New business startup help/suggestions/info needed

[Gary Nichols]

You might also want to consider North Central/North West phoenix.  This area
is booming, and it's mostly younger families and us single types.  Lots of
money up here, and trendy shops are doing VERY well.

I would also suggest going against the permanently-mounted laptop
scenerio... I've worked  on this type of setup before at trade shows and it
is a maintenance nightmare....
----- Original Message -----
From: "Hawke" <proudhawk19021@home.com>
To: "plug-discuss" <plug-discuss@lists.PLUG.phoenix.az.us>
Sent: Saturday, August 26, 2000 5:10 AM
Subject: New business startup help/suggestions/info needed


> Guys,
> I've been putting this thing off long enough.
>
> I now need some help.
>
> I'd like to start a business that involves the use of computers
> in a small location that serves the public (A cybercafe').
>
> I would appreciate any additional input here 9especially from
> those who are either owners or major contributing partners
> in their respective organizations).
>
> I am also in need of funding sources (if you guys know of any
> where grants may be issued, etc, please let me know)
>
> I am looking at 2 alternatives so far as the hardware is concerned:
> 1. 25 workstations (diskless)
>     specifications (workstations):
>         memory: 256 megabytes
>         video; 8 megabytes or more
>         embedded linux os for loading Xwindows (or windows if need be)
>             on an ethernet backbone to a main server (100baseT).
>         Large monitors (17 inch or greater)
>         CPU: athelon 550 Mhz or higher
>         (on some machines I will include "special access technology"
>             for the visually impaired)
>
> Alternative 2:
>     25 workstations (permanently mounted laptops)
>         built in HDD's (restricted access)
>         100BaseT ethernet with embedded linux OS
>         CPU: Athelon 550 Mhz or higher
>
> Server:
>     CPU:Athelon 700 Mhz or greater
>     Memory: 512 megabytes or greater
>     HDD: Multiple 30 gigbye drives/RAID/SCSI
>     Standard vid adaptor (this is also the admin station)
>     OS: linux/BSD/SCO Unix/SUN Solaris/winNT
>        (any of these, but prefer *nix)
>     2 Ethernet adaptors (100BaseT or fiber interface)
>
> other equipment: 50 way switch (100BaseT)
>                           Routing panel
>                           card reader
>
> It has been suggested to me that I issue cards of prepaid time
> (such as 30 minute, 60 minute, up to 1000 minutes) for various prices.
> The cost is computed on a per-minute basis and the larger cards
> would reflect a discount).
>
> As always, location is important. since there are already 3 such
> places around ASU, I plan to look elsewhere (such as central
> Phoenix, downtown Phoenix, Downtown glendale and north glendale)
>
> I am looking at possible bidquotes for both alternatives listed above
> from local providers 9such as technology partners, pc-club, and others).
>
> I am also looking at who would offer the best backbone service
> (or should I go with more than one with an in-house peering
> arrangement?), such as Cox, AT&T, QWEST, Sprint, MCI.
>
> Let me know if I need to add anything to this.
> I am trying to get this idea going as quickly as possible.
>
> Thank you.
>
>
>
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