Computer services are activities that support the implementation, maintenance, operation, cleaning and enhancement of a computer system. The purpose of computer services is to maintain or enhance the operation, processing, storage, networking, management, and the distribution of capabilities of a computer system.
Generally, computer services fall into two categories: services provided to a computer system or services provided by a computer.
Support Services
Support services for the computer can be generally defined as technical support, which provides assistance to help solve problems related to hardware and software products. Technical support services for computer help to address challenges with the servers, storage, software and networking equipment that constitute a computer system, or the related processes involved in managing a computer equipment. Computer support services can also include installing and configuring technical equipment. Careers in this industry include Technical Support Analyst, Help Desk Engineer or Information Support Specialists.
Technical Consulting Services
Consulting and integration services provide expertise and input to help organisations make strategic decisions and systems integrations. Technical consulting services are one specific type of service that falls under the overall consulting services umbrella. Technical consulting services provide guidance and expertise on the application of technology. This can include selecting or designing new technology, redesigning existing technology, migrating existing technology to a new environment, or integrating new technology into existing technology. Examples of technical consulting services specific to computer services might include selecting a new computer hardware equipment, consolidation, virtualisation, automation, redesigning computer for cloud computing, implementing storage arrays, or incorporating offsite storage services into an existing network.
Outsourcing Services
Computer service outsourcing occurs when one company (the outsourcing customer) contracts with an outsourcing vendor to provide IT services that the customer would otherwise deliver in-house. Such IT services could be disaster recovery, data storage or other IT functions. Outsourcing services for the computer can range from hosting, managing and maintaining an entire computer system to more discrete computer tasks such as upgrading servers or backing up data.
Application Services
The definition of application services varies depending on the type of company offering the services. An application service provider is a large segment within application services that provides computer software-based services to other companies that access those services over a network. Examples of ASP services include Web hosting and e-mail hosting. Application services can also include any service that helps companies develop, integrate or manage applications for their own networks. Services in this category can include applications for mobile environments and devices. Careers include Application Support Analysts, Applications Engineer or Business Analyst.
Technical Training Services
The specific definition of technical training varies depending on the industry and the job. The word technical simply indicates that something (a task, duty or job skill) is peculiar to a specific art, science, profession, trade or the like. Technical training services, therefore, provide knowledge, skills and competencies that apply to a specific job, trade or profession. Within the umbrella of computer services, technical training services can provide skills relevant to any of the hardware, software or processes related to managing a computer, or fixing, updating, integrating or managing any of the equipment within a computer system.
Financing and Leasing Services
Financing and leasing services provide a means for individuals or companies to acquire goods without any initial capital outlay. Financing is the act of acquiring capital for a purchase or some other activity. Financing services are offered by lenders (a bank or other institution) that provide capital to other individuals or companies in the form of a loan, which is then paid back within a predetermined time period for a set fee or interest rate. Leasing is the act of entering into a contractual arrangement (i.e. a lease) to obtain temporary possession of an asset (land, equipment, etc.) in exchange for a fixed compensation (for example, a monthly payment). Leasing services are provided by organisations that either manage the lease and payment transactions, furnish the assets or land that is being leased or both. Financing and leasing services within the context of computer services might include leasing a computer hardware equipment; such as servers; or financing a computer project, such as building or upgrading a computer hosting facility.
