[OPLINTECH] Hardware purchases

[Kevin Puffer]

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.

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.

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?"

If the OPLIN Tech world knew a little more about your organization and
your capabilities, I'm sure better advice could be offered.

Sorry, I know this is not the answer you were looking for.

KP



On Tue, Dec 18, 2012 at 10:21 AM, Phillip Jackson <
pjackson at pauldingcountylibrary.org> wrote:

>  Who is the best company to purchase new desktops and laptops for our
> library’s.****
>
> ** **
>
> Thanks****
>
> ** **
>
> Phillip Jackson****
>
> Pjackson at PauldingCountyLibrary.org****
>
> 419-399-2032****
>
> ** **
>
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-- 
  *Kevin Puffer*
*Systems Administrator*

*Wood County District Public Library*
*251 N. Main St. Bowling Green, OH 43402*
*(419)** 352-5104   -  kpuffer at wcdpl.org*
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