Hot off its acquisition of eMachines last week, Gateway, Inc., yesterday rolled out a host of support services to be sold through its new ProNet reseller network.
Solution providers and professional audio/video integrators can now resell Gateway Extended Service Plans. These offer customers extended warranties, on-site and helpdesk support coverage, and accidental damage protection for up to five years on Gateway desktops, notebooks, all-in-one PCs and displays.
"By selling Gateway Support Services through our ProNet program, VARs now have the opportunity to offer replicable and proven services to their customers," said Steve McAllister, Gateway's VP and general manager of SMB and professional channels.
"We view this as an excellent opportunity to
provide our customers with even more value and service -- all through a single
point of accountability," said Chuck Greeley of Office World, Inc., a ProNet reseller based in Lima, Ohio.
Next page: The specifics
New services that resellers can offer customers include:
Gateway Extended Service Plans extending warranties and support coverage on Gateway desktops, notebooks, all-in-one PCs and displays up to five years.
Gateway Accidental Damage Protection (ADP) which augments standard limited warranties and protects damage due to unintentional impacts, dropping, falls, spilled liquids and more. This offering augments a product's existing standard.
Gateway Two- or Four-Hour On-Site Service which provides rapid on-site part replacement services on storage and server products.
Desktop Application Support offering tutorial support and assistance, available in 30, 60, or 90 minute calling cards on more than 150 Windows and Mac-based software applications.
Gateway Enterprise System Support coverage for network operating systems and back-office applications, sold in three, five and resolution packs.
Gateway Escalation Advisor, providing senior-level support engineers for customer-specific needs.
Gateway Personalized Help Desk Services, a 24x7 tech support and tutorial service hotline customized for the customer.
Carol Ellison is editor of The Ziff Davis Channel Zone. Write to her at carol_ellison@ziffdavis.com.
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