With Windows 7 coming out right around the corner and support for Windows 2000 Professional becoming close to ‘end of life’ (March 2010) it is about time you go and talk to your Head Hancho(s) about UPGRADING (probably their least favorite word…unless it is for him or her). Not to worry since Frugal IT has got your back with some money saving tips.

.If you hate reading here is this article in a nutshell:

1. Buy New Energy-Efficient UPS Units
2. Use Free Patch Management tools like MSUS
3. Buying in Group Pools and get Volume Discounts
4. Research Before Purchasing & make sure you don’t buy more than you actually need
5. Before checking out online, Pick up the phone and negotiate!
6. Don’t be shy to ask for a volume discount even if you are only buying 5 units
7. Ask a sales representative what is available in “B” stock (returned unopened items)

1. Upgrading uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs) to newer energy-efficient units can cut energy use and save money. When considering an upgrade, instead of adding to an old system, it’s best to un-install the old and buy a completely new system because the components in UPS – especially the batteries – do have limited life.
   .
2. Keeping systems up to date will help organizations, large and small, save money. If you’re operating a small office, use free tools like Microsoft’s Software Update Services (SUS) patch management. In an environment with more than a dozen machines, purchase patch management software, preferably one that provides security updates.
   .
3. Industry consortium and buying groups pool their resources together to set up purchasing agreements with vendors. Companies can save a lot of money buy finding a way to buy as a group. Buying as a group in this fashion will give you the opportunity to realize group and volume discounts.
   .
4. It is critical for businesses to do their research before purchasing IT solutions. Many companies are simply unaware of what their needs are, thus locking themselves into larger contracts than they need. Not only will doing your research save money in the long-term, but it allows companies to have more flexibility and the ability to understand how to use the technology (and contract) to their advantage. Finally, if businesses simply don’t have the resources to do your ‘homework,’ engage with vendors to help evaluate your options – many vendors, like CDW provide experts who act as free consultants.
   .
5. We all know that the internet makes it more convenient to shop, but when purchasing IT solutions, it’s better to pick up the phone. When companies purchase online, they run the risk of resigning themselves to paying the price listed on the Web site, thus relinquishing their negotiation leverage. If you negotiate with an actual human being there is always wiggle room in pricing. Also, forming a solid relationship with this person will help with future purchasing negotiations.
   .
6. Purchasing hardware and solutions in volume can decrease the overall price per unit, and often there are manufacturing incentives. It’s not simply those businesses that purchase hundreds or thousands of units that only reap the benefits, either. Sometimes just buying five units helps bring the price down. Don’t be afraid to ask.
   .
7. Almost all resellers have a secondary stock (a “B” stock) of equipment that has been returned for various reasons. The vast majority of this merchandise has been returned unopened and most vendors have a way to evaluate the equipment to ensure that it is in perfect working order. Returns are harder to sell – so resellers will often give very good deals to get rid of their “B” stock. Ask a sales representative what is available in “B” stock.

Related

• 6 Easy Methods That are Helping Sysadmins Save Energy and Money
• 5 Things I Learned Being a SMB IT Administrator