While the vast majority of our clients have us (Ward Computers) perform monthly maintenance on their computers, a few clients still only use us for “break-fix” issues. This is fine with us, yet it does put some responsibility on you the end user / business.
In my previous article I talked about the Black Swan event that led to the current tech shortages we are experiencing.
In this article I wanted to address one of the main questions I have received. Why don’t I just buy what is available and build or resell those products?
There are certain parts and brands I trust. This is based on years of testing, reliability, customer and dealer (Me) service and warranty care. Ward Computers does not just buy and build, we create products that exceed the customers’ needs and last far beyond the industry standard. While the industry wants me to sell you new technology (Computers, laptops, servers, routers, switches et al) every three years our product life averages more than double that.
A black Swan event is something that was not expected to occur, but a series of events caused it. Normally hindsight allows those looking at it to see that it was actually predictable. Here is a link where you can read more on Black Swan events: http://blackswanevents.org/?page_id=26
In our case, I can see clearly why technology is increasing in price and in some cases is just not available.
Computers, server and technology grows old or dies and must be replaced. If you need to replace them now, you selected a bad time.
Microsoft ended support for Windows 7, Server 2008 and Office 2010, so more people are buying computers which means less parts and increased prices.
The United States and China are having a tariff war, which means buyers are trying to time purchase which means less parts and increased prices.
The Coronavirus started in China, several technology plants are closed which means less parts and increased prices.
In continuing with why I use the parts I do series, in this article I want to cover the hard drives I use and why. Yes I used the plural in hard drives.
Continuing on with the “Why I use the parts I do”, this article I wanted to cover the motherboards we at Ward Computers use for desktop computers and workstations. Interestingly, my first technology review back in March 2005 was of a Tyan motherboard. That article has since gone dark and is only in the bowels of my hard drive.