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Ping seems simple enough, but there are details you must know about ping and extended ping to pass your CCNA and CCNP exams and be an effective network engineer. Learn these vital details from Chris Bryant, CCIE #12933.
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The traceroute command can help you diagnose WAN network problems, AND help you pass your Cisco CCNA and CCNP exams. Learn how to use this vital command in this tutorial from Chris Bryant, CCIE #12933.
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Knowing how to use logical interfaces to create BGP connections is an important skill for both the CCNP exams and the real world. Learn how to use this important command from Chris Bryant, CCIE #12933.
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When you’re putting together your Cisco home lab, you have a lot of models to choose from! Chris Bryant, CCIE #12933, shows you how he’s built his CCNA / CCNP home labs and offers tips on purchasing your own Cisco routers.
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To get your CCNA and CCNP, youve got to master a tricky little configuration called router-on-a-stick. You will learn how to configure and troubleshoot this important technology in this article by Chris Bryant, CCIE #12933.
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When preparing for CCNA and CCNP success, youve got to know the many details of OSPF. Learn about these two vital OSPF route types and how they differ from each other in this free tutorial from Chris Bryant, CCIE #12933.
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Setup Mode is a vital part of your CCNA and CCNP studies, but it’s not something you can practice at work. Learn the important details of Setup Mode in this illustrated tutorial from Chris Bryant, CCIE #12933.
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Buying a Cisco home lab kit for your CCNA / CCNP studies is a great way to accelerate your studies. Chris Bryant, CCIE #12933, offers tips on what to look out for with these package deals.
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Does your company need to retain the services of a competent computer consulting firm, but you have no idea how to really evaluate “competence”?
In the first part of this two-part series on Computer Consulting 101 hiring tips, we looked at why small businesses find it so difficult to hire good computer consulting companies, as well as four basic questions that you must be addressed when searching for a new computer consulting vendor.
Now in this second and final installment of this two part series on Computer Consulting 101 hiring tips, we’ll look at how you can evaluate the true, often-confusing expenses of using a computer consulting company, as well as how to more thoroughly review the computer consulting company’s professional credentials and experience.
Reseller, “Pure” Computer Consulting Company, or Hybrid Technology Provider
Does your company resell various technology products, such as hardware and software? Is this a profit center or do you mind if we shop for our products elsewhere? And if we do shop elsewhere, can we still purchase your needs analysis and procurement services?
Are there any other vendors, such as ISPs or telephone companies, that your firm acts as an agent or affiliate for? In other words, do you accept commissions or referral fees for steering business toward certain vendors?
Costs, Hidden Charges, and Billing Procedures
What are your payment terms, rates and hourly billing minimums? What is billable and what is not billable?
Do you charge for your travel time? Telephone support? E-mail/online support? Remote support?
Are there any hourly rate billing premiums for after-hours or emergency service? What constitutes “after hours” or an “emergency”?
Do you offer support contracts? What are the cost and benefits?
Client Reference Accounts, Case Studies, and Testimonials
Can you tell me about one of your more long-term small business client accounts?
Can you tell me about one of your more recently signed-on clients? Can you tell me about a small business client who didn’t work out and why?
Can you provide references?
Research/Developments and Keeping Skills Sharp
How do you keep up with new tech developments?
What do you bill clients for and what do you absorb internally? Are there any gray areas?
Training Approach and Knowledge Transfer
How do you feel about handholding and in-depth training with users?
What kind of user and technical training can you provide?
Will you train our internal computer administrator to become more self-sufficient, even if it takes away from your “job security” and opportunities to bill more hours?
The Bottom Line
Don’t fall into the ultra-common trap of hiring an independent computer consultant or computer consulting firm that isn’t a good fit for your business. Use these Computer Consulting 101 hiring and screening questions as the basis for making a more informed hiring decision for your computer consulting vendor. And if you have any doubts, don’t be afraid to seek out a second opinion with another computer consulting company.
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To become a master network administrator and earn your CCNA, youve got to understand not just why Cisco switches trunk, but how. Learn the important details in this free tutorial from Chris Bryant, CCIE #12933.
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