Hardware and Software Procurement Factors to Consider

publish date: February 14, 2019

Buying new hardware or software can be a daunting task. With technology continually evolving, and new products and solutions hitting the market nearly every day, how can you make sure you are choosing the best technology for your specific needs? The answer isn’t always simple, and in the end, there are a number of factors to consider when making hardware and software purchasing decisions.

One important fact to keep in mind is that there is often a big difference between residential or consumer grade equipment and business class equipment.  Business class equipment is typically more durable and designed to better handle extended and continual daily use, and typically has the ability to be readily configured to reside on your company’s network.

For PC purchases it’s important to remember that regardless of the manufacturer you prefer (e.g. HP, Dell, Lenovo, etc.), the operating system is a critical factor.  The difference between Microsoft 10 Home and Microsoft 10 Professional operating systems can be substantial. While they may sound very similar, different versions of operating systems bring different features, and different limitations.  When buying for a business, the Microsoft Professional version brings more robust security features, handles larger workloads and capabilities, and allows you the ability to join PCs to your company’s domain. 

An important factor with new software procurement is compliance with licensing.  Whether it be open, open value, software assurance, SPLA, or cloud licensing, today’s licensing options can be complex and confusing.  For example, moving from an on-premise server to a cloud solution or vice versa will involve buying your licensing differently to assure compliance.  Prices vary among different licensing models, and getting advice from a knowledgeable consultant helps assure a good decision.

Another factor to keep in mind when acquiring new hardware and software is the importance of documenting your purchases to allow tracking of the associated renewals and warranties that will recur in years 2 and 3, and beyond.  Many technology firms offer excellent documentation and tracking services, and can help assure that you get the coverage and value you desire from your technology investment in terms of both hardware warranties and license renewals. 

Finally, it’s important to consider the installation and ongoing support of the product itself. A reputable solution provider can prep, install and support new hardware or software, and help with integration among different programs.

With all of these considerations, choosing to consult with professionals is a prudent move. The question narrows down to this - how much do you value the time it would take you to find the right solution for your company? Technology solution providers offer sound guidance in procuring new hardware and software that will work best for your company, and in many cases you will find that buying equipment through them is less expensive than if you had gone out and bought it on your own.