Procurement: Getting the Best Deal on Hardware and Software

Pressure on the top line means you need to squeeze more out of the bottom line without any loss in efficiency and productivity.

“… centralise your hardware/software procurement, installation and servicing into a single provider that has strong buying power.”

One way to do this is to centralise all your IT hardware/software procurement, installation and servicing into a single provider that has strong buying power and across-the-board back-up services. The benefits can be significant: you’ll save through their volume buying, and through signing them to global agreements that cover installation and maintenance. And you’ll spend less of your own time managing relationships with multiple suppliers instead of managing your business.

Maximize Procurement Savings on HW/SW

1. Evaluate all your software licenses: Do they all need to be renewed? Can you consolidate into fewer, more efficient systems? Are you paying for too many seats or CPUs?
2. Analyse the cost of upgrading hardware versus replacing it: Older hardware can often be given a new lease of life with, for example, a new OS and added RAM, for less than the cost of buying new.
3. Factor in all costs associated with your HW/SW: Consider how you can save on the costs for bandwidth, data transfer and storage as well as for power, telephony and insurance. These operating costs often amount to a significant percentage of the capital cost of procurement, installation and maintenance.
4. Qualify your procurement partner: Do they have strong relationships with industry-leading hardware and software vendors? Can they give you better terms overall than you can get yourself dealing direct, or with several vendors? Can they specify, source and install all equipment for you? Can they provide training and handover, or full support if necessary?
5. If you’re “going-it-alone,” look for pre-owned or re-conditioned equipment: There are reputable sources for bridges, hubs, switches, routers, servers and phone systems. Used but servicable Category 5 cable is widely available. Look out for auctions, closeouts and PC fairs, but buy at your own risk. Make sure that whatever you buy is compatible with your Network Interface Cards (NICs) and ethernet cards (if you use them).

Ask us for the best deal on harware/software procurement.

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