A Reseller-Developed Server Solution: FileSafe
Linux-based local file server, local backup, off-site backup, and managed services platform in a box helps small businesses avoid data loss.
By James E. Gaskin
Kim Brand, founder and CEO of Computer Experts Inc. in Indianapolis, helped small businesses avoid “bad days”–days when their files disappear. This led to years spent developing a Linux-based local file server, local backup, off-site backup, and managed services platform all in one box: the FileSafe.
“I spent $200,000 trying to sell this as a file server,” says Brand. “Then I realized small business owners don’t want a server, they want protection and safety. They want to avoid the nasty surprises.”
After years of test marketing in Indiana and a few sales around the country, Brand now actively looks for resellers. “This is about price,” says Brand. “Small businesses are often technophobic and price conscious, and safety and a lower cost are what matter to them at the end of the day.”
“To most small business owners, HP is a printer and Dell is a laptop,” Brand continues. “They know Microsoft from Windows and Office, but when they get a quote for a Windows Server, they get sticker shock. We give back those costs: no license fees, no extra backup software fees, no remote management fees, and no patches and security update fees.”
Starting at $99 per month or $3.30 per day (all systems are provided with a 39-month lease, not sold), FileSafe models fit well as a ‘tweener server. They provide far more than NAS systems that lack management and local and remote backup, and cost much less than Windows server software and hardware.
FileSafe is a hybrid device, with local file storage and backup to provide peace of mind for those business owners not sure about SaaS as their only data storage option. Off-site backup and monitoring for disaster recovery, as well as full warranty replacement coverage, are included.
“The sales pitch shouldn’t be computer productivity, but protecting data with no worries so clients can do their real business,” says Brand. “You don’t need a server expert to deploy a FileSafe, just a competent desktop guy. Once installed, customers don’t worry about their files, and you become their IT support company of choice for everything else. After 39 months, customers renew and get a new FileSafe, and you get the recurring revenue.”
JAMES E. GASKIN is a freelance writer and former reseller based in Mesquite, Texas.
