The company I am working for is trying to get caught up technically with the 21st Century. We are looking at a total upgrade of all hardware and software to include replacing all 20 workstations with XP Pro and adding 2 Windows 2003 servers. They are wanting VPNs in the owner’s and CEO’s houses as well as VPN to a location 2 hours away. The computers along with all the hardware come to $59,981 if I was to buy it from Dell. Then I would have to configure it and install it without assistance. I had a consulting company come in and consult myself along with the CEO on everything along with full support for installing and configuring EVERYTHING. Their quote came in at $60,702. The CEO asked if I could do it all and I think I have the knowledge, but have never done a complete IT refresh, just bits and pieces at a time. Is $800 worth NOT having the IT consulting company come in and do everything for me? I feel $800 is well worth the money to have the IT consulting company come in and take full responsiblity for this transition as well as they would be able to accomplish this task faster than myself (I would have to keep running the current network). The CEO just sees the dollar ammount. How can I get him to understand the importance of the consultants coming in to carry out the transition? Or should I take this project on and chalk it up for a learning experience? I am the only IT person for the companies two locations. Thanks
Rocky