Management Essentials provides the fundamental services and key tools to streamline core IT management functions. It provides the required framework for securing user identities and workstations, ensuring that only authorized individuals can access sensitive company data and systems. Additionally, it enables remote access for our Technology Services team, enabling Macktez to diagnose and resolve incidents efficiently.
Management Essentials also provides the framework for integrated authentication on online services your organization might use, such as email and file storage platforms (Google, Microsoft, Dropbox), communication tools (Zoom, Meet, Teams), and password management (1Password).
Subscribers to Management Essentials will have access to a custom support portal. Note that time for incident response and service requests will be billed though a separate Managed Support budget, as part of flat-fee projects, or hourly as needed.
Key benefits
- Critical security policies are enforced on all workstations.
- Provides active threat detection and malware protection.
- Enables remote workstation access for support.
- Centralizes identity and access management for workstations and online services.
- Secures user identities with multi-factor authentication, including passwordless keys.
- Simplifies on-boarding and off-boarding.
- Streamlines support ticket submission, tracking, and resolution.
The following scope is covered in the initial setup of this service:
- Install and configure management tools on user machines.
- Configure automated alerts on supported devices.
- Set up and configure identity and access management, including federation with one email platform (Google or Microsoft).
- Bind workstations to user identities where supported.
- Configure and enforce multi-factor authentication for all users.
- Configure custom support portal.
The ongoing services and tasks below are included in our regular monthly fee:
- Remote access to all machines for support (for end-users on request).
- Facilitate remote software patching (security and incremental OS only).
- Managed antivirus and malware protection.
- Improved asset management, inventory, and documentation.
- Remote lock and wipe (macOS only).
- Enforced workstation security policies (screen lock, encryption).
- Advanced logging of authentication events.
- Advanced system workstation usage insights.
- Administration of identity management platform.
Note that the following tasks and scenarios are excluded, and will be billed separately:
- Incident response and service request.
- Installation of major release OS software upgrades. (Smaller security and incremental updates are included.)
- Third party application management and support.
- Hardware failure, malfunction, or replacement. (We can assist with the diagnosis, specify replacements, make purchasing arrangements, and install new systems under separate scopes of work.)
- Issues created by the alteration or modification of equipment other than that authorized by Macktez, including hardware or software installations, or modifications of equipment. (This includes restoration of mistakenly deleted files.)
- Non-support related requests such as user training, job training, and application training.
- Third party vendor or manufacturer support or incident fees.
- Equipment costs needed to remediate and/or replace any out-of-warranty equipment.
- Spare or replacement parts and equipment, including cables, adapters, and power cords, and replacements for failed parts.
- All shipping, courier, and logistics charges. (These will be passed through with a markup if a Macktez account is used.)
- Fees and expenses associated with recovery of data.
- The cost for and support of out-of-warranty, custom, or third party software applications.
- Removal of viruses, malware, or ransomware that have infected computer systems.
- Support performed outside of business hours will be best effort and billable at the client’s hourly rate.
- Onsite support. (Onsite support will be best effort and billable at the client’s hourly rate.)