Site Package
Why do you require a server to be installed at every site?
The server is the most important part of the network. It secures your network from the Internet and allows 8Networks to manage and support your network and PCs by remote control. If the server fails, you lose all connectivity and no PCs will be able to logon at that site.
We already have a server. Can this be used instead of your one?
A significant way that we reduce costs and increase reliability is by standardising all site servers we deploy. It would actually be more expensive to use your own server in place of our own. Here are some of the reasons why:
- Our servers will have a standard BIOS and driver set so we can deploy the same OS without any modification. This ensures reliability because the configuration is tried and tested.
- Updates, patches and security fixes can be tested and then sent to all our servers easily. If each site had a different server variant, pre-testing would not be possible and the labour required to manually deploy to each server would be uneconomical.
- Although the perceived value of a server is often high, the quantity of servers that we purchase each year is considerable and the actual cost of providing the server is very small compared to the labour cost that would be required to download the drivers and quality test different servers.
I understand the importance of standardisation but I’d prefer to own our server. Can I buy your server?
You can purchase the server hardware, but not any proprietary code belonging to 8Networks. Your data would remain, but a new OS would need to be installed before the server could be used once support from 8Networks was stopped.
You give the option of customer provided servers for Exchange, Terminal Services or DFS. Why is this not the case for site servers?
We install Exchange, Terminal Services and DFS servers within VMWare which goes some way to isolating against hardware differences.
Our preference is to always provide our own servers so we can provide standby servers for Disaster Recovery, same-day swap out for failed hardware, and guaranteed compatibility.
PC Support
Do I need to purchase PC Support for every PC at my site?
It is recommended. However, PCs can be connected for Internet use only with no connection to the supported network or server. Unsupported PCs cannot be connected to the supported network because they present a security risk that could impact the entire network.
What application support is provided?
We will ensure your applications are installed as recommended by the supplier and you can load the applications and print. We will also liaise with the supplier to resolve technical issues such as network or display driver incompatibilities.
We are unable to provide application specific support, for example how to run reports or create mail-merges, as this is a training issue and not a support issue.
If I upgrade my PCs, do I need to pay the installation cost again?
Yes, if the driver requirements of the new PC are different then the Operating System will need to be reinstalled, and the correct drivers sourced, tested and documented.
If I take your Comprehensive option which includes a PC, who owns the PC?
The PC is owned by 8Networks, as with a standard lease or rental agreement. This is a good option for clients wanting to reduce capital expenditure and not worry about depreciation accounting issues.
Data Backups
Can I purchase my own tape media?
Tape media should be purchased through 8Networks as each tape is labeled and electronically tagged before issue. This allows us to check you have the right tape inserted. We also monitor use and retire the tape when it reaches end-of-life.
Can I do my own backups?
Yes. Some companies ask 8Networks to manage backups of critical company data, and ask staff to backup their own pictures, videos and archive files to DVD or USB drive. This provides a good balance between reassurance and cost. 8Networks will not take any responsibility for backups you manage yourself.
Remote Access
Why does a remote PC/Laptop need to be supported?
Remote PCs/Laptops will have full access to your site server and network, just as if they were connected locally. Therefore they need to have full security management and anti-virus monitoring to avoid being a security risk.
Microsoft Exchange
What email client do you recommend if I don’t use Exchange?
Mozilla Thunderbird.
Is Exchange required?
No, Exchange is optional. Our standard site package contains full email facilities using Linux IMAP. You can use Microsoft Outlook for email, but will not have shared calendar facilities.
Why does Exchange require a separate server?
For performance, Exchange runs best on a dedicated server. Total cost is also reduced as multiple servers each running a dedicated service fail less frequently and are easier to fix when they do.
Licensing
Are Microsoft Licenses included in any of your prices?
No, because different organisations subscribe to different Microsoft Licensing models (e.g. Open Volume, Select, Educational) and the different prices would be too complex to list in a single brochure. Our sales manager will advise on the licensing costs for your organisation.
The exception is for PC Operating Systems, with either XP Pro or Vista Business included in the price shown.
Management Package
Do I need the pre-install license audit?
When we come to do the site build we expect the media, licenses and installation keys to be available for the software you want installing. If the media, licenses or keys are not available, we will be unable to install and in some cases may have to abort and reschedule. To avoid unnecessary cost we offer a detailed license check before scheduling the installation.
|
