telprog

Are you going to VPN in and run cable and trouble shoot to? I'm sorry but this just doesn't make any sense as there are things that just have to have a pro on site.

rixride

Depends what you are talking about.

If someone wants to move two phones in programming on a Nortel switch, there is no onsite visit required.

It all depends on the project and the scope.

Also freelancers can ask clairfying questions or details in the project message board. So you know exactly what is expected before you bid on the job.

For Example: A technician can bid on a programming project and say he will complete the programming and walk the end user through the wiring part. Or your bid may be to "Provide Consultation" on how to complete the programming of the companies system so no programming is required. Basically they are paying you to tell them how to do it.

This comes at a time where the phone system administration is being handed over to untrained users but not unskilled. They may know how to plug a phone into the wall, run a cross-connect or jumper but just may not have any clue how to program the PBX.

This is basically a way for certified techs to continue to support pbx systems at companies where they may have canned the "Telecom Guys" position. So one way or another they are going to need someone to program that PBX. They either bring over the data guy and pay to train him on the system or use a service like this and keep the business with phone guys. Of course this is an over simplification but just one example of how the site can work for telecom techs.

Also this doesn't preclude onsite visits or onsite work. If you are in Salt Lake City, Utah and the company posting the project is in Salt Lake as well, you can include an onsite visit to complete the work, it is all based on the project requirements and proximity.

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John_In_Dakota

I signed up for this sweet deal.

telprog

Well I looked it all over and I see some major problems, What is going to happen to the customers warranties and not to mention when something goes completely down and they have to call a local tech who won't touch them because they were [get rid of their phone vendor]. What about VOIP? And do you really think that you can walk someone though wiring new stations ,T1's , PRI's, Fiber, some buildings are confusing enough for techs let alone a novice, then the tools they will have to buy which they have no idea how to use.To be honest it sounds like a national Contractor trying to start up and farm all the jobs out. But I could be wrong. It will also anger the local techs that are members of your site that survive on there local customers which can't help your board.

I wish you luck on it but I think I'll have to pass.

N2Deep

So your telling end users to get rid of their phone vendor - What are the 17,000 professionals listed going to do if all the customers "get rid of their phone vendor" ? Do you realize that you have installers/vendors registered that may lose business from this? I would be pissed if I was one of your 17000 professionals and my customer dropped me to have someone remote programm their system to save a buck and then teach them how to in the process. Do you think they will call back for remote programming once the figure out how to do it themselves? You say "Untrained but not unskilled" well it won't be long before they are both trained and skilled!!

pbxn

Perhaps getting rid of your vendor is not so cut and dry. Maybe this will serve as an alternate service to business'. Meaning, if a small business does not have an on-site tech to do daily MAC's, and they really do not want to pay 'vendor' prices, but they would really appreciate a pricing option, this would be the service for them. Sure most business' will keep maint contracts, but to pay a high price for a simple mac without any form of competition is a little crazy. And believe me, there is plenty of work out there for all of us..
Just my .02

John_In_Dakota

But you are forgetting the most important thing in your statement; they are the “customer.”
The customer is paying you. If the customer finds another way to do this albeit somewhat unconventional way and save some coin then why not do this?
Have we all forgotten the one simple rule and that is “the customer is always right”.
I might have a theory as to why some people are not in favor of this new idea and that is “it’s a new idea” and you did not think of it first.

Pirates_Ghost

Been there, done that, Remote works for some, not for all..and yes, there are some things that need an on site tech.
My systems are "remote programmed" and have been for some time now, NO ISSUES...if i need a tech on site, NP...I pay the time and maint. to have a tech show up.....Is that a bit more expensive than having a contract? Perhaps, but in the long run, it doesn't really send my costs up, as how often to do I really need to call them in? RARELY.
Rix's been running this site for a long enought time now that I know he's seen what's out there, where the trends are and who's looking for what....SO MORE POWER TO HIM!

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jack

I do believe in the value of a maint. contract, although what many folks get locked into is a MAC rate that is just not what the market should bare.

Ric is on to something here that I believe will benefit all.

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