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technical support - hosting services
In view of the fact I do not have the time nor expertise to focus on being my own tech support, I am considering my options for hosting services. I want to establish a showcase site that demonstrates the use of a wiki, a blog, and the Drupal content management system, along with a storefront for orders and feedback.
While the blog and wiki applications I needed are supported, and easily installed with literally a press of a few buttons, the Drupal required the intervention of tech support, which was provided through either live chat or a toll-free telephone number. It was efficient, and the issue was identified, and will be resolved within 6 to 12 hours, hopefully, when it is re-installed.
The important thing to note is that this account is scalable up to a point, so the applications and data can be transferred eventually to a dedicated server off-site with 24/7 tech support, people whose specialized business it is to look after such things.
Reselling of these hosting service to potential clients would need to have value-added, such as support, training and mentoring for novice webmasters and web site administrators and owners. It was not part of the original plan, but it lends itself quite easily to the web skills business plan.
Glenn Groulx
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Hi Glenn,
Your adaption and rationale seem innovative and very functional, let alone efficient. I thinkg haveing a host service is a great idea and perhaps it is better than a clone as it seems you have lots to do.
If you get a chance can you say more about Drupal as I don't know anything about it and perhaps that would help some others too. Thanks
Cheers, Jo Ann
I too would be interested in following your search for this provider Glenn. I think there are two types of support. Some advertise e-learning platform support (often using Moodle and/or Drupal) and then help customize and integrate with existing services email etc. Others just give you the empty applications and you customize them as you are able.
Obviously the first alternative is much more expensive than the later. I guess one has to consider the value of local (or at least within the province/country) versus off shore support - often at reduced costs.
Good luck and keep us informed!
Terry
Hi Jo Ann and Terry,
The reseller idea will be shelved after all. I am most concerned about the profitability. I have experience that I can more profitably plug in to the development and delivery of short online courses. I am wary of delivering my knowledge piecemeal to individuals as an online coach/mentor, as it is comparable to the status of tutoring versus teaching regular classes. For one thing, large numbers of learners provide a greater chance of income, and a single individual can bail at any time. Yet the costs of developing the training materials is comparable, as are the overhead costs. Perhaps I can consider the mentoring might be taken on as a sideline to the online course delivery, but only if the client is a group of 5 or more, have contracted for training, and can back up their intent to purchase with a purchase order. Mentoring is a nice way to make some pocket change, but I don't want to set up the business for just that. It will need to complement my academic activities, not detract from them.
Glenn