Glitchy wrote:1. Why would I
mikinho1. Why would I pay software maintenance the first when year the software is being setup with very few concurrent users …. is this normal practice? Or can I negotiate?
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Everything is negotiable. Is there a support path outside of maintenance agreements? If so, do a cost analysis of a few issues compared to the maintenance. If this is your first year using the product you will have issues.
[quote=Glitchy]
2. What is a fair rate for consulting services for programming, setup and customization for our implementation on site? I know this negotiable, but I would like to know a fair rate, for them and us. The average going rate?
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Helps to know the product. The cost is typically dependent on the knowledge base out there versus how competent they are. If it is a niche product with limited consulting pool then you’ll get a higher rates. I would consider $85-$150 / hr depending on the product and skillset.
3. Maintenance is 18%, that seems fair, i guess?
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It is fair but depending on the product after 2 years many companies will drop maintenance in favor of purchasing new.
It really depends on the product though. It’s difficult to drop support for ERP / CRM / MRP due to the need to keep current with changes in laws, taxes, etc.
[quote=Glitchy]
4. Does the company want our maintenance or the original software purchase? I know both, but how negotiable is the initial purchase?
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Typically they want maintenance, there is a much higher profit margin. Check their release schedule, upgrade costs, incident costs, etc
5. I need to hire a SQL/Crystal Repots programming in the Southwest (of America) what’s the going rate for our region?
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What experience level and skill set? Will they be a SQL DBA as well?
I have lots of questions on SQL/2008 Server hardware, clients per server and CALs, but I guess that might be a different thread!
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I’ll be happy to answer any MS SQL questions.