[OPLINTECH] Hardware purchases
Kevin Puffer
kpuffer at wcdpl.org
Tue Dec 18 14:36:46 EST 2012
I stand duly corrected by Chad Neeper (*Level 9 Networks). *I didn't
intend a generality, but I confess I made one.
On Tue, Dec 18, 2012 at 2:08 PM, Joe <knuevejo at oplin.org> wrote:
> 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<oplintech-bounces at lists.oplin.org>[mailto:
>> oplintech-bounces@**lists.oplin.org <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<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 a
>>
> ft
>
>> 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@**
>> pauldingcountylibrary.org <pjackson at pauldingcountylibrary.org>> wrote:
>>
>>
>> Who is the best company to purchase new desktops and
>> laptops for our library's.
>>
>>
>>
>> Thanks
>>
>>
>>
>> Phillip Jackson
>>
>> Pjackson@**PauldingCountyLibrary.org
>>
>> 419-399-2032
>>
>>
>>
>>
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>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>>
>> Kevin Puffer
>> Systems Administrator
>> <http://wcdpl.org/sites/**default/files/foliage_logo.jpg<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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--
*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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