1. Workgroup Technology Partners
IT Budgeting Best Practices

2. Workgroup Technology Partners
About Us
Founded in 1994
100% Privately owned
Located in Westbrook, Maine
45+ employees
Strategic Service Provider (customized solutions)
Value-added Reseller for many of the top IT product manufacturers 2

3. Workgroup Technology Partners
Industries we serve
State & Local Government
Education
Healthcare
Banking/Credit Unions
Insurance (providers and agencies)
Manufacturing
Architectural and Engineering 3

4. Workgroup Technology Partners
IT Budgeting
The average IT budget in 2015 was 5.2% of total revenue
What percentage is your IT Budget
Increased spending for IT needs and technology
What is your 5 year technology plan
CapEX or OpEX better for you 4

5. Workgroup Technology Partners
Hardware & Software Lifecycle
What is your lifecycle policy
Hardware is typically 5 years
Software is typically 3 years
Hardware maintenance renewals
Software upgrades
Cloud services 5

6. Workgroup Technology Partners
More than just hardware….
Vendors
Upgrades
Service Contracts
Proof of Concepts
Testing and Deployment
Projects 6

7. Workgroup Technology Partners
Cloud vs On-Premises
What is easier to fit technology in, your CapEX or OpEX budget
Need to be on the latest technology always
Can you leverage the infrastructure investment for 5 years
Cloud or On-Premises - still need skilled IT to manage
Single location or multiple sites to connect 7

8. Workgroup Technology Partners
Cloud Services (OpEX)sets
Infrastructure as a service
Software as a service
Avoids the big up-front cost
Increased flexibility
Can scale for growth instead of overbuying
Improved Disaster Recovery but will cost
Never-ending monthly payments
Investment in a redundant internet solution 8

9. Workgroup Technology Partners
On-Premises (CapEX)
One-time cost for Hardware/Software
Can leverage as infrastructure for 5 years
Always buy 5 years of maintenance upfront
Look for year end deals with vendors
More management and facility needs
Need to account for technology changes
As needs changes may force more purchases
Puts more responsibility on local IT staff 9

10. Workgroup Technology Partners
Financing Options
3 year leases available with a 1 dollar buyout
Many vendors will finance your entire project
Managed Service contracts – flexible billing
Discounts for multi-year contracts
Cloud model is typically a fixed monthly rate 10

11. Workgroup Technology Partners
Money saving areas
Thin clients as desktop replacements
Desktop as a service
Always buy the longest support contract at purchase time
Always check if there is a government discount
Bundle departments to gain bigger buying power 11

12. Workgroup Technology Partners
Spend the money where it counts
Security (Firewalls, Web Filter, Remote access policy, Anti Virus, Patching, IPS/IDS)
Backup software/hardware (Backups are never important until you need them!!)
Networking equipment – This is basis on which all computing occurs, build a solid foundation
BYOD security policies and segmentation
Wireless security – separate production networks from guest wireless access
End user training on best practices 12

13. Workgroup Technology Partners
Now what?
Work with your IT staff and set a 5 year technology plan
Price out year 1 cost and year 2-5 if any support renewals will need to be made
Track your assets, ensure there are no surprises with support renewals
Be flexible and save where you can but spend where it is needed 13

14. Workgroup Technology Partners
Thank you!
Questions? 14