Packaged new business start-up systems

As a guide we have put this here to give you some idea of the costs for entire office or business fitout.

Important items to consider in a new office fit out of computing systems are:

Software needed to run your business

• Accounting - eg. Myob, Quickbooks, AccPac
• Server Software - Server 2003, MS SQL, Backup programs, antivirus programs, firewall
  
• Office Suite for Word, Excel, Access, Powerpoint
  

Hardware requirements

• Workstations
• Network switch
• AIO 1000 Server
• Workgroup Printer
  
• Onsite warranty for hardware
• Data Cabling
  

• Onsite labour to setup, install and configure systems.
• Desktop support
• Telephone and remote access support
  

Most people estimate their computing requirements by browesing though computing catalogs for desktops, notebooks and printers, but miss out other necessary items that makes the system work.

These other items can often cost much more than their hardware purchase expense so budget well, and consider all the other aspects of computing.

Think long term not short. Having different types of hardware and software can cause you major loss of time and money. Different versions of the same program can be a big problem as you will face compatibility issues. What you saved on your program may not allow others to open it for editing or reviewing. Different computers also may cause problems as they operate differently or may not have the same features.

Think long term - if you think that you will expand in the near future, then allow for this and purchase that additional workstation or printer at the same time. You could get a bigger discount, and all your systems wil remain compatible.

A new busines for 5 workers including all the above items, you should estimate around $20,000 - $22,000 to get you started properly. Patchwork and add ons will cost you more and you will have a less reliable system.