Re: [SAGE] to buy or not to buy service contracts

["Gary Studwell" <GStudwel@co.jefferson.co.us>]

   We believe in service contracts for our bigger, name-brand
servers (HP), and we make Linux/Netware/Win servers.  For
those we keep parts on hand, and even some unused blank
machines we can image quickly.  But the HP's are harder to
keep parts for, and more expensive, so contract it is.
   Another negative aspect of going on a T&M basis, esp.
with older hardware, is that the supplier is generally not
bound to service a T&M call as fast, and may not keep a
replacement part locally.  I've heard of some cases where it
took 2 to 3 weeks to get a replacement, and once when
a replacement couldn't be had from the manufacturer at
all (search for third-party vendor found it, though).

>>> Jenn Sturm <jsturm@hamilton.edu> 9:07:51 AM 1/10/03 >>>

How does your shop run things? Do you buy the big service contracts? Or

do you take the gamble and keep reserve funds around?