Dell expands IT services for smaller firms

Dell is expanding its ProManage programme into a nationwide service

Dell is launching a new line of IT services designed for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).

The company said that it would be expanding its ProManage programme from a two-city trial into a nationwide service in cities throughout the US.

A pilot programme in London is also underway, and the company said that it would launch the service in Europe by the end of the year.

The aim is to allow SMBs to transfer some or all of their IT management to Dell through remote and on-site services.

ProManage will be offered in three variations, ranging from a basic 'alert' monitoring and reporting package, to a fully fledged management system which includes asset tracking and patch deployment. Each package will be offered for a monthly fee, and includes support for an unlimited number of devices.

Dell hopes that the programme will appeal to companies looking to trim money and time spent on day-to-day management of IT operations, particularly at firms where IT staff perform other roles as well.

"Seventy per cent of IT spending goes on basic maintenance and support," said Dell SMB director Mike Garrison. "Small businesses want to innovate, but it's that maintenance cost that is holding them back and consuming so much of the budget."

By taking over some or all IT operations as a remote service, Garrison said that customers would be able to save hours every day and dramatically cut downtime.

Additionally, Garrison said that the new service will allow companies to add on new services as their needs increase.

"SMBs are typically the engine of economic recovery when we are in a period like we are today," he said. "So when we look at these cloud-based services and delivery models, these are ways that Dell can help customers scale."