Companies offering IT help for firms affected by the Christchurch earthquake

A few technology providers and individuals are offering to help companies affected by the Christchurch earthquake (September 2010). If you need any help with IT (infrastructure, servers, email, etc) here is a list of companies willing to help you:

Amanzi (HP hardware at cost and managed monitoring service)

Catalyst IT (office and server space in Wellington)

Chris Claridge (office space in Christchurch)

Gorilla Technology (IT in general, infrastructure)

Esri (GIS assistance to government agencies and private organisations in response to disasters)

Memia (Google Apps and email setup)

Responsive IT (Microsoft Server, Small Business Server)

Snap (Internet connectivity)

Unleash Data Centre (server colocation)

VendHQ (free web-based Point of Sale for three months)

Wave Adept (Google Apps and email setup)

Where's My Server (server virtualisation)

A more complex situation is for those using Microsoft software and services. The Microsoft New Zealand issued a statement today clarifying:

. For consumers (typically with 1 or 2 standalone PCs) experiencing software issues related to Microsoft products, as they restart their PCs, or have to reload software on new PCs, please call our support line for free Telephone based support on 0800 800 004.

. For small businesses affected by the earthquake (typically with 1 or more PCs and Servers, and not actively managed by a Microsoft Customer or Partner Account Manager), Microsoft is making available Telephone based service incident support calls free of charge by calling 0800 800 004.

. In addition to the above, Microsoft Managed Partners and Enterprise Managed Customers (defined as the Customers and Partners that have Microsoft Account Manager) also have the ability to receive free priority telephone based technical support subject to availability.

Microsoft is also making available to affected Microsoft Managed Partners and Enterprise Managed Customers, on a case-by-case basis, access to assistance and advice from our Consulting and Premier Support personnel, and access to Microsoft Online Services (Microsoft Cloud based Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, Office Communications Online and Office Live Meeting) for situations where their infrastructure is damaged to the point where they require an alternative messaging & collaboration suite on a temporary basis until such times as they can rebuild. 

If your company relies on its IT infrastructure being in place to continue to operate, and you are having problems, contact one of these companies.

Make sure you visit the Civil Defence website for up to date information. The Department of Labour also issued some advice to employers and employees affected but this earthquake.