In most cases the budget can be split into two parts. One off purchase costs and continuous on going running costs.  When these are identified this allows customer to decide how best to finance these costs. I.e. Straight purchase, Lease, simple rental., and thereby developing the most cost effective financial strategy  for the customers' business.

Try and anticipate the longevity of you purchase. Will you be adding  or replacing as your business develops. Both consideration swill have a major bearing on initial strategy in investing in technology. It is also important for any budget to consider training costs for your staff, particularly if the business has a high turn around of staff. This can be very expensive having to continuous re-train new staff due to the complexity of the Data and telephone network. It may be a more worthwhile cost reducing exercise to keep the systems simple, easy to operate, reduce or keeping all training in-house. Consider the following as a minimum in any investment  -- Hardware  -- Software and the relevant number of licences  -- Initial Installation Costs including any infrastructure that needs to be in place e.g. Wiring, Mains wiring (equipment needs electricity)  -- External Suppliers costs (e.g. Telephone lines)  -- Support contracts including training  -- On going running costs, including system management, expansion, maintenance.  -- Your internal resources and associated costs in utilising the equipment against the benefit you receive.

When you have decided to proceed with your purchase, you will need to make arrangements to have the equipment delivered and installed. This should tie in with your budgeting schedule above.

-- Consider how much disruption you may have particularly if you are having wiring  installed, whilst trying to carry on doing business.

-- Consider any down time to your existing services such as telephones and servers being temporarily taken out of commission.

-- Consider usage problems when you suddenly have a new solutions which your staff may need time to receive training.

On completion periodically evaluate what impact your purchase has had on your core business.  Is it useful or a liability, and how do you wish to develop further. Most organisations do periodic financial audit, sales audits, your Data and Voice system are probably amongst the most expensive and most use investment any business will make after employees. You need to make sure your business is achieving a real benefit in terms of finance and time.

Customers are free to contact us to discuss any of these points or any other concerns you may have, knowing their only obligation is to the success of your business.