I don't know a darn thing about Helios Solutions, but I know they are doing some very smart Linux marketing and I think their business model is one that could make excellent sense for other consultants.
Here's what they are doing in parts of California and Austin, Texas: for $99.00 they'll come to your house and install Linux. This is from the page that describes the service:
Now THAT is a good idea. For $50.00, you can ship a system to them and they'll install a Linux distro of yoir choice and a week of support once you get it back. Want more support? They are ready to do that, too.
This is smart marketing.
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More Articles by Anthony Lawrence © 2011-03-09 Anthony Lawrence
If we define Futurism as an exploration beyond accepted limits, then the nature of limiting systems becomes the first object of exploration. (Frank Herbert)
Thu Jun 19 14:37:39 2008: 4350 BigDumbDinosaur
They can't be doing any configuration or training for that price -- most likely a basic install and show the customer how to get Linux running. The time involved to do anything else would wipe out whatever profit is being realized.
I have a small problem with that sort of business model, in that it creates a level of expectation in the customer that computer services will always be cheap. I don't think this "99 bucks and we'll install Linux" is sustainable over the long haul. However, it does potentially get new clients into the fold and may open the door to higher profit, long-term business.
BTW, we charge 150 dollars to convert a PC from Windows Vista to the 32 bit version of XP (175 bucks for XP64, as it often involves searching for suitable drivers), the price not including the cost of the software itself. One thing we don't do around here is give away services. <Smile>
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