6 surprising facts about HP’s Helpdesk for SMBs

Everyone knows the name HP. It has been one of the world's most recognised technology brands for decades, a stamp of trust whether it's on a printer, a laptop or a server.

It's earned that trust not just through producing high-quality equipment, but by backing it up with amazing support and services. Traditionally, that's just been for the benefit of enterprises. Now, thanks to HP Helpdesk, even small companies can take advantage.

The idea is simple: to give all sizes and businesses the security and support of an in-house IT team, without the overhead. Instead of running your own team, HP Helpdesk will provide all the phone and online tech assistance you need.

So much, so obvious. Well, here are six facts you might not know about HP Helpdesk.

1. HP Helpdesk supports all your hardware, including iOS and non-HP PCs

HP Helpdesk isn't concerned about what kit you're using: it's concerned about the person who needs support. Each employee plan will cover one primary device a computer, laptop, tablet and it definitely doesn't need to have an HP badge on: thanks to its global network of expertise, practically any hardware is covered (see a full list of operating systems at the end of this article).

There's also a huge range of software supported, covering Microsoft Office, financial applications such as Quicken, email tools such as Outlook, all the major web browsers, plus a number of major applications (think Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Project, Carbonite, Flash, Silverlight, ACT!, Goldmine). Again, we publish a full list at the end of this article.

2. HP Helpdesk also includes peripherals so there's no need for additional third-party contracts

You may currently rely on an array of support services to cover printers, scanners, phones and backup devices. HP Helpdesk provides a simple way to bundle all that into one contract and one number to call if things do go wrong.

3. HP Helpdesk covers networking issues too

One recurring problem businesses face is getting their mix of technology working together. HP Helpdesk will help all your tech get "on the same page" to make setup, configuration, troubleshooting and connecting one phone call away.

4. Six days of support, not five, and extended hours

HP Helpdesk isn't there for 9-5, Monday to Friday. Its experts are available from 9.30am to 6pm during weekdays, and from 10am to 4pm on Saturdays.

5. HP Helpdesk can spot problems before they arise

This isn't a magical superpower: it's the benefit of installing the Business Ready Suite, which enables you to resolve potential issues for your users before those problems slow them down. Once you've registered for the Helpdesk service, you're one call away from a full check-up. HP's experts will diagnose your systems, tune up your PC, check security settings and even provide consultation on data migration from one PC to another.

6. HP isn't just remote support if you need in-person assistance, someone can be there the next business day

HP Helpdesk's experts will always try to solve problems over the phone or through remote control software, but there are times when you need in-person assistance. Assuming you aren't in a remote location, and that the relevant hardware is covered by an HP CarePack warranty, then someone from the HP Support team will be with you the next day.

To find out more about the Helpdesk service, head to HP's website (and see below for a full list of supported hardware and software).

HP Helpdesk is just one of the services HP provides to simply IT managers' lives. Download our free whitepaper here.

FULL LIST OF OPERATING SYSTEMS SUPPORTED:

Computers (laptops, desktop PCs)

• Windows 7/Pro onwards
• Windows XP/Pro onwards
• Chrome OS [all versions]
• MacOS X 10.4 onwards

Tablets/smartphones

• Android OS 2.3+ (Gingerbread, Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich, Jelly Bean and KitKat)
• Apple iOS (version 3 through 6.x)
• Apple iOS 7+ (newer versions supported as released)
• Chrome OS
• Windows 8+ (newer versions as supported as released)
• Windows RT

FULL LIST OF SOFTWARE SUPPORTED:

Security software:

• F-Secure Internet Security Suite
• Microsoft Security Essentials
• Computer Associates Security Suite
• McAfee Antivirus and ToPs
• Symantec/Norton Internet Security
• Other major AV/AS products

Internet browsers:

• Internet Explorer
• Firefox
• Safari
• Chrome

Contact management:

• ACT!
• Goldmine

Office suites:

• Microsoft Office Suite
• OpenOffice
• Google Business Apps
• Google Web docs

Email clients:

• Microsoft Outlook
• Microsoft Outlook Express
• Commonly-used email applications (Gmail, Yahoo, AOL, etc.)

Email browser configuration:

• Microsoft Outlook
• Microsoft Outlook Express
• Entourage
• Commonly-used email applications (Gmail, Yahoo, AOL, etc.)

Microsoft Office:

• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Microsoft Access
• Microsoft Publisher
• Microsoft Visio
• Microsoft Front Page
• Microsoft PowerPoint

Financial applications:

• Microsoft Money
• Quicken
• QuickBooks
• Turbo Tax

CD/DVD creation:

• Adaptec Easy CD Creator
• Roxio Easy CD Creator
• Nero Multimedia Software

Other products:

• Adobe Acrobat/Reader
• Microsoft Project
• Carbonite
• Winfax Pro
• Macromedia Shockwave
• Macromedia Flash
• Microsoft Silverlight