Networking

Domains

Please take a look at the sample quotes below and read on

Sample Quote

How much is it to install a server network for 5 users?

Why is there such a vast difference in price?

1) First we give you a high performance Pentium 4 server with RAID. This means there are two hard disk drives installed and they are setup to continually backup and mirror each other therefore, when one drives fails to work there is no data loss.

2) We specialise in networks for small - medium businesses of up to 10 users. This means we use either Windows 2000 or XP Professional as the network operating system. By using one of these you are limited to a network of up to 10 users although this will suit many companies needs. Windows Server 2003 typically costs four times the amount to buy than XP professional and although it does offer specialist capabilities for large networks the performance and security of the network does not suffer due to using XP.

3) As standard, we always provide a Printer server with our network installations, this allows all computers as part of the network full access and use of all connected printers. A printer server allows a network of PC's to use printers without draining the server resources.

4) A switch is used to connect all of the PC's to the server using high quality cables. We can on request install a network using Wireless technology although with the use of cables, data remains more secure and does allow unauthorised users to access data, there are still some security issues regarding wireless Internet and network access.

5) A KVM Switch allows an office with limited space to install a server and share the mouse, keyboard and monitor with another workstations mouse, keyboard & monitor.

6) On a network operating system such as Windows Server 2003 with 4 networked PC's it can cost in excess of £200 - £250 for Anti-Virus protection for the duration of 12 Months. However, by using Windows XP Professional for the server, the Anti-Virus Protection for 12 Months is approximately £100. It is important to note, your network will be equally secure using either format of virus protection.

7) Finally, we install specialist network software that connects your network to the Internet, collects e-mails and distributes them to the relevant workstations in the office.

8) The installation of a network by most large IT companies caters for approximately £1000 of the overall cost. However, we charge between £150-£300 depending on any specialist requirements and the number of users needed to be added to the network.

Installation Includes:

• Installation of Server
• Installation of cabling, printer server, KVM switch, network switch
• Anti-virus software
• Network Software - for e-mails, anti-spam, firewall protection etc
• User Accounts - password access, file sharing, printer sharing etc

We can make a network as simple or complicated as you want, complete 5 user server networks start from £999

Workgroups

Workgroup networks are suitable for a small office environment who usually have members of staff using their own software packages for e-mails and accounts by they have the requirement for printer sharing, internet sharing and file sharing but without the centralised file sharing and backup system of a server network.

Many local IT businesses would not consider setting up a small workgroup network for less than a days work or equivalent to £400+. We at Meriden will provide this service for typically half the price including parts and labour.

Servers

Most of us know that a server is generally a powerful computer that runs 24 hours a day 365 days a year. One thing we all know for sure is a server and network installation can be an expensive investment.

That's why at Meriden Computing Solutions, we have introduced SERVER RENTAL, this means that any business can have a server based network installed, cabled and configured with all user passwords and access for FREE and pay a more affordable MONTHLY fee.

How does this work?

• We install a brand new top of the range Microsoft Server in your office.
• The workstations are all cabled to the server
• The server is configured to be the primary source of files and Internet resources
• User accounts are set-up
• Anti-virus and anti-spam software are installed
• A firewall is installed and configured to prevent external access
• Internet Connection Sharing is set-up across the network
• A backup power supply is installed to prevent the server from damage during power loss
• We can monitor your server from our office
• Viruses can be removed from your server by one of our technicians without having to attend your office
• File access permissions can be allocated to different users at different levels

Finally

We install a high end server and equipment as stated above with only a 3 month deposit required prior to or on the day of installation. For an affordable monthly fee we will provide technical support and on-site warranty for hardware or network failure. After a two year period we will give you the option to buy the server or install a completely new one and continue the monthly contract.

The main benefits of having a server are:

• Your files are stored in a central location and then shared to all users across the network
• Internet connection is set up on the server, which in turn shares this connection with all other workstations
• The security of a server is always set very high, therefore spyware and viruses are intercepted before they reach the end-user machines
• Our server come with twin hard drives installed, this means if one drive fails, the other keeps working and there is no loss of data.
• We implement a backup system so that in the event of fire, natural disaster or theft your business can continue to operate normally
• Different user access can be limited or restricted to suit the clients needs

What are the benefits of using us?

We are a local IT services company serving the small geographical area's of Wolverhampton, Walsall, Shropshire & Staffordshire. This enables us to focus on what our clients want providing a high quality on-site service with a quick response time. We do not have a 'call-out' fee, we simply charge for the work that we do once on-site.

Terms & Conditions for SERVER RENTAL

The minimum server rental contract is for 2 years from day of installation.

The server and network equipment remain the property of Meriden Computing Solutions until the client chooses to purchase the server after the initial two year period.

After the initial two year period, the monthly fee may reduce or increase due to market change. Although it is in our best interests to provide the client with a quality replacement and reduced monthly fee.

On-site support includes server & network hardware and breakdown. However, damage due to user misuse, viruses, spyware or any other reasons not relating to the failure of hardware that we have supplied will incur a charge. However we do not charge for call-out, we simply charge £25-£35 per hour for our work once at your premises.