[OPLINTECH] Hardware purchases

Tue Dec 18 14:08:13 EST 2012

Adding on the what the chaps are saying about it really depends on what 
you want to use the system for and how much support you want or need for 
the system.

For instance here, we have decided that given what we want and the price 
we prefer to pay for it, we assemble our own systems. Essentially we are 
doing in-house what Bob describes having a specialized vendor do, using 
sites like Newegg Business, CDW-G, GobalGovEd, and even Amazon to buy 
the components.  The main reason we do this is we want systems that will 
be fast enough for many years, and importantly, where we can easily 
upgrade those components that are likely to not be enough in 3, 5 or 7 
years time, we have the experience to do the work and we don't have an 
established relationship with an assembler.

The big thing in that regard is that we are not risking that one of the 
major assemblers (such as Dell, Gateway, Lenovo, etc) made a compromise 
that was not advertised or documented, such as deciding that the memory 
has to be some convoluted specialty ram, or that the system will never 
need more than 1 GB of ram or that the sata controller need only support 
some low throughput, even though some program we'll run 5 years from now 
on the machine might require a faster interface..  Where we make 
compromises about upgrade-ability we know that up front and actively 
choose the compromises, rather than learning about them 3-5 years after 
we bought the system when we want more ram, a faster hard drive or 
processor or some other capacity..

In addition to the above, the other thing I like about this model is 
that I think I get better components in my computers than I would buying 
a major name brand system.

It's basically the same approach that Bob is taking, just doing a lot of 
the work ourselves.

If I had to give a specific recommendation on who to buy assembled 
systems from, it would be to find out who Bob is working with and at 
worst, comparison pricing them versus, CDW, GlobalGovEd or even Newegg 
or Newegg Business, depending on whether  each can offer the level of 
support you want.

Have a good day.

Joe

Joseph Knueven
Director
Germantown Public Library
51 N. Plum St.
Germantown, OH 45327
937-696-9998x10
knuevejo at oplin.org

On 12/18/2012 1:27 PM, Steve Owley wrote:
> I would like to echo this.  It is possible to arrange customized purchases from CDWG, and they will offer good advice too, but I would not do first one without the second.
>
> Steve
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: oplintech-bounces at lists.oplin.org [mailto:oplintech-bounces at lists.oplin.org] On Behalf Of Bob Neeper
> Sent: Tuesday, December 18, 2012 1:14 PM
> Cc: Phillip Jackson; oplintech at lists.oplin.org
> Subject: Re: [OPLINTECH] Hardware purchases
>
> Adding a few things to Kevin's comments.
>
> CDW or others provide fine equipment but then you must decide among the many options available.
> Software provided is fixed and sometimes not what is exactly needed, or wanted.
> Customization may be limited or at least a special order.
>
> We have a long term relationship with a vendor specializing in libraries and some schools.
>
> When we ask for a quote, the research for a product is done for us.
> We know we'll get the optimum machine for a specific purpose at a reasonable cost.
> E.G. For desktops
>   Mother board, CPU, ram and other components are selected for optimization and MTBF.
>   Patron PC's may have small SSD drive's for speed instead of a large capacity normal drive.
>   Patron and certain staff PC's may not have DVD R/W but a USB drive provided to share as needed.
>   The PC's are assembled and burnt in prior to delivery.
>   Software is installed according to required PC function
>
> For laptops generally just the research is done with 1 or 2 presented for purchase.
>
> Technical support and services are provided as required.
> Our vendor 'knows' the systems and people capabilities so any support is speedy.
> No 'do this, then call back' and hope you get the same person, etc.
> No having to escalate calls up the tech support ladder, etc.
>
> We do purchase certain equipment from CDW, buy,com and others.
>
> However, we really like the many advantages of our regular vendor.
> This vendor even recommends another, if there would be significant savings for us.
>
> This has been our way, but may not work for you.
>
> Bob
>
> R. W. (Bob) Neeper
> Community Library <http://sunbury.cool-cat.org>
> 44 Burrer Dr.  Map <http://maps.google.com/maps?q=40.243961,+-82.863007>
> Sunbury, Oh 43074
> Tel:  (740)-965-3901
>
> cool-cat.org <http://info.cool-cat.org> On 12/18/2012 10:38 AM, Kevin Puffer 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 aft
>   
>   er-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
> 	 <http://wcdpl.org/sites/default/files/foliage_logo.jpg>
> 	Wood County District Public Library
> 	251 N. Main St. Bowling Green, OH 43402
> 	(419) 352-5104   -  kpuffer at wcdpl.org
> 	
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