BT/Microsoft Service for SMEs

BT has joined forces with Microsoft to launch a one-stop-shop business software and broadband solution designed specifically for small and medium sized businesses.

BT Connected & Complete (catchy name eh?) will provide small businesses with secure broadband access, applications, services, support and maintenance, all from a single source and on one bill. Provided by BT, the complete solution will be sold and supported in conjunction with local partners and will cost about £50 monthly per user.

The features include:

- A secure broadband connection with firewall and anti-virus software, updated daily so businesses are always protected from the latest viruses.

- MS Solution for Hosted Exchange 2003, providing secure email using your domain name with spam and virus protection, together with a calendar, contacts and folders which can be shared with colleagues. Available from your PC & via your mobile.

- MS Office Small Business Edition 2003: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Outlook and Business Contact Manager. Including continuous access latest releases.

- Online help and user guide and access to a one-stop-shop help desk providing a single point of contact for all technical advice and support.

- A six monthly system health check performed on-site by a BT Channel Partnerm providing a complete review of a business’ current I.T. infrastructure and assessing their future needs.

In our view, the key to success for these type of services lies in the answers to these questions:

(a) How do the costs compare with traditional software licence costs?

(b) How good are the local support arrangements? (It's not worth dealing with companies who only have one or two technicians.)

(c) How confident are business managers over security arrangements?

(d) How effective and costly are the so called "one-stop-shop" help desks (I wonder whether BT people have ever tried getting through the mesh of the telephone help facilities?)

As always, we will keep you informed about developments. Post a comment below if you have something to say.