So every year this topic comes up as we're constantly trying to have our businesses evolve.

We've talked about:

1. Maintenance Agreements/Service Contracts.

2. Some of us who do security have the monitoring RMR.


Here's my thought.  Tell me if I'm crazy, stupid, or a glutton for punishment.  I started thinking....

"Why don't I offer Cloud Storage?"

It falls right in line with the installations that we perform.  The vast majority of us are already dealing with the client network, the computers, the media anyway.

Is it dumb to just take it one more step, and provide the cloud storage for their data as well?

Now, I'm not talking about setting up a server farm and directing clients to my servers. I'm simply talking about adding it as a service that we add to our installations.

There are already systems out there (powered by Google) that you can brand as your own, and have set up in a matter of a few minutes, link to your website to give client access, etc.

What are your thoughts?

Cloud storage for what? Anything? An alternative to Dropbox, or other solutions? Or did you have something in mind more directly related to the services and products you provide? Would you limit it to just your clients? Why not start a milk delivery service too? :)

Yes, as an alternative to dropbox, for documents, music, etc.  Phone app and ability to access anywhere.  Keeping docs safe from computer crashes.

No. I wouldn't limit it to my clients, but that would be where I'd have my successes.

My initial thought is, sign them up for the X months free , after installation. Show them how to use it, it's capabilities, and voila! they're hooked and I've got another source of revenue.

Yes, I'd deliver milk if I could make a buck at it.


 

RMR?

RMR layout (of an automobile), see Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout

Registered Merit Reporter, a certification offered by the National Court Reporters Association

Resting Metabolic Rate, see basal metabolic rate

Revelstoke Mountain Resort, a Canadian ski resort located in Revelstoke, British Columbia

Rock Mass Rating: rock mass classification system (geotechnical engineering)

Royal Marines Reserve

The Royal Montreal Regiment, a Canadian Forces infantry regiment based in Montreal

Rick Mercer Report, a Canadian Comedy Television series

Rabbi Michael Rosensweig, a Canadian born rabbi

Must be the Rebbe!

Are you talking about your own "cloud" (server space at your office) Or dumping their stuff into a third party one? If the latter, who's responsible when the data is lost or corrupted? In the clients mind it will be you, first; just as if you were hosting it. I'm still on the fence about sharing rack space with clients.

Yes, it's 3rd party, but you can brand it as your own, link it to your website if you'd like.  It's backed by google.  Nothing to install, no on premises hardware. Just monthly fees.

 

What the hell is wrong with you man?  Are you missing a Chromosome?  :)

I do like Rick Mercer....He's damn funny.
 

I have toyed around with the idea of offering cloud storage for IP cameras.

Hell no, man, I think I might even have extras!

But I couldn't find a sensible definition for RMR in this application anywhere, even though I applied ALL my chromosomes to the task.  

I didn't even think of that.  That would be very nice.

I wonder if that would be possible with this type of scenario.


 

I always thought the bandwidth usage would be preventative for this. I think when adt, slomin's, etc do the cloud storage they are using crappy low res cameras that are only doing snapshots, not motion video...

I'd like to be wrong though, so hopefully someone here can fill us in

So, let me get this correct...you want to compete with Google and Apple, right. And a million other server farms out there too.

Like everything else there can be different levels of service. If a customer wants ADT level performance and low bandwidth usage then maybe thats the service for them. If you have a customer that wants premium cloud backup and is willing to pay for the server grade isp connection to upload all that data to the cloud and your involvement to set it all up and sell them the cloud storage account then go for it. But I wouldnt offer an open backup package like Dropbox or the like because I dont think its worth trying to compete with those services head on.

This is a service that is commonly provided to small businesses, from IT companies.

I think you need to find the right product. Not all are set it and forget it. You need a service provider that won't sell you out to the customer when the contract is up.

I've read some articles on it in the SMB (Small and Medium-sized Business) industry 'magazine'.

There may be some headaches, with new computers purchased often, though if you can work remotely, it may be easier.

Ernie, I can't tell anymore if you're f*&King with us or if you're serious.

RMR= Reoccuring Monthly Revenue

[Link: google.com]