Hardware

We are not a computer store, and we typically do not sell equipment directly. We can, however save you a lot of money.

We recommend the equipment we use and know works well.  As far as Servers and Workstations are concerned, we have a relationship with Dell that allows us to pass volume discounts along to our customers.  We have been working with Dell for many years and when we send a customer to one of our Dell sales representatives, they know we are the ones who will be installing your systems.  Dell knows that by the time you go to them, you have our recommendation and there is no expensive sales process or questions to answer so the savings are simply passed on to you.  Dell knows to treat our customers well because we send them over a million dollars a year in business. They also know that we can do much of their field work as far as warranty and replacement goes, so they give us high priority access to support and parts.  Dell sees us as an asset, saving them a great deal of money for each system they sell.  We pass that savings along to you as part of the value of our consulting services.

Systems Maintenance Will Save you Money.

Our IT System Administration and Maintenance Plans are tailored to your budget and needs.  Computer systems require regular maintenance in order to continue running smoothly and with proper security.  Once we evaluate your system, we will estimate the number of hours needed to be spent on Proactive Maintenance, Administration, and IT Technical Support in order to keep your systems running smoothly and reliably.  This time can also be used for future planning, consulting, and improving your computer environment.  The more time you commit to buying on a quarterly basis, the more discount you receive on our base hourly rate of $150/hour.

Problems in your computing environment can drag down your entire business.

Your business relies heavily on technology.  Technical problem solving is key to keeping your business running smoothly.  When there is a technical problem with your network hardware, server, or software, it can effect employee morale, as well as productivity and ultimately profitability.  Are your employees complaining about the technology they use?  How many times do you have to stop and think about issues with your network server, software or computer hardware?  Are your computing resources being abused or used for personal entertainment rather than business use?  Have you had to shut your business down, cancel appointments, or change your plans because of technical problems or limitations?  Do you have an employee that you cannot fire or are afraid will quit because they are the only ones with the knowledge to keep your systems running?  These are not the type of problems that some technology whiz kid can solve.  You need a team of trustworthy, experienced business IT Consultants, who can be the problem solver to help make management decisions and implement a solution.  We will be happy to meet with you, privately if necessary, and see what we can do to help solve your technology problems.

There are many choices that need to be made when designing, and setting up a server.

With our experience setting up hundreds of servers over the years, we can navigate the many choices and arrive at a practical solution.  Servers can be expensive and most businesses cannot afford to buy the wrong equipment. Servers require experienced professionals to design and set up, otherwise they can lead to pure misery for all involved.  Since we specialize in small and medium sized business computing, we will have a good idea of what server is right for your business, based on our experience working with other companies like yours.

Installing and Implementing Business Computer Systems is What We Do.

We have suppliers we work with for Servers, Computers, Software, and Networking.  We have Electricians who can install network cable properly.  We are used to taking on new technologies and solving unique problems.  We thrive on challenges.  We know what works well and what does not.  You will benefit greatly from our experience and successful track record working with other businesses that have faced similar challenges.

Companies need someone who is familiar with their entire computing environment. Computer systems need Administration.

We provide guidance to help navigate your business through a sea of technology.  We can perform a management, decision making role as a member of your team.

Decisions need to be made, and right or wrong decisions can make or break a business.  Without consistant administration, your computer system will be adrift and eventually show the signs of neglect.  Your system needs someone to keep a watchful eye on changing technology and innovations in Windows, Linux, network security issues, as well as all the hardware and software in use.  Someone needs to make practical recommendations on how to utilize new technology to your best advantage.  Someone needs to be looking down the road at emerging technology and the future of your company.

Many companies no longer have the luxury of their own IT Departments to, or even dedicated, qualified, IT Personnel as a result of downsizing or recent economic hardship.  Your computing environment is unique and it is wasteful to have different technicians come in from time to time and try to fix or maintain a system they are not familiar with. By performing regular maintenance and IT Technical support, we build a level of familiarity that will allow us to diagnose problems and implement solutions much more quickly, thus saving you a lot of money over time.

What successful projects have we completed lately?

Computer consultants are only as good as their recent successes in implementing computer systems that people actually use in business. We have current working technical knowledge and are continuously implementing systems all over central Indiana.

We understand more than the intimidating technical terms that are not part of a normal vocabulary. We understand the technical terms, but we also realize that all you want is a computer system that works well so you can run your business. There is no qualification or degree that is better than actual experience that comes along with years and years of successfully implementing computer systems and keeping those systems running smoothly.

We recommend what we know and use based on our own experiences.

We have experience setting up both Windows and Linux Servers.  There are advantages and disadvantages to both and they each have their own place in your computing environment.  We view a server as a tool which is used to perform a particular function or functions, usually serving as a platform to run a specific program like an accounting system, or practice management system.  Software companies like to sell their own servers to customers who do not have any IT Support, but these servers are generally overpriced and under powered.  Have them quote you a price and we will show you what we can do for the same money and will exceed their requirements.  In other words, with us, you get more bang for the buck!

A server is generally a more powerful computer that is designed to run continuously for years. Windows Server is the most common and most expensive.

Recent versions of Windows Server include Windows Server 2008, and the newer Windows Server 2012.  Your major software package may require one of these Windows Server Operating Systems.  Windows Server Operating Systems require licenses from Microsoft, or something they call CAL's (Client Access Licenses). The cost and number of CAL's you need to buy is based on things like the number of users who will be using the server.  Different features within the Windows Server Operating System can be turned on or off, and often require their own CAL's.  Just to illustrate the complexity of Microsoft Licensing, check out the following information from Microsoft Licensing CAL's. If that information does not give you a headache, you can then look at the pricing involved and start shopping!   These are all waters that we have navigated and are familiar with, based on servers we have installed.  We will save you a great deal of time and money by simply showing you what you need to buy and prevent you from making costly mistakes.  The major software application that you need may require that your server runs Microsoft Windows Server.

Why do we not sell the hardware ourselves you ask.

The answer to that is mainly because of sales tax issues.  We are purely consultants.  We will recommend the hardware and software you need and then point you in the right directions so you may make your own purchase.  We do not profit from hardware sales so our advice is honest.  We make our money by consulting and installing computer systems.

Once a server is set up and installed on your network, it must be secured.

Server Security, especially for servers accessible through the Internet must have the proper security to keep them from getting hacked.  We take server security very seriously because we realize just how dangerous the world is.  It is a given fact that there will be attempts to hack into your server every hour of every day.  This is just the nature of the Internet and a properly setup and secure server will be prepared and protected from such attacks.  We utilize firewall security, user and file security, as well as intrusion detection to keep your servers secure.  Servers, and the software they run, must be constantly maintained and updated to protect against the latest security threat.  Server Security is something that should be set up and maintained by competent professionals like us.  We can set up your server and monitor and maintain it remotely keeping an ever watchful eye for problems.

Give us a call so we may meet and discuss your server needs.

We have experience setting up both Windows and Linux servers and maintaining them in production environments.  We have solutions for all the different types of servers commonly used in small and medium sized businesses.  We know what works and have the ability to duplicate our successes and make them work in your computing environment.

There is a silver lining in every cloud.

Emergencies are unfortunate, but usually our customers are better off once the problem is solved.  You may wind up with a better system than you had before.  You may learn and take corrective actions that will make your system more reliable.  When we fix something, we fix it right and leave our customers in better shape as a result of the experience.