Know a good network consultant?

[Aethon]

Hi folks,

 

I'm in the process of putting together plans for a new infrastructure and, as this is likely to cost a fair bit, I'm looking for a consultant to provide some independant advice that can be passed on to The Powers That Be.

 

So, if you have used or know of a good consultant, I'd appreciate some recommendations.

 

Fair warning: I'm only looking for someone to provide consultancy and whomever does this will not be involved in the procurement process at the end of it so it shouldn't be viewed as a sales opportunity.

 

 

Thanks

[jcollings]

These guys are excellent NetCentrix: IT Solutions - Phil Scanlon is the man to speak to. They've helped us out with some very tricky issues.

[featured_spectre]

Depending on your location in York I could be your man :-)

 

I have helped 6 schools in my local area sort out cabling runs, infrastructure and wireless without any sales involved :-)

 

*Edit*

 

My fee's would cover travel costs and/or hotel costs if incurred, but I would probably still be cheaper than most companies

Edited October 19, 2011 by featured_spectre

[pantscat]

@Aethon - do you want advice about cabling, switching or both? (+ Wifi?)

[sonofsanta]

The NM before me used a chap called Chris Pates to advise on refurbing the network (moving from CC3 to vanilla) - email him at [firstname].[lastname]@gmail.com or Google his name, the top LinkedIn result seems to be him. Based at Nottingham so not too far for you.

 

EDIT: Though I should say, I suspect he was more of an AD/Server consultant than specifically cabling, although I'd warrant he's perfectly capable in that regard.

[pshuttle]

I put a good word in for LUNS Ltd in Lancaster - either Scott Daniels or Robin Williams. Both are extremely experienced network engineers and I shouldn't imagine any problems would be beyond them: www.luns.net.uk

[mattx]

I hate to put this to you, but there is no such thing as a good consultant.

[Aethon]

@Aethon - do you want advice about cabling, switching or both? (+ Wifi?)

 

It's both really but more focussed on the switching. Part of the improvements we're looking to make would be replacing the old fibre.

[ravens]

your'e surrounded by experts who have probably lived every aspect of delivering a new infrastructure. Maybe in the interim, you could post specifc questions and I'm sure someone will be able to help you. We moved from single fibre to 12 core a few years ago connecting HP edge switches via 10gb links. That work was carried out by HR Cabling who were brilliant and cheap. We chose HP Procurveover other companies as they offer a lifetime warranty unlike Cisco who will stop supporting stuff when it goes end of life (every 4 years or so) and it worked out cheaper.

[Aethon]

Thanks for all the suggestions, I'll be contacting people over the next week and will feedback in due course.