problems.  In the event of a disaster, such as theft or fire, Empower Information Systems can build a new server with your most recent data and have it on your premises within 24 hours.  Customers will still need to plan for desktops and other business specific processes.

Q. If we accidentally delete a file, how will Empower Information Systems restore it?
A. Simply call the Help Desk at 757-273-9399 and a support representative will restore it over the phone.  Or, send requests via email: support@empoweris.com.

Q. How often are the server and software updated?
A. Under the Customer Contract  plan the server software are updated every time an update is release according to the published service level.

Q. How are patches and service packs applied?
A. Service packs and software updates are applied after Empower Information Systems fully tests each one in the lab.  All updates are performed after business hours or according to the customer’s schedule.

Q. How safe is our data?
A. The Empower Information Systems data center is a new state-of-the-art facility that includes:

• AC unites to keep environment at a constant temperature and humidity
• Multiple power delivery units
• Multiple UPS
• Battery backups with chargers
• Multiple Power Delivery Units (PDU)
• Two-stage pre-action dry pipe sprinkler system

Q. How secure is the server?
A. Security is of utmost importance to Empower Information Systems.  We employ the latest in security technology in all servers and monitor them continually, 24×7×365. Any unusual activity is automatically reported to our highly-trained monitoring team, who follow specific escalation procedures in the event of a breach.

Q. Will existing data and email be moved to the new server?
A. All data, including email, will be moved to the new server as part of the initial setup.  All existing network peripherals, such as printers, hubs, switches and routers, are configured on the new server.

Q. Do we need an Internet connection?
A. Yes – the Empower Information Systems solution requires a broadband (DSL or Cable) or better connection with static IP.  If you don’t have a broadband connection, Empower Information Systems can install one for an additional fee.

Q. What are the contract terms?
A. All contracts are setup to be 1 year contracts. We have the option to cancel with a 30-day cancellation notice. Specific terms will be in the SLA.

Q. What if we decide to cancel the service?
A. Empower Information Systems will simply terminate the service, remove the services from the server or transfer the services to the customer. Certain prepaid items may be required to be paid to Empower Information Systems. Our intention is to make it very simple for you to enter or leave a managed service engagement. We want you to use us to supplement your staff on your timeline, not ours.