Re: [K12OSN] Help needed in LA School Library [Fwd: linux help]

[List drop box <list astatic net>]

Hello All,

  As a consultant and a small business owner, I MUST get paid somehow
for my services - that's what I do for a living.  Our target market is
small businesses who either can't afford a staff IT position or don't
want the hassle.  That being said, I also do some charity work as time
allows, in hopes that I may get a referral from them in the future.  My
company has no salespeople, we get all our new customers on merit and
word-of-mouth.  Doing an occasional "free" consult or quick fix
frequently will get me a call from a friend or business associate and
that has made it worth my while.

  I encourage the use of Linux to my customers where it makes sense.  I
have yet to find a company where K12LTSP would fit, but I'm sure the
time will come.  I use it in my own office as a quick way to get a Linux
desktop on machines that have Windows installed if I need to do
something advanced or where Windows just won't cut the mustard.

   Selling and supporting Linux systems is very good for my business. 
Since I don't have to charge my customers huge licensing fees, it allows
me to perform more services for the customer and remain within their
budget.  All of my customers running Linux systems are happy with the
reliability and are more than happy to pay me to install, configure and
support them.  And as you all know, services are where the money is. 
Selling hardware and licenses is the fast track to the poor house
because someone will always undercut your price.  Adding value and
providing good customer service is how to make yourself successful.



-jk


-- 
Jeff Khoury
VP / CIO
Astatic Solutions, LLC.
P 310 397 3234
C 310 429 0534
jeff astatic net
http://www.astaticsolutions.com/



On Wed, 2003-04-30 at 12:08, pnelson wrote:
> Hello Jeff,
> 
> I also heard from the consultant and it looks like the he is also
> willing to go back and help again which is I'm sure more than what he
> was paid for.
> 
> Here's a question for the list. I think it's good that consultants are
> installing K12LTSP. It must drive them crazy though when trying to
> support school folks who are at step one of the Linux learning curve.
> 
> How can this list and Linux volunteers work with consultants to help
> schools. Consultants need to be paid, that's how they eat. But schools
> need help and often don't have the funds to purchase the services they
> need.
> 
> Suggestions? 
> 
> On Wed, 2003-04-30 at 12:01, List drop box wrote:
> > I'd be willing to help, if I can find the time.
> > 
> > -jk
> > 
> > Jeff Khoury
> snip.....
> >