ABOUT US:

How long has TechSource been in business?
The original name was CMS-TechSource and we started business in Fort Lauderdale, FL in 2001.  After relocating to Atlanta, GA in February of 2003 we dropped the CMS and became TechSource at that time.

I can’t find you in the corporation listing for the State of Georgia.  Why?
TechSource is our DBA.  The parent corporation is JLJ Ventures, Inc.  That makes us sound bigger than we are but it’s really just a legal thing.

What are your fees?
Our IT services are billed hourly and are very competitive.  They start at $75.00/hour and range to $125.00 for very complex networks.  Most customers pay on average $95.00/hour.

How do you bill?
TechSource is a little unusual in that we don’t round time up and we bill by the quarter hour.  Our customers don’t pay for lunch breaks or other non-productive time.  In addition, we don’t bill for our leaning curve.  We can’t possibly know everything when it come to computers so if we have teach ourselves how to accomplish something the client is asking for, that time is not billable.

Do you bill for travel?
It depends.  In Metro Atlanta a flat $25.00 trip fee may apply depending on your proximity to our office in Cumming, GA.  If we travel by auto outside that area, we bill at ½ our hourly rate.  If we fly to see you, we bill actual travel expenses with no markup.

What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept VISA, MasterCard, American Express and PayPal.  Existing customers with accounts in good standing can pay by check within 15 days of invoicing.

Do I have to sign a contract for you to service my network or computers?
No.  We strongly prefer to bill hourly as opposed to locking customers (and us) into contracts.  We want you to be happy with us.  We pride ourselves on providing excellent customer service which translates into very high customer retention rates.  In addition, we find by billing hourly our customers typically pay less over any given period as opposed to contractual billing.

I could never reach my last “computer guy”.  Do you return calls and messages?
Absolutely.  We understand that if your systems don’t work, you don’t work.  We live with our cell phones and because we don’t work using contracts, we have an incentive to call you back.

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IT SERVICES:

What is your area of coverage?
We provide IT consulting services in all 50 states and Canada.  Our client base spans from Miami to Washington State and from San Diego to Rhode Island and all points in between.

You are a small company.  How do you provide nationwide services?
For customers outside the Metro Atlanta area we use remote access technologies allow us to perform 95% of the tasks required to manage, maintain and even upgrade any network.  If the network is installed and configured properly from the beginning, remote management and administration is actually pretty easy.  We do recommend you retain a competent, reliable IT service provider in your local area to address the uncommon issues like failed internet connections that would prevent us from remotely accessing your system.

Can TechSource build me a workstation or server and save me some money?
We could but we prefer not to.  Custom built systems are not as reliable as quality brand-name systems.  That’s a fact.  When we or any other IT provider builds a system, we don’t have the luxury of testing all of the components to insure they work well together.  Major manufacturers can do this and it saves a lot of headaches down the road.  Besides, with computer prices being as low as they are today the saving just aren’t that great.

How do you handle hardware purchases?
TechSource provides IT services not hardware for the reasons stated above.  That being said we do occasionally provide small hardware components to customers as a matter of convenience.  We will supply things such as network cabling, routers and add-in cards,etc.  For larger items such as servers, workstations, printers, scanners, etc. we prefer to send the customer directly to the vender to make the purchase.  The customer is assured lowest price and there is no markup on our part.  Another added benefit is because the customer made the purchase, the item arrives with the warranty in their name.

If you don’t provide my computer, will you tell me what I need?
Absolutely.   It’s in our best interest to make sure your get what you need and have it before we arrive.  As a complementary service, we will even spec the items for you so you know exactly what to buy and how much it will cost beforehand but don’t worry if something gets overlooked, we’ll take care of it.

What brands do you prefer?
We prefer Dell for all of servers and workstations and HP for scanners, printers, etc. but you are free to use any brands at all.

What size network do you typically service?
We work with home office users with only one or two computers all the up to offices with 50 or 60 workstations with multiple servers.  Windows based network are our specialty and we’re quite good at it.

Do you service Apple?
We work with Apple machines to the extent it takes to configure them to work on a network for the purpose sharing files, printers and accessing the Internet.

Do you service Unix or Linux?
Sorry, no.  You’ll need a geek for that.

Other than computers and networks, what other services do you provide?
TechSource also specializes in workflow optimization, brand imaging and technology based marketing.  We can host your servers in our state of the art datacenter and through our business partners, we can offer datacom cabling, web design, SEO, phone and fax systems as well and broadband Internet service (cable, DSL and T1).  If we don’t do it, we have reputable, reliable partners who can.

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DATACENTER SERVICES:

Where is your data center located?
Our data center is located in Atlanta, GA near I-285 and Lawrenceville Hwy.

