JesusFreak42
asked on
Help Pricing out a Large Job
Hello All,
I have been installing servers in small business settings for years and know pretty well how to price them. However, I recently signed a mid-sized business for a job, and need help with how to price it out. For one server about 10 client jobs, I generally estimate between 25-40 hours, depending upon the network. But, well, this is in a different class:
Two Locations joined by a leased line
Location 1:
1 SANS
6 2003R2 Servers
- 2 SQL Servers
- 1 Exchange Server
- 1 DC
- 1 FTP Server (in DMZ)
- 1 Web Server
65 Workstations (Migrating over to Windows 7 Pro 64bit)
Cisco 5510 ASA
(There is more, but this is the most relevant information)
Location 2
1 2003 Server
- Used as a BDC
15 Workstations (Win 7 64bit pro)
The reason they are bringing us in is to migrate their whole office to Office 365 with Single Sing On. So here is what we will be doing:
1 - Replacing the DC with a 2012 Server
2 - Replacing the BDC with a 2012 Server
3 - Replacing the FTP server with a 2012 Server
4 - Programming some basic GPO's (Drive and Printer mapping kind of stuff. They do not even us GP right now)
5 - Installing Federated Services on the FTP server
6 - Configuring Directory Sync on the new BDC
7 - Configuring Single Sign on
8 - Migrating all accounts to Office 365 and eventually eliminating the exchange server.
9 - Replacing (and programming) a new Cisco Firewall (Possibly Sonicwall)
In some ways. this install will be easier than a couple of the small networks we have done. They have maintained everything VERY well and everything works. Things SHOULD go smoothly. However, I also understand there is a level of complexity in each of those steps so I cannot just multiply my 1 server cost by 3 and get a good estimate. Anyway, looking for some guidance here.
Oh, we change 130 an hour for tech work and 150 for consulting. For our proactive services customers we charge 100 per hour.
Thanks!!!
I have been installing servers in small business settings for years and know pretty well how to price them. However, I recently signed a mid-sized business for a job, and need help with how to price it out. For one server about 10 client jobs, I generally estimate between 25-40 hours, depending upon the network. But, well, this is in a different class:
Two Locations joined by a leased line
Location 1:
1 SANS
6 2003R2 Servers
- 2 SQL Servers
- 1 Exchange Server
- 1 DC
- 1 FTP Server (in DMZ)
- 1 Web Server
65 Workstations (Migrating over to Windows 7 Pro 64bit)
Cisco 5510 ASA
(There is more, but this is the most relevant information)
Location 2
1 2003 Server
- Used as a BDC
15 Workstations (Win 7 64bit pro)
The reason they are bringing us in is to migrate their whole office to Office 365 with Single Sing On. So here is what we will be doing:
1 - Replacing the DC with a 2012 Server
2 - Replacing the BDC with a 2012 Server
3 - Replacing the FTP server with a 2012 Server
4 - Programming some basic GPO's (Drive and Printer mapping kind of stuff. They do not even us GP right now)
5 - Installing Federated Services on the FTP server
6 - Configuring Directory Sync on the new BDC
7 - Configuring Single Sign on
8 - Migrating all accounts to Office 365 and eventually eliminating the exchange server.
9 - Replacing (and programming) a new Cisco Firewall (Possibly Sonicwall)
In some ways. this install will be easier than a couple of the small networks we have done. They have maintained everything VERY well and everything works. Things SHOULD go smoothly. However, I also understand there is a level of complexity in each of those steps so I cannot just multiply my 1 server cost by 3 and get a good estimate. Anyway, looking for some guidance here.
Oh, we change 130 an hour for tech work and 150 for consulting. For our proactive services customers we charge 100 per hour.
Thanks!!!
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Any other questions we can answer?
ASKER
I am about ready to post points for this. I do have one more question in terms of time. Should I move the PDC to a 2008 machine before moving it to 2012?
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ASKER
Seth,
Ok. Thanks for that update! The client just told me we will be able to make all the domain controllers at least 2008. (not R2). There are several non-domain controller 2003 servers left, however. So in this scenario can we use 2012 R2 with 2008 functionality (because all the controllers themselves will be 2008 or newer).
Ok. Thanks for that update! The client just told me we will be able to make all the domain controllers at least 2008. (not R2). There are several non-domain controller 2003 servers left, however. So in this scenario can we use 2012 R2 with 2008 functionality (because all the controllers themselves will be 2008 or newer).
2003 member servers will be fine with it
Any more we can help with? If something comes up later you can always post another question...we'll be here for you!
I would visualize everything in the main office onto a two node cluster. You already have a SAN. Use Windows 2012 R2. The interface changes alone are worth it compared to Windows 2012. You also need a member server for ADFS, so it makes sense to virtualize them. I have never dealt with ADFS for Office 365, and I have briefly looked at the documentation. My guess is 20-40 hours of work just to get that working, not including all of the DC upgrades you need to do.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Can I ask te reason for replacing the ASA. They are great devices, still supported and can be upgraded to the latest version of OS very easily. Upgrading this to the latest version of OS may well be the most cost effective way of upgrading the firewall if it needs to be upgraded.