[Ansteorra] SCA membership dues - another view

Sat Jul 27 07:17:49 PDT 2002

* ... I regularly write the specifications for computers at the state
agency that I work for.  And it is very common to spend $3,000 to
$4,000 dollars on a new computer system when you add in the cost of
business software, Databases, printers, and other necessary items.

been there, done that ... glad i'm out and can buy realistically
again for my clients.  in thsi case, from details that have coem
forth, proposal was one (1) general business class hardware platform
- - not a server, not a top-line graphics or game platform, just a
generic PC.

* ... Businesses usually purchase a computer with the intent of its
lasting 3 to 5 years with means that you don't buy the el cheapo
bargain basement version (like I do at home).

so does any sane consumer ... and machines of that class.  just
replaced my main home workstation with such a 3-5 year machine (2g
processor, 1.5gb mem, 120gb drive (salvaging 2 other 120's from my
old system, etc ... came to $1200 and some change.  should take me
through a few more years of growing need.   add another $1000 if
replacing peripherals that wear out over time - printer, monitor...)

* ... Also if the listed anti virus removal includes an on site visit
by a computer technician that can run the price up very quickly.
Lastly, most businesses ask for a budgeted allocation to allow them
to shop around.  So it is quite possible that the final cost will be
lower that the amount asked for.

question, the sca is a volunteer centric organization ... the ranks
are filled with compuiter experts in realtime, corporate is located
on the west coast in a higher than average concentration of those
types.  if they asked, i doubt they would have any shortage of
netadmin / security types volunteering to resolve the infestation
problem on a pro-bono basis (i do the same all the time around town
for the charities and low income ventures my friends work for).

basic problem here ... instead of looking outside for their solutions
and paying high priced consultants and buying cadallac class machines
(never read what the actual need for this machine was in the first
place, or the specifications required to fill that need), they should
learn frugality and looking *inward* to those in the rank-n-file who
are willing to help out with the rather considerable collective skill
base available.

'wolf
.. watching out-control corporations all around spending themselves
into oblivion and hoping it dosn't happen here

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