What’s included in the monthly fee?
A server custom configured for the needs of your business
Required bandwidth (speed and monthly data transfer)
All repairs and hardware upgrades that are required
All updates to the operating system and installed applications
All admin time required to keep your system running smoothly
Phone and email support
Nightly on-site full system backups (off-site backups are optional)

What are the data centers features and benefits?
Pure Dell® network with routers powered by Cisco®
Internet access fed directly from the central Network Access Point in downtown Atlanta.
Highly redundant feed by diverse path using separate fiber carriers to disparate locations via gigabit fiber (very fast and fail safe)
Highly secure, fortified building
Redundant APC® brand climate control
APC® UPS battery systems
Generac® 100Kw natural gas fed generator
State of the art, automatic, Novec® fluorine based gas discharge fire protection system

What is a typical server configuration?
Dell® PowerEdge rack configuration (1U and 2U typically)
Dual Xeon® 3.0 – 3.2 GHz processors
4Gb to 8Gb RAM
Multiple SCSI 15k rpm drives in a RAID array (drive capacity based on customer needs)
Internal SCSI backup drive(s)
Redundant hot-swappable power supplies and redundant NICs
Each server is behind our very robust hardware firewall.  In addition, we have KVM over IP access as well as remote hard reboot capability.

Do customers have access to the datacenter?
Due to security concerns, daily access to the data center is limited to critical personnel.  Escorted access by appointment is permitted.

Is my data secure in your datacenter?
Yes.  The building itself is highly secure with security cameras recording 24/7, card key access, alarm systems and state of the art fire protection.  Even so, we always recommend an off-site backup as we would for any customer.

How is my data backed up?
We backup nightly to a spare drive attached to your server.  This backup will protect again the most common threats to data and should be considered 99% effective.  We always recommend and offer off-site backups for a true 100% redundant solution.

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a la mode:

How did you end up specializing in providing IT support to Real Estate Appraisers?
Having worked as an appraiser in South Florida during the 1990’s, we took a look around the industry and thought “What this industry needs more than another marginal appraiser, is someone who can support them from a technology standpoint.”  The rest is history.

What the story of your relationship with a la mode?
We used the a la mode suite of products in the Appraisal practice so it was a natural progression to support it.  Besides, a la mode needed field support providers so it was good fit for both of us.

If not for this web site, how do a la mode customers find you?
We field several referrals a week from a la mode Sales and Support staff for users calling and requesting on-site services or services outside the scope of their a la mode support agreement.

Do you provide more than just software resell services for a la mode?
Definitely.  Actually the bulk of our business as it relates to a la mode is providing on-site setup, support and training for their complete line of products.  As far as we know, we are the only nationwide provider of these “outside the box” services.

What if I’m considering having you come to my office?
Please contact us directly to discuss your situation…they are all different and every job is unique.  We will discuss in detail your needs and individual situation then we’ll custom design a solution for you.  We can tell you how long it will take and how much it will cost.  There is no obligation and the phone consultation is free.

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a la mode RESELLS:

What a la mode products do you offer?
TechSource is an authorized Reseller for the complete line of a la mode products including Appraiser, Agent, Broker and Inspector.

Is it all about the lowest price?
Absolutely not.  It’s actually all about value added services.  Whether we bundle a software and on-site setup package for you or simply renew your current support agreement, we consider our clients customers for life.  We help you “manage” your account.  We’ll not only make sure you get the best price but also that you are purchasing the software package that best suits your individual needs.  In addition, we are always there for you after the sale to answer any questions you might have.

Is your pricing competitive?
We promise you the lowest price on any a la mode product.  It’s that simple.  We will extend an additional discount over and above any legitimate offer.  It doesn’t get much easier than that.

How can your prices compete with a la mode themselves?
Like many Reseller programs, we buy from the manufacturer…in this case a la mode…at discounted prices and are then free to pass much of that discount on to you.  If a la mode is having a sale, we can extend that pricing to you PLUS our discount.  In the end, everyone wins.  You pay the lowest price possible, a la mode sales their software and we make a little as well.

I’m an existing a la mode customer, is TechSource able to take care of my annual renewal or additional product purchases as well?
Definitely.  Whether you need to renew you Silver membership, your Elite bundle or just need additional Vault space, we’ll make sure you get exactly what you need and give you the same discounts as we would if you were a new customer.

I’m confused.  Am I buying support from TechSource or a la mode?
Good question and one that has come up before.  TechSource is selling you the same product you would otherwise purchase from a la mode.  Your support is still provided by a la mode as are location maps, census data and product updates.

Can I place my order on your website?
Due to the fact that each purchase is a custom order and each product bundle carries individual pricing, it would not be practical or possible to use an online order form.  You are welcome to contact us via email but we recommend you call us directly.  Based on the information you provide, we will then contact a la mode for exact pricing based upon the many varied factors (current sales and promos, product bundles and time remaining credit).  It’s actually a very simple process and one that insures you get the best possible price and the attention you deserve

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