TARP — the U.S. government’s Troubled Asset Relief Program — continues to make headlines. But Anexio, a managed service provider in Sarasota, Fla., is putting its own spin on TARP in an attempt to stimulate small business IT spending.
Under Anexio’s own Technology Assistance Relief Program, small businesses can name their own price for needed technology support.
That doesn’t mean SMBs are going to receive managed Cisco routers and switches at PC pricing levels. “Tell us what you can afford and Anexio will create a custom technology support solution within your budget parameters,” notes a press release from Anexio.
On the one hand, Anexio’s TARP efforts sound like a gimmick. And Anexio TARP could wind up attracting small businesses that aren’t willing to spend ample dollars on IT.
But on the other hand, Anexio is proactively marketing and evangelizing its TARP strategy to US Gulf Coast businesses. The program is bound to stir customer activity while many rival MSPs remain silent on the marketing front. The Anexio TARP program runs May 1 to July 31, 2009, and customers can get more info by visiting here.
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Thanks Joe. I always appreciate your direct manner.
Just to clarify a couple of points:
1. The main purpose of Anexio’s T.A.R.P. initiative is not to stimulate IT spending but rather to help struggling small business owners get the much need technology support and strategy services that otherwise might not be affordable due to the current state of the economy.
2. It definitely is not a gimmick. We actually have been using this program (in “beta”) for a couple months now with great success. We feel that we now have the ability to make a difference in our local economy and feel we can offer support services that make a difference under the T.A.R.P. initiative. We have put a name on it prospective clients can relate to.
3. I encourage other MSPs to create innovative programs that can benefit their local economies. I firmly believe that MSPs and the proper technology alignment / services will be instrumental in creating a sustainable economic recovery engine. We have the ability to offer not only technical support but also business process analysis programs that can produce bottom line results. After all the MSPs survival is directly related to the success or failure of their local economies and businesses they support.
4. Small business owners helping other small business owners (in all industries and verticals) will the gas that makes that economic engine go.
JN
PS: Hey look at the bright side…we could have called it the Customer Recovery Assistance Program…but that would have been C.R.A.P.
Hey Jeff: Thanks for the additional perspective. And I didn’t mean “gimmick” in a negative way. You guys are out marketing at a time when many solutions providers have gone silent. It’s refreshing.
Jeff what is the smallest engagement (dollar figure) you’d accept as part of this program? We’ve been thinking about doing something similar and we’re located in southern California. I’d also like to know how you’re promoting this program to get the word out? Thank you in advance for your thoughts.
Ronald – Please fell free to contact me at the number listed on our website for the T.A.R.P. program. I will be glad to share with you, and any other MSP, the complete details of the program and how it is working. Thanks!
Jn