IT Support, or Technical Support refers to the services offered by technical support and network support firms, to IT firms that develop, test and manage software programs and applications. IT firms face several issues in their computer systems or hardware or specific issues with a product. Technical support firms help their clients solve such issues by having a virtual presence in their firms. A virtual presence is created in the following ways: by telephone, by e-mail, by remote applications of live software, and by a website that has a user log where employees can report issues.

Melbourne in Australia specializes in providing expert IT support services. There are several Microsoft certified companies offering professional IT support in Melbourne. Firms use different methods to provide IT support services to companies. These include:
Break-Fix IT support
Block Hours IT support
Crowd sourced IT support
Managed IT Support Services

Break-Fix IT support is that in which a firm fixes a problem that occurs in a software product/application, or in hardware. Block Hours is that in which a firm provides support services to its client, on an hourly basis. Crowd-sourced IT supports use the power of crowd-sourcing to discuss IT issues and to provide appropriate solutions. 'Managed IT Support Services' are a suite of IT services offered by an IT support firm for a fixed rate.

If you are a start up IT firm that is gradually expanding, you may have trouble in finding the most suitable IT support methodology from the ones listed above. Technical issues that arise in software applications and hardware products are generally unpredictable. You may always not be sure that only one type of issue will occur. With new applications being installed on systems regularly, there is a likelihood of new issues sprouting up suddenly. Hence, Block-Fix IT support and Block Hours is not very reliable. The Crowd-sourced IT supports is also not very reliable because, there is no guarantee that a solution that has been provided in a discussion board will work. Hence, the most suitable IT support methodology that any firm should choose is- Managed IT Services.

Some commonly provided managed IT services include:

Onsite and Remote Technical support
Installation of Servers and Networks
Upgradation of Networks
Periodic Maintenance and Monitoring of Operating Systems, Applications, and Software
Desktop Virtualization and so on.

Network support firms also offer a host of managed IT solutions like Protection against spam mails, VOIP, security against malware, backup and recovery, and so on. Network support firms provide strategic counseling and technical consulting to help their clients to optimize their IT systems. When choosing an IT support firm, choose a reputed and experienced firm and the goodwill of the firm among the general public. Review client testimonials to gather information about product and service offerings. If you can, try to meet other clients of the IT support firm, and have a talk with them to know better about the firm. Ensure that the firm includes the most professional and yet, amicable staff. This will ensure that you feel free to talk to them and resolve issues together.