The Utility Company® Announces Release of Connected Office® Online Services

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Eliminates Barriers to Adopting Managed IT Services and Cloud Computing

November 30, 2011, Ottawa, Canada – The Utility Company (TUC) today announced the release of Connected Office (CO) Online Services providing small and medium-sized businesses (SMB) with a range of critical IT and security management services in a self-subscription model.  CO Online Services can be ordered at www.theutilitycompany.com  with exclusive promotions available through our franchisees and affinity partners across North America.

Understanding SMB technology needs coupled with challenges in today’s economy, TUC has simplified the process of ordering and provisioning basic services to manage network infrastructure, desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones and data back-up with on-demand IT support and training.  CO Online Services include:

• Connected Office PC– desktop and mobile device management;
• Connected Office Network– network and security management;
• Connected Office Online Backup– secure, remote data back-up;
• Remote Technology Support– 1-866-My-Utility Per Minute Helpdesk.

Cloud computing services, like CO Virtual Exchange, will also be added in Q1 2012.

Connected Office PC - frees your organization from repetitive, but critical, day-to-day tasks of caring for your fleet of desktops and laptops.  For a fixed monthly cost of only $29.95 per user you can ensure your employees’ key productivity tool is running smoothly.  The main features and benefits include:

• Full security protection, including anti-virus and patch management;
• Automated desktop management and updates;
• Unlimited file & folder online backup;
• Optional mobile device management; and
• Available access to our 1-866-My-Utility Helpdesk for any needed assistance or technical training at only $2 Per Minute.

Find out more at www.theutilitycompany.com/pc

Connected Office Network - Forward-thinking businesses can have their mission-critical network infrastructure remotely monitored and managed 24x7.  Subscribing to CO Network brings businesses peace of mind with available features such as: 

• Network monitoring;
• Business application monitoring;
• Printer/copier monitoring;
• Voice-over-IP monitoring;
• Security and protection;
• Secure remote access; and
• Asset and lifecycle management. 

With Connected Office Network, ALL devices connected to the network are proactively managed for as little as $99 per month (for the first server, with additional devices extra). Find out more at www.theutilitycompany.com/net

Connected Office Online Backup - ensures corporate and client data is backed up and completely protected, reducing the costs and downtime inherent in losing critical information. Service features include:

• Online backup with data-mirroring in fully-redundant, offsite data storage facilities;
• State-of-the-art 256-bit encryption for data transfer;
• US and Canadian hosting options for regulatory compliance.

Find out more at www.theutilitycompany.com/backup

Remote Technology Support - means immediate technology assistance for organizations that are too small for an internal IT support person or are simply tired of waiting for break/fix IT provider to respond to their needs.  Through our 1-866-My-Utility Helpdesk, over 95% of your technology issues can be solved remotely.  Access to the service is also billed in a true utility-like model, meaning customers pay $2 per minute and only for their actual time used.  Features and benefits include:

• Access to LIVE Helpdesk Support at 1-866-My-Utility (customer code required);
• Remote control of your desktop (laptop, Smartphone) for hands-on training on typical productivity software (i.e. Microsoft Office®) as well as other applications;
• Expertise in all aspects of technology;
• Pay only for what you use - like a utility!
• Immediate help - no more waiting, scheduling, distractions or interruptions.

Find out more at www.theutilitycompany.com/rts

“We are very excited to launch our next generation of (simplified) Connected Office services,” stated Janice Siddons, Chief Operating Officer of The Utility Company, “which we feel will go a long way towards meeting the immediate needs and pain points of SMBs looking to make smart technology choices.  In today’s world, these on-demand, online services just make sense.  They fulfill a definite need in the marketplace.  It’s all about scaling enterprise-class managed services to meet the specific needs of the small or medium-sized organization.  From a value proposition perspective, we see these services as easily accessible and easy-to-use ‘door-openers’ or ‘discussion points’ to get us in front of more business owners or stakeholders.  When we bring a new customer on-board and show them the value of the services we offer, then it’s one stepping point towards earning their trust and then becoming their single point of contact for all their business technology needs”.

2012 Technology Stimulus Package

In an effort to eliminate the barriers to adopting best-in-class managed IT services and cloud computing, The Utility Company is offering a special promotion exclusively through our franchisees and affinity partners across North America.  CO Online can be ordered with special promotional codes, which provide customers the ability to subscribe in minutes to receive:

• Free network and security assessment;
• Free set-up and provisioning;
• Free service up to 90-days.

“I am very excited about the release of CO Online Services as a means of lowering the barrier to adopting managed services and cloud computing,” stated Dawn Bouch, franchise owner in the Tricities, Tennessee.  “The other huge benefit is providing us with the ability to provide freemium (trial) offers of the services in our market which we control by campaign.”

“After a decade in the space, the biggest challenge we see with managed services is that it is too difficult for customers to move to the model due to large set-up fees, complicated contracts (that look like insurance policies) not to mention the pain of switching providers,”  stated Mark Scott, President of The Utility Company.  “CO Online Services allow businesses to start by ordering the service online and try it, then move to pay-as-you-go services and ultimately to a fully managed fixed-fee program.”

If you are interested in learning more or would like to experience CO Online, please visit www.theutilitycompany.com/order or contact Shann Bosnell at sbosnell@theutilitycompany.com or by phone at 1-866-My-Utility ext. 7692.

About The Utility Company®

The Utility Company® is a leading provider of virtual IT service and support for small and medium-sized businesses, delivering the required hardware, software and service for a monthly fixed fee per user.  Our Connected Office® service program provides a single point of contact to deliver and manage technology, communications and vertical line of business applications – 95% Remote; 100% Proactive.  Customers are supported by local Utility Service Providers delivering on-site service and business-technology consulting to reduce spending and increase utilization – our Franchise 2.0 opportunity is available by prospectus only.  Learn how to make technology work for your business today atwww.theutilitycompany.com.