In-House computer technicians can be an unnecessary expense, according to a Sussex company.

Brighton-based Trifast Systems offers remote technical support for small to medium-sized firms without in-house computer staff.

Sales manager Nigel Dwyer said: "Contrary to popular belief, a business will not fall apart without a techie on the in-house team.

"We provide technical support from a base at the University of Sussex and can sort out information technology problems without leaving our desks by accessing client networks over secure links.

"We give support when it is needed and we are not sat about in the client's office twiddling our thumbs when the system is running smoothly.

"The yearly cost of hiring a company like ours can be about half theannual salary of a fulltime member of IT staff."

Trifast Systems has 16 staff with networking, application and system infrastructure skills.

Mr Dwyer said: "Most small to medium-sized businesses will only employ one technology expert to cover a complex range of computer systems.

"There are bound to be skills gaps in any individual's knowledge. We have a team to identify problem and ask the best skilled person to look into it.

"What do small companies do when the technology manager is on holiday, leaves suddenly or is taken ill?

If a problem happens at such times businesses normally have to turn to outside help and can suffer stiff consultancy fees as a result."

Trifast Systems operates a logging system for all calls to the support centre.

Jobs are allocated on a priority basis and a response is given within four hours.

Mr Dwyer said: "We look after many systems and at busy times people with a minor problem may have to wait in a queue.

"We have a large enough team to handle just about any issue quickly and no-one has ever been left unattended for long.

"We also have more clout than a single technician when we have to contact a major software or hardware supplier about a problem with their product.

"They know we are dealing with a considerable amount of custom and this can speed up the response time."

Brighton-based Microscape, a specialist executive recruitment company for the micro electronics and technology industry, has received support from Trifast Systems for more than six months.

Managing director Paul Sansbury said: "The computers we run are not enough to keep one person busy in a permanent support role but, like any business, we need good quality computer support when problems arise.

"This way we get the services we need while keeping control of our information technology decisions.

"All proposed technology changes or expenditure are approved by our management before going forward.

"We have built a good relationship with the support team and regular meetings to make sure everything continues to work well."

Trifast Systems is part of the Uckfield-based Trifast Group.

www.trifastsystems. co.uk www.microscape.co.uk