Benefits for Annual Contract Holders
Ministry Data Services values the professional relationship we have with the Parish and School organizations that we support. Our primary mission is to help our customers efficiently utilize their software and technology tools so that they have more time to devote to community services. We feel very strongly that the best way to accomplish that is to have open lines of communication. The annual contract service allows us to build a history with our clients so that we understand how they are using the programs, can offer solutions and suggestions for more efficient use of existing software features, and introduce new features that may fit their specific needs. We are also in communication with the PDS development team, making them aware of the great software suggestions we have received from our contract customers.
We are happy to support our non-contract customers, too! The per-incident cost for non-contract support is $80 (as of February, 2011). This fee is subject to increase. We make every effort to maintain the cost of the annual contract ($400 for individual organizations) so that it can be budgeted each year; but we cannot make the same guarantee regarding non-contract fees. If you think your organization would need help 5 or more times per year, or if you feel you are missing out on software features because you can't afford to call for support, we strongly recommend you consider budgeting for annual support!
In addition to unlimited phone, fax, and email support, Annual Contract holders will be given first priority in callbacks. Our service level goal is to respond to requests from contract holders within 1 hour of receiving a message (during normal business hours). We are also available after business hours and on weekends to our contract holders at no additional charge, with advance notice, to support their after hour projects.
Annual contract holders also receive unlimited, as-needed remote support from Ministry Data Services.
Annual contract holders will also receive discounts (half price) on training services, custom report creation, and data repair services.
Annual Contract holders are invited to participate in User Webinars at no additional charge. User webinars are short online tutorials or introduction to new programs or features. These are generally scheduled every month. Information regarding upcoming webinars will be sent by email (be sure we have your current email on file! Contact us if you are not sure.)
If you do not currently have a support contract with Ministry Data Services and are interested in learning more, please contact our office ... And, if you tell us you saw this on the web, we will add an extra month of support - 13 months for the first contract period - for first-time contract holders!