Working out RM costs

[Guest monkeyx]

Could anyone who is using an RM network please help me out.

 

I am wanting to work out how to cost an RM CC3/CC4 network.

 

I would like to know how much it would cost to run a full RM network for 1300 learners and 200 staff. In terms of full hardware, software, maintenance and licensing costs for any related CC software.

 

I would also like to know what it would cost run kaleidos for the same number of pupils.

 

I would take it the Year 1 cost would be relatively high compared to the second year maintenance and licensing costs. So if anyone could break it down at that level then it would be great.

 

I am not wanting to start a flame war here on RM versus Vanilla, so if anyone would prefer just to PM the info to me, then that would be great. It maybe there is a website that lists costs somewhere ?

 

Thanks,

 

monkeyx

[sparkeh]

To be honest I would have to say that is a very difficult questions to answer.

 

What spec of server would you go for?

How many servers?

Do you need new workstations, if so what spec?

Do you want the added extras, such as Local Support Tools or RM Tutor on CC3 or Network Recycle Bin on CC4?

 

I tried to work out the cost of CC3 but there is little info on the cost so ended up getting a quote. Also the cost depends on what your account manager will do for you. Our price dropped a few times as we bargained them down. They always have room to manoeuvre.

 

Best advice is to talk to your account manager to get an idea then work from there.

[dhicks]

maybe there is a website that lists costs somewhere?

 

RM?

 

--

David Hicks

[sparkeh]

RM?

 

--

David Hicks

 

Heh, you show me where you can get costs on CC4 on rm.com and I will buy you a beer.

[Theblacksheep]

Will you use current servers and put CC3/4 on them or get all new kit?

[Guest monkeyx]

How many servers?

 

What spec of server would you go for?

2 * domain Controller

1 Exchange/Mail server

1 MS SQL server

1 SAN 8TB storage

1 Print Server

 

Do you need new workstations, if so what spec?

No we do not need any machines or Windows CALs but we have approximately 330 workstations and arond 200 laptops all running Windows XP Pro.

 

Do you want the added extras, such as Local Support Tools or RM Tutor on

 

How much does this add per client?

 

CC3 or Network Recycle Bin on CC4?

 

Does this compare to volume shadow copy/snapshot technology? If so yes how much does it cost.

[Theblacksheep]

Do you want the added extras, such as Local Support Tools or RM Tutor on

 

How much does this add per client?

 

CC3 or Network Recycle Bin on CC4?

 

Tutor4 is £18 per client (from RM site).

 

Network bin is a couple of grand add-on for CC4.

 

CC4 doesnt integrate fully with Exchange yet. As far as I know this was planned for the end of the year, but CC4 is still pretty buggy, so it maybe later now.

Edited November 10, 2008 by Theblacksheep

[jsnetman]

Network bin is a couple of grand add-on for CC4

Is that MS shadow copy with an RM Logo on it?

[Theblacksheep]

Is that MS shadow copy with an RM Logo on it?

 

I'm not sure how they do it, just remember it from a quote we didnt take up.

[dgsmith]

The bulk of the CC4 cost is just workstation licences. There are 2 tiers, and the expensive one includes extras such as Tutor4. The higher workstation licence is around £85 per client (cheaper if upgrading from a CC3 licence, but I get the impression this thread is about a new fresh install).

 

CC4 still lacks many of the features which was initially used to sell to schools, and some features aren't due to until well into next year (exchange extensions for example).

 

Best thing is to contact RM direct and get an account manager (if you're a new customer) or speak to an existing one and have them draw up a quote. Even then, I wouldn't rush into it, as it's still feature limited. I think though as a fresh install it'll be better than an upgrade (like we have suffered)!

[sparkeh]

Yes I would also advise hanging off CC4 for a while, until the current problems are sorted.

 

Also, the current advice is to actually disable the network bin as it slows the network down too much.

[Guest monkeyx]

The bulk of the CC4 cost is just workstation licences. There are 2 tiers, and the expensive one includes extras such as Tutor4. The higher workstation licence is around £85 per client (cheaper if upgrading from a CC3 licence, but I get the impression this thread is about a new fresh install).

 

Is that £85 per year ? If not what is are subsequent support cost per client per year. Does the server require a license as well?

 

I am looking to build a cost model for network deployment providers ie vanilla, RM, ranger etc. We use vanilla, but getting ready for BSF I want to have some facts ready nearer the time. So I doubt RM will pass on the costs to me.

 

Anyone know how much Kaledios costs?

 

 

 

Thanks,

[binky]

No - its £85 one-off plus about £2500 per dc for server licenses, £500 for member servers. Add another grand for on site server installations. That server price should roughly include NWB, IAM and LST.

 

You then pay around £2000 - £4500 (depending on number of servers) for support which includes updates, per annum.

[sparkeh]

You then pay around £2000 - £4500 (depending on number of servers) for support which includes updates, per annum.

 

If you are an RM qualified tech then this drops quite a lot.

[kmount]

Interesting ... our support contract cost hasn't changed regardless of my status, shall pursue this with my account mgr.

[Sylv3r]

Interesting ... our support contract cost hasn't changed regardless of my status, shall pursue this with my account mgr.

 

 

I also found this interesting. Sparkeh do you have this in writing or is it something your account manager has mentioned etc.

 

Thanks

[Butuz]

If you are an RM qualified tech then this drops quite a lot.

 

It's misleading. You only get discounts for your school if your a registered ATSS Technician on the Affiliated Technician Support Scheme.

 

See here. RM.com Shop: Affiliated Technician Support Scheme

 

If you are "just" an RM Certified Technician or Network Manager your school recieves no discount whatsoever on your support contract. Makes you feeel good huh? I've brought it up several times with RM as I think it is very unfair - but they don't seem to care.

[sparkeh]

It's misleading. You only get discounts for your school if your a registered ATSS Technician on the Affiliated Technician Support Scheme.

 

Whoops sorry didn't mean to mislead, dunno where my brain was when I posted that. Yeah when we bought CC3 I took the technician exam and was registered as ATSS when I passed.

 

But the scheme is well worth it IMO for the savings it makes.

Edited November 11, 2008 by sparkeh

[enjay]

If you are an RM qualified tech then this drops quite a lot.

 

Do you mean their Certified Network Technician thing that you can do after the Seminars? If so, I must have words with them, as I don't recall a drop in our price when I got that...

 

EDIT. Ignore that - I hadn't seen your post further down the thread.

[enjay]

Returning to the original question for a moment (!), the only way to get any accurate numbers is to speak to RM. Prices vary depending on hardware spec (obviously), warranty level, desired response time to calls and so on, not to mention the dramatically different prices which different account managers seem to offer. In short, haggle!

[psydii]

Also, is BSF on the horizon for you? If you are two or less years off BSF then ripping and replacing your entire software image may not worth the pain. Better to invest time and effort improving what you've already got, even if is lacking in places.

caveat: I know nothing of your current situation, but this was RM's advice to us - once they were certain we would be going over to them eventually.