Step One
Identify the needs of your organisation and/or the users. Understand your requirements – How will you and/or users be using their PC?
- Graphics? For example CAD/CAM
- Standard applications such as word-processing, spread-sheets and presentations.
- Are there any applications that you either use now or may be in the future that you will need to consider? If so, seek advice from the software supplier to see what hardware specification they recommend.
- What is your or your organisation’s budget?
- Will the system be used for home use or work or perhaps both?
- Will the computer be used to run games?
- If you need portability, consider how long you will be away from an external power source as this will impact your choice. It may worth considering finding out how much a spare battery will cost as well as the actual time that the battery charge will last before it requires recharging.
- If possible, it might be a good idea to test or borrow a laptop similar to the one your buying in order to see how useable and practical it is.
- Types of applications need to be considered too
Step Two
- What systems will you require? For example, you may still need to retain some Desktop PC’s for certain functions but replace others with portable computers.
- How much will it cost?
- How much will it cost to maintain and support?
- Can you utilise any existing equipment?
- You will need to ensure that whatever you purchase now will be able to meet your future requirements.
Step Three
Identify the Right Partners/Providers.
- Use Powered by Conjungo’s ‘Find a Supplier’ search facility on the home page
- Who has the experience of working a company of the right size and profile as yours?
- How many similar installations have they made?
- Ask for references – ensure that the company is capable and reliable
- Get a credit check to ensure that they are financially stable.
Step Four
Request a Proposal from 3 or 4 of your preferred suppliers
Step Five
Select a Proposal.
- Who best demonstrates that they understand your business and your requirements?
- Is the system flexible and scaleable and therefore able to meet future demand? You don’t want to find out later that by investing a little more money now will save you money later. A good example of this can be areas such as size of the hard-drive (disk capacity) and memory (RAM). Upgrading later can be costly.
- Is it cost effective? Does it demonstrate clearly the functional benefits – rather than telling a list of particular features, does the proposal clearly show what the benefits are? There is no point on spending money for system with features that are of no benefit or that you will never use!
- How much will maintenance & support cost?
- Can any savings be made by agreeing a multi-year contract for support?
- Agree on financial terms – you may be required to pay a deposit but do not pay the whole amount in advance of delivery.