[OPLINTECH] Hardware purchases

[Chad Neeper]

>From a vendor's perspective, I almost totally agree with Kevin's assessment
with one tiny exception:

"...neither will {vendors with the lowest overhead} be as easy to work with
after the sale should (or should I say "when") problems arise."
I'd just suggest that this isn't a certainty. Local vendors could fall into
this category and could be quite supportive and easy to work with.

As an additional thought, when you take your own organizations in-house
expertise into account, if you work with a non-name-brand (Dell, HP, etc.)
system-builder, it's almost guaranteed that the vendor is using components
that each have their own manufacturer's warranties. You're under no
obligation to go back to the vendor for support. In fact, in some cases,
you may actually get a part replaced faster by going through the RMA
process yourself directly with the manufacturer. In many cases, the vendor
will be using the same processes that you yourself would use to return the
part...adding only additional time to the process.

Also worth knowing:  Just because a warranty given by the vendor is X
years, individual components may actually have longer warranties. Kingston
RAM, for instance, has a limited lifetime warranty. Maxtor hard drives used
to commonly have a 7-year warranty. Etc. The X years indicated by the
vendor is often the maximum warranty on a critical part like the mainboard.
...but if that isn't the part that failed...


Just some random thoughts. Hope it helps.

Chad




______________________________
*Chad Neeper*
Senior Systems Engineer

*Level 9 Networks*
740-548-8070 (voice)
866-214-6607 (fax)

*Full LAN/WAN consulting services -- Specialized in libraries and schools*



On Tue, Dec 18, 2012 at 10:38 AM, Kevin Puffer <kpuffer at wcdpl.org> wrote:

> 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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