I've been quoted 3K to 10K to network my business computers, why?

Question

I would like to network 6 computers so that they can all share a medical billing software program. I've looked at the answers here and it looks like the cost should be at the most a couple hundred dollars, why am I being quoted thousands of dollars? Is there something I am missing?

Answer 1

It depends on the technology used and how easy it is to get the network setup with the computer.

How far is the server room from the computers?

What type technology are you looking to use?

Answer 2

Every IT service qouted different price from small business to corporate grade contractor.

Go for the lowest cost but make sure that they know what they are doing.

You can use a simple regular computer to be the host of a program like Quickbook and ACT. To find out what is the requirement for hosting a medical billing software, look for the system requirement. If it said Xeon processor with Microsoft Server then you going to need to buy a good decent computer that have Xeon, 2GB, two network card, and Microsoft Server or whatever it is the system requirement. If it just say Windows XP with system memory then you can use the regular computer to host the software.

I would make sure that the software allow more than 1 users which called a license. Find out if the billing software is a multiuser is by looking at the box or calling the customer service representative.

Answer 3

When you put together the equipment, and count labor, 3K would be just about normal, 10K would be far too much, and there is a HUGE 7K gap in there so you have gotten a broad range of proposal amounts.

I can try to give you the generic basics of why it'll cost so much.

#1 is equipment. I'm sure the Medical billing software takes up huge space, power, and processors so they'll add on a dedicated server to the proposal so the software can operate freely and independently of other systems. Dedicated servers can cost as much as a super suped-up computer ($1K-$4K). And along with equipment comes cables, power backups, wireless access if need be, and extra space for your client logs... and not to mention that these companies will buy the equipment from say, Dell or HP, and they'll increase the price so they can make profit when you buy it from them (it is very common - they'll buy a Dell server for $1000, then sell it to you for $1500 so they can make profit, and they'll do that for every piece of equipment).

#2 is labor. I'm talking actual work done, mileage, even a person to survey the computers to make sure they'll accept the networking of software. And labor will include the software needed to link all systems together to be able to log into the shared server (yes they charge you for the software and installation of the software on each computer when all they have to do is stick the CD in and click load).

What would cost only a few hundred dollars is if you wanted to link the computers together through the office network. All this is called is setting up a network. That would cost several hundred dollars for 6 six computers if you didn't have any special requests like loading shared software.

What sucks is that Tech Support agencies, Car mechanics, plumbers, and guys like that charge an arm and a leg because they know you NEED the service. You can't do it without them and they are the only ones who can do it effectively. If you are in doubt, please please you can ask them to explain the quote bit by bit and itemize it. You are definitely entitled to that.

Answer 4

What you are missing ,is that on YA most people are talking about connecting two or three computers with 20 metres of Cat 5e cable through a modem/router they already own, using an Internet connection for gaming / browsing etc: at minimal cost.
What you want to do is a different thing entirely, You want to network 6 computers, sharing a billing software program, I assume, to maximise productivity and increase your profits.
Business networking requires a server, a backup system and the infrastructure to ensure that the system is stable and capable of performing consistently.
Remember if your network goes down, so does your business.
You need too look at the quotes carefully to see exactly what you are getting for your money, and you need to be perfectly sure that what you are going to pay for is what you really need (normally vastly different from what you originally want).
Remember that mistakes made at the initial stage cost much more to rectify later on when everything is operational.

Answer 5

I have no idea why you are being quoted the figure you are quoted since you have not specified what systems are involved.

However, if the person doing the work is a network professional then they probably charge from 50/hr up
You'll be paying for any equipment.. so if you are installing a cisco router that's going to cost you a few hundred to thousands.

If you were to hire someoone like myself to perform the risk assessment you are required to be in compliance with HIPAA.. you would be asked to pay those prices at a minimum... a small HMO or small Hospital can pay 75,000 or more for a risk assessment.

You'll want them to provide you a breakdown of the services. no? That's a mighty big difference between 3k and 10k
Good luck.

Answer 6

networked computers and a computer network are actually two different things. Networked computers share a common internet connection, where a Computer network directs all its traffic thru a single computer which typically oversee's the overall "intranet" or inside network. The issue it would seem is someone is quoting you to build you a network with a server, Windows NT or other OS with clients and several machines.

Determine what your needs are and adjust accordingly. Depending on what you ask for it will determine what you get so far as overall control and protection.

Good luck

Answer 7

It doesn't sound like your running a home business out of your garage so you really should'nt cut corners on system upgrades

Some may be offering more customer services.

You don't want to be in the situation, where you have a lot of work to do and your system craches because you wanted save a few dollars!

It will be at that time, you would love to turn back time and pay a premium to have the work done right.

You could be increasing the size of the CEOs Stock Portfolio to get it done right, but if you cut corners an get it done for a discount, chances are good, it won't be!

You'll pay more to do the job again!

Good Luck!

Answer 8

Software and security.

If you are running all XP machines, and connected wireless then you should be able to create a home network within seconds. You can do it yourself and save all that money.

When you are calling someone about setting up a network, they are assuming that you want to run a server, and clients. In that case, 3k to 10k is about average.

Be cautious though, and make sure you have some security if you are wireless. HIPPA has teeth remember....:)

Answer 9

Just to network 6 computers would normally take about 30-45 mins and cost about £150, assuming you have socketed CAT-5 cabling in place already. Its really basic stuff.

You must be missing something, yes. Ask for a full statement of work.

Answer 10

Compare each scope of work. how much cabling is involved? Where will the software reside, does it require a server? If your office requires that Cat 5 cabling be installed along with patch panels and internet access equipment that is probably going to run you 1200 to 1500. Add a small server software licenses back up devices a UPS and an internet access equipment and it adds up quickly

Answer 11

That depends do you have a server that the data going to live on? Is the office already wired? There are many thing to go into it. But, I agree with you that it does seem to be a bit high. Try to find an IT guy will to work after hours for a few extra buck and you'll get it done.