Just a quick question about hardware support providers.

We are looking to get a new server/ work station as the 4 year old PC that currently acts as our server seems to be on the way out. We will then obviously need to go through the set-up process and data migration. All of this is beyond my technical ability so am looking for someone local to set-up.

I was put in touch with a local guy who does hardware support for a number of practices and is familiar with open VPMS. He came out the other day and reviewed our set-up. He was fantastic and knew the system really well.

He has just got back to us with a quote.  Either a basic server (windows server 2012 R2 essentials) or a high end PC, either way running dual hard disks in a RAID configuration. Server cost $2967, PC $1810. Set-up, installation, data migration and configuration 15 hours labour @ $150/hr. With some other plugs, cable, switches etc between $4500- $5500.

We are a small practice (less than 1 FTE) with approx 700 clients.

Just wanted to check if this is the going rate for this kind of work and equipment. I realise this is still a very reasonable expense compared to a lot of other VPMS options but with experienced vets 'lucky' to get $55/hr is this just another profession who is much more comfortable with charging than we are?

I am in North West Sydney. My email is donna[at]hillsfamilypetvet[dot]com if anyone has any thoughts on these prices or recommendations of anyone else it would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.