>
>All that said does not mean I completely disagree with you, but someone has
>to argue and supply the "other" side of the story. It is really ashame,
>though, you feel that way about independent contractors. I was/could be
>again one myself and happened to please many clients that are still
>operating. But, to each their own; I think with all of this argumentative
>information he will be able to make the right decision.
Good point. I did not mean the thought was totally foolish, rather on
that one point, I disagree. And as you stated above, argue the "other" side.
>
>
>
>
>At 06:27 PM 3/24/98 -0600, you wrote:
>>ARG!!!! Did I really here (see) someone suggest that an independant
>>contractor try to evaluate the needs of an ISP? Gad zukes!!! Man
>>eventhough we had many of the same thoughts, different products, I was with
>>you until that one. His best option would be to really think of the
>>questions, define his short term and long term needs, then contact the
>>vendors of each, ask them for why their products would be better than the
>>competition. Then listen to how the vendor will try and impose their own
>>bias into the equation. The remember any ISP can be successful with any
>>product. The key is relationship. Get to know the vendor, I would almost
>>recommend bypassing the VAR, as they sell what gives them the most $$.
>>
>> With the few number of ports you may not get vendors to send you equipment
>>on trial, but I can get almost any equipment for 60 day trial. I can then
>>evaluate them head to head and based on what I like and dislike make a
>>decision. I would recommend also since you are going to have limited
>>experience to get a support contract. With the USR they will actually come
>>onsite and install, plus provision it with the telco. (I know not much to
>>provision, but still for the novice getting this attention for NO
>>additional cost is hard to match!!!!)
>>
>>>companies deal with different products. Whether they started with them or
>>>someone suggested them, it doesn't matter. My only suggestion is to
>>>evaluate (exactly as Michael has stated) your needs for the network and
>>>look to the future. If you don't feel qualified (you have questions about
>>>products), then I would have someone PERSONALLY come in from an independent
>>>contractor and advise you on what is the best solution for your individual
>>>needs.
>>
>>
>>
>>>
>>>
>
>
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