Charging for deployment of Ubuntu Domain controller

I have a client with with 15 desktops winxp that have been running as stand alone servers , i have put together a quote and a proposal to deploy a Ubuntu DC that is running samba/dns/dhcp and vpn access , the thing is he wants the server to be configured on hisown hard ware , i usually Roll out already made servers , how much should i charge him would an hourly fee be good anough or should i charge him a once off fee

the thing is he wants the server to be configured on his own hard ware

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On or Off site?

On Site - charge hourly.

Off Site - Once off fee.

Yo,
Charge the buqqer
a third it would cost him for a M$ solution, then donate a percentage to the Ubantu community or Fedora
oh and get'em to sign a SLA,set yourself up man
Igs

macxsanity said:

I have a client with with 15 desktops winxp that have been running as stand alone servers , i have put together a quote and a proposal to deploy a Ubuntu DC that is running samba/dns/dhcp and vpn access , the thing is he wants the server to be configured on hisown hard ware , i usually Roll out already made servers , how much should i charge him would an hourly fee be good anough or should i charge him a once off fee

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You should already have a good idea of the time it takes you to prep the OS load on hardware you supply. The main problem with client supplied hardware is those unforeseen compatibility issues (RAID controllers, NICs, video oddities). So take your base install time and pad it with a few hours for the unforeseen. On-site time should remain the same I would guess.

Another thing I would take into consideration is if the client is supplying you with hardware that is below your minimum spec you should either refuse or make him sign a waiver. Clients often try to skimp on the hardware and then point to your installation when there are problems when often it's all caused by substandard hardware.

I would go ClearOS for this, but yeah, between R1500-R5000 (depends on the client) for the configuration of the server then work at R100 a machine to connect them to the domain, thereafter R350 an hour. Thats what I would charge on a small project like this.