Recommended Technology Platform

At Coast IT, we understand the importance of maintaining a reliable and efficient technology environment. To ensure that our clients receive the highest level of support and performance, we have established the following Recommended Technology Platform (RTP) Standards. Adhering to these standards will help you maximise the value of your IT investments while minimising disruptions and downtime.

 

1. Device Lifespan and Support

  • Laptops and Desktops:
    • Recommended Lifespan: 3-5 years.
    • Support Policy: Laptops and desktops over 5 years old are considered end-of-life (EOL). While Coast IT will do our best to support these devices, no Service Level Agreements (SLAs) will be in place. Additionally, any repairs or issues may incur costs that will be the responsibility of the customer.
  • Servers:
    • Recommended Lifespan: 5-7 years.
    • Support Policy: Servers older than 7 years are classified as EOL. Coast IT will attempt to support these servers, but without any SLAs in place, and any required fixes may be charged to the customer.
  • Network Equipment (Routers, Switches, Firewalls):
    • Recommended Lifespan: 5-7 years.
    • Support Policy: Network equipment that exceeds 7 years of use will be considered EOL. Coast IT will provide support as best as we can, but there will be no SLAs, and costs for repairs may be passed on to the customer.

 

2. Operating Systems and Software

  • Operating Systems:
    • Supported Versions: Only operating systems that are actively supported by their vendors (e.g., Microsoft, Apple) will be supported. End-of-life operating systems are not eligible for support as they no longer receive security updates.
  • Software Applications:
    • Supported Versions: Software applications must be running on versions that are currently supported by the vendor. Unsupported or outdated software versions will not be covered under our support agreement.

 

3. Security Standards

  • Antivirus and Anti-malware:
    • All devices must have up-to-date antivirus and anti-malware software installed and configured according to best practices.
  • Patching and Updates:
    • Devices must be regularly updated with the latest security patches and updates. Devices that are not regularly patched will not be supported.

 

4. Backup and Disaster Recovery

  • Data Backup:
    • All critical data must be backed up regularly using a reliable and secure backup solution. Devices without a proper backup plan are at risk of data loss and will not be covered under our support agreement.
  • Disaster Recovery:
    • A disaster recovery plan must be in place, and all critical systems should be configured to ensure business continuity in the event of a disaster.

 

5. Hardware and Software Procurement

  • Approved Vendors:
    • To ensure compatibility and supportability, we recommend purchasing hardware and software through approved vendors. Coast IT can assist in selecting and procuring technology that meets these standards.
  • Custom Configurations:
    • Custom-built or non-standard configurations may not be supported. We recommend sticking to our approved technology stack to ensure smooth and reliable operation.

 

6. End-of-Life and Replacement Planning

  • Proactive Replacement:
    • We encourage proactive replacement of aging equipment before it reaches the end of its recommended lifespan. Coast IT can assist in developing a replacement plan that aligns with your business needs and budget.
  • End-of-Life Notifications:
    • Coast IT will provide notifications and recommendations when critical devices or software are approaching end-of-life. This allows for timely planning and budgeting for replacements.

 

7. Compliance and Best Practices

  • Industry Compliance:
    • All technology platforms should adhere to industry compliance standards relevant to your business (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA). Coast IT can help ensure that your IT environment meets these standards.
  • Best Practices:
    • We follow industry best practices in configuring and maintaining your technology platforms. Adhering to these best practices is essential for maintaining a secure and efficient IT environment.

By following these Recommended Technology Platform (RTP) Standards, you can ensure that your IT infrastructure is robust, secure, and capable of supporting your business needs. Coast IT is here to help you navigate these standards and keep your technology in top shape.

If you have any questions or need assistance with implementing these standards, please don’t hesitate to contact us.