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Your IT supplier will probably offer you a choice of a range of hardware-maintenance contracts - perhaps as part of an overall support contract.

But hardware failure is just one of many problems that could occur and you need to consider a range of potential risks carefully before making a decision. These include:

• theft of hardware
• physical damage
• intellectual property loss from hacking or human error
• system failure

System maintenance and management are essential parts of managing these risks. Many IT suppliers can monitor problems remotely and take action to prevent a system failure.

Many different types of maintenance contract are available. Most are on-site contracts where an engineer comes to your premises to fix the problem. However, some contracts still operate on a return-to-depot basis where you are required to return the faulty equipment to the manufacturer for repair. Costs vary considerably depending on the minimum response time and working hours you need.

Contracts may seem expensive, particularly for standard PCs and peripherals with extended on-site warranties. After assessing the risks you may decide not to get a maintenance contract and simply hold spares or purchase new parts when necessary.

But the value of a contract is that someone else takes all this work - from configuration and ensuring compatibility to repairs and software installation - off your hands. And some suppliers may be reluctant to offer helpdesk, software support and other services unless they're also maintaining the hardware.