How much will such work cost?

Question

Backup

Good afternoon!
The customer has the following complex. IBM BladeCenter H with four blades, IBM DS3524 storage system and IBM TS3200 tape library. Everything is connected by FC 8GB/s. Help estimate the cost of the following work on this complex:
1. Explain and show the customer the principles of operation of the blades and the features of its configuration and operation. Microcode update.
2. Teach how to use IBM DS3524 storage system, update microcodes. Service nuances.
3. Choosing a backup system (previously VeeamBackup), installing a backup server, setting backup policies for VMware virtual machines to a tape library. Setting up the IBM TS3200 Tape Library. Test backup. Tape library firmware update. Basic backup training.
4. Development of a block diagram of the existing system and the possibilities of its expansion and modernization.
Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

You can not calculate how much YOU want to earn?
No one will adequately help you, because you need to count depending on your qualifications.
If you can do all the work in 1 hour, that's one thing. If for a day - another. If in a week - the third.
1. The customer should not be involved in updating microcodes. The principles of operation of the blades are explained to the customer at a marketing level, with a minimum of explanation. This is not a job at all, but a lure to order.
2. Point number two (especially the nuances of service), is generally nonsense. Either they hire an adequate engineer for the nuances of maintenance, or let them look for courses and learn.
3. Everything depends on the amount of data, on the policies that you agree with the customer. What is basic training? show where in krone\another service of the schedule the start of backup is registered? Will they do the restoration themselves? With nuances?
4. Which way to expand? Who agreed on the volumes and budget for the expansion?

Answer 2

The answer depends a lot on the company itself. The situation that you described is fully consistent with the pattern "the company needs a specialist, but they already have one enikey worker." Even if you train someone, they won't leave you so easily. You will live with them remotely, and if you score, they will speak badly about you (undertook to teach, took money and did not teach anything).
I propose to outline to the customer what he owns (as I understand it, this is also a problem), to explain that backups are not a one-time action, but a continuous process. Say it out loud and let the customer think (usually 5 seconds for me) how much it will cost him if everything is lost. And offer service. In the cost of service, immediately include labor costs on the very day when you are awakened by a phone call) It will not be so insulting.
PS Not a specialist on your specific list of equipment, but my tasks are similar. Remember that it is better to fly with an object than to plunge into it.

Answer 3

I don’t know much about the subject, but if I managed you and solved financial issues, I would probably start a conversation with the customer, for example, from 75..50 thousand rubles =))), given the cost of the equipment that is supposed to be configured. Fine? =)))