District Administration - May 2011 - (Page 37)

Advertisement When it comes to recertified computers, CDI works hard to smooth the way for customers W hen CDI, a leading provider of recertified computers, tells customers it has a “no questions asked” service policy, it really means it. It starts with the warranty on equipment, which can run up to five years—or longer than the guarantees on most brand new machines. CDI pledges that districts will have a zero cost of ownership during the length of its contract. If a device fails, it will be replaced swiftly. If a replacement part is needed, CDI will supply it. For larger orders of 50 computers or more, CDI offers a “hot swap” program. The company ships some extra, identical units to the district so they can be used for instant replacements should something go wrong. The district technology coordinator simply has to notify CDI of the problem and it will ship another unit for the reserve pool so the district never gets caught short. The program beats competitors’ offers of replacement units shipped by the next business day. Here’s a look at some other fixes CDI made recently when things didn’t go perfectly for a customer: • A cash-strapped district’s supply of Dell computers went out of warranty, and units were starting to fail. Although the district had a pool of maintenance funds, it couldn’t afford brand new computers. The solution: CDI shipped the units to its testing facility, ran them through its rigorous recertification process, repaired damaged machines and sent them back to the customer with a fresh, three year warranty. • A district said it received a shipment from CDI that was several computers short of what was ordered, but it couldn’t locate the shipping documentation. The solution: CDI’s paperwork showed that the correct number of units had been sent, but the company honored its “no questions asked” policy and shipped out replacement units anyway. • A district ordered Dell computer screens that are designed to interlock with a compact computer. But a design change to the screen casing made it impossible to slot in the district’s computers. The solution: CDI’s purchasing team found custom brackets that allow the machines to fit on the screen units. Many technology coordinators have difficult jobs. They have few staff members to lend a hand. Resources can be scarce because of budget cuts. And expectations for student access to technology can be high. CDI and its high level of customer service can eliminate problems and let coordinators focus on what they do best. “Prior to working with CDI, the cost was more than twice what we’re paying now and the difference between computers was minimal. With CDI’s warranty, there was really no difference between buying new and buying secondhand equipment.” Darin Hostetter, Technology Coordinator, Marshall Community Schools, Marshall, Ill. “Out of 186 computers, I had to call CDI about three of them. I don’t think that was bad at all. Those were replaced the next day.” Susan Chandler, Technology Coordinator, Jasper City School District, Jasper City, Ala. “Some of the products I’ve compared to new and I can get the same warranty as if I bought the new product. If it’s the same warranty and product, why would I buy new?” Kathy Bellew, Technology Director, Grandview R-II School District, Hillsboro, Mo.

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of District Administration - May 2011

District Administration - May 2011
Contents
From the Editor
News Update
Conversations
Administrator Profile
District Profile
The Cradle-to-Career Solution
Turnaround Principals
Starving for Recess
Army Strong, Superintendent Savvy
Budgeting Based on Student Needs
Research Center
Books
Product Focus
Products
Superintendent's Insights
Crisis Response
Going Mobile
Professional Opinion

District Administration - May 2011