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<div class="moz-cite-prefix">Adding a few things to Kevin's comments.<br>
<br>
CDW or others provide fine equipment but then you must decide
among the many options available.<br>
Software provided is fixed and sometimes not what is exactly
needed, or wanted.<br>
Customization may be limited or at least a special order.<br>
<br>
We have a long term relationship with a vendor specializing in
libraries and some schools.<br>
<br>
When we ask for a quote, the research for a product is done for
us.<br>
We know we'll get the optimum machine for a specific purpose at a
reasonable cost.<br>
E.G. For desktops<br>
Mother board, CPU, ram and other components are selected for
optimization and MTBF.<br>
Patron PC's may have small SSD drive's for speed instead of a
large capacity normal drive.<br>
Patron and certain staff PC's may not have DVD R/W but a USB
drive provided to share as needed.<br>
The PC's are assembled and burnt in prior to delivery.<br>
Software is installed according to required PC function<br>
<br>
For laptops generally just the research is done with 1 or 2
presented for purchase.<br>
<br>
Technical support and services are provided as required.<br>
Our vendor 'knows' the systems and people capabilities so any
support is speedy.<br>
No 'do this, then call back' and hope you get the same person,
etc.<br>
No having to escalate calls up the tech support ladder, etc.<br>
<br>
We do purchase certain equipment from CDW, buy,com and others.<br>
<br>
However, we really like the many advantages of our regular vendor.<br>
This vendor even recommends another, if there would be significant
savings for us.<br>
<br>
This has been our way, but may not work for you.<br>
<br>
Bob<br>
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<pre class="moz-signature" cols="80">R. W. (Bob) Neeper
<a href="http://sunbury.cool-cat.org" target="_blank">Community Library</a>
44 Burrer Dr. <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=40.243961,+-82.863007">Map</a>
Sunbury, Oh 43074
Tel: (740)-965-3901
<a href="http://info.cool-cat.org"><img style="border: 0px solid ; width: 100px; height: 107px;" alt="cool-cat.org" src="cid:part3.06050303.01080304@oplin.org"></a></pre>
</div>
On 12/18/2012 10:38 AM, Kevin Puffer wrote:<br>
</div>
<blockquote
cite="mid:CACkj6af8XvdUiazghoa88ruBfbkkgYi3STHEANZW2JSDtfcsLg@mail.gmail.com"
type="cite">
<div dir="ltr">Phillip, I think that's kind of like asking, "who
makes the best pizza". The most useful answer for your
unique organization is going to depend on several factors.
<div><br>
</div>
<div style="">Are you asking specifically about hardware
manufacturers or vendors or both? Both are in business to make
money but some are more sympathetic with library's funding
limitations and their role as public servants. Most often the
one who offers only the lowest cost is not the one who is most
advantageous for your organization in the long run. i.e. Some
IT folks like to buy the best hardware they can afford
expecting to recover the additional purchasing costs in
support and service savings over the long term. Others wager
on low cost machines and anticipate more labor and services
costs down the road. The same model applies to vendors, the
vendors with the lowest overhead can charge a little less but
may not be able to provide the product as efficiently as a
larger vendor, neither will they be as easy to work with after
the sale should (or should I say "when") problems arise. That
brings up another factor; how capable is your in-house team
with support issues. Do you require after-sale support of the
manufacturer or the vendor and if so, how much? Warranties may
cover anything from just the cost of failed hardware, to total
on-site technical support, and the warranties you choose
should be tailored to your specific needs. </div>
<div style=""><br>
</div>
<div style="">The long answer is, you are going to have to
develop a purchasing strategy of your own that best fits your
organization. The main question is "How much risk am I (and my
team) willing to assume?"</div>
<div style=""><br>
</div>
<div style="">If the OPLIN Tech world knew a little more about
your organization and your capabilities, I'm sure better
advice could be offered. </div>
<div style=""><br>
</div>
<div style="">Sorry, I know this is not the answer you were
looking for.</div>
<div style=""><br>
</div>
<div style="">KP</div>
<div style=""><br>
</div>
</div>
<div class="gmail_extra"><br>
<br>
<div class="gmail_quote">On Tue, Dec 18, 2012 at 10:21 AM,
Phillip Jackson <span dir="ltr"><<a moz-do-not-send="true"
href="mailto:pjackson@pauldingcountylibrary.org"
target="_blank">pjackson@pauldingcountylibrary.org</a>></span>
wrote:<br>
<blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0 0 0
.8ex;border-left:1px #ccc solid;padding-left:1ex">
<div link="blue" vlink="purple" lang="EN-US">
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Who is the best company to purchase
new desktops and laptops for our library’s.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Thanks</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Phillip Jackson</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a moz-do-not-send="true"
href="mailto:Pjackson@PauldingCountyLibrary.org"
target="_blank">Pjackson@PauldingCountyLibrary.org</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a moz-do-not-send="true"
href="tel:419-399-2032" value="+14193992032"
target="_blank">419-399-2032</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
</div>
</div>
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</blockquote>
</div>
<br>
<br clear="all">
<div><br>
</div>
-- <br>
<div style="text-align:center"> <b>Kevin Puffer</b><br>
<b>Systems Administrator</b><br>
<img moz-do-not-send="true"
src="http://wcdpl.org/sites/default/files/foliage_logo.jpg"
width="96" height="50"><br>
<b>Wood County District Public Library</b><br>
<b>251 N. Main St. Bowling Green, OH 43402</b><br>
<b>(419)</b><b> 352-5104 - <a moz-do-not-send="true"
href="mailto:kpuffer@wcdpl.org" target="_blank">kpuffer@wcdpl.org</a></b><br>
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