Telecenter Operations and Marketing Plan
6
Product and Service Development ConsiderationsThis chapters outlines the steps that need to occur to launch each of the product lines for the Telecenter at the temporary site based upon the operating assumptions used in the Revenue Forecasting in Chapter 4. Thus, detail will be provided for Video Conferencing, the Training & Resource Lab, and the Self Directed Use of the center.
Equipment
To truly make video conferencing attractive and useful at the Telecenter, it will have to be fully functional as an interactive video conferencing site. Thus, the capability, lines and equipment will need to accommodate multi-point bridging to other sites. The steps required to launch this product line will then be:
Video-Conferencing
The following equipment will need to be purchased as part of the launching of the video conferencing facilities. For the sake of determining the equipment costs, we will approach this analysis as if their was no equipment savings and/or shared costs through a relationship with strategic partners. These costs savings will be explored in the following chapters.
- purchase of a video conferencing unit (see price and specs below)
- purchase of microphones & table stands (see price and specs below)
- purchase hardware for wiring site (see price and specs below)
- Purchase two DAT Recording Units (@$325/ea)
- Install Circuits for system (see breakdown below) Other items:
- 10 chairs (see specs below)
- Three large meeting tables (see specs below)
EQUIPMENT UNIT COST TOTAL COST VTEL Model 50 video conferencing units (1) $16,000/ea $16,000 Camera (1) $6,000/ea $ 6,000 Audio Mixer (1) $1,000/ea $ 1,000 Microphones (one set) $2,300/set $ 2,300 Microphone Cables (one set) $1,300/set $ 1,300 T.V. Monitor (1) $400/ea $ 400 Graphics Table (1) $1,000/ea $ 1,000 Cabling Installation (one site) $2,000/site $ 2,000 Miscellaneous Cables estimation $ 35 DAT Recording Units (2) $325/ea $ 650 Stationary Chairs w/arms (10) $79/ea $ 790 72" x 30" Conference Tables (3) $700/ea $ 2,100 TOTAL ----------- $33,575
Training and Resource Lab
The Training and Resource Lab will have ten individual computer workstations all equipped with the hardware and software to needed to execute training on various software and database functions. Plus, will be one computer needed for the trainers to use to assist in running the training programs, and to reset the overall system. Further, the training classroom will need access to two printers and a scanner in order to complete certain training functions. Hardwiring, modem, and Internet access will also be incorporated in the capacity of the equipment in this site. Further the Training & Resource Lab will house the meeting room facility the needs for this space are detailed below.
- purchase of 11 computers meeting the specs outlined below (@ $2,933/ea):
- purchase of two printers (@ $300/ea)
- purchase of one scanner (@ $400/ea)
TRAINING COMPUTER STATIONS:
Computer Workstations Towers Pentium II/200 $1000.00 Keyboards $25.00 Monitors : 15 inch $350.00 Modems: external 56K $148.00 Mouse $25.00 Surge protectors $28.00 TOTAL $1566.00 Software Windows 98 $175.00 WordPerfect $263.00 Quicken $180.00 Word 7.0 $175.00 MS Office $428.00 Dr. Solomon's Anti-Virus $46.00 Norton Anti-Virus $50.00 McAfee Guard Dog $50.00 TOTAL $1367.00 TOTAL per station $2933.00 TOTAL 11 stations $32,263.00 Other equipment Scanner $400.00 Printers: inkjet $300.00 Total $700.00
Other items:
- 11 chairs (@ $150/ea) Total Cost $1,650 - 6 work tables for computers (@ $200/ea) Total Cost $1,200 - 1 white dry eraser board with pens ( @ $100/ea) Total Cost $ 100 Meeting Room equipment:
- 20 chairs (@ $120/ea) Total Cost $2,400 - four large work tables (@ $425/ea) Total Cost $1,700 - telephone (@ $120/ea) Total Cost $ 120 - 3 white dry eraser boards with pens (@ $100/ea) Total Cost $ 300 - one easel (@ $150/ea) Total Cost $ 150 - one overhead projector (@ $350/ea) Total Cost $ 350
Total Equipment Costs $41,933
Self-Directed Resource Center
The Self Directed Use Room will require in total 12 computer work stations, printers, a fax machine, a scanner, a copying machine, and other office equipment. Further, these computer work stations will come with a certain amount of factory installed software, anything beyond this will need to be purchased in addition.
Self Directed Use Room equipment:
- purchase of 12 computer workstations meeting specifications outlined below (see breakdown below)
- purchase of software as outlined below (see breakdown below)
- purchase of 3 printers: letter quality: inkjet (@$300/ea)
- purchase one printer: color, letter quality for low resolution layout (@ $500/ea)
- purchase one printer: color high quality for art and design workstations: (@ $1,200/ea)
- purchase of one high resolution scanner (@ $800/ea)
- purchase of one fax machine (@ $250/ea)
- purchase of one copy machine (@ $13,000/ea)
BASIC COMPUTER STATIONS:
Computer Workstations Basic Stations Towers Pentium II/200 $1000.00 Keyboards $25.00 Monitors : 15 inch $350.00 Modems: external 56K $148.00 Mouse $25.00 Surge protectors $28.00 TOTAL $1566.00 Software Windows 98 $175.00 WordPerfect $263.00 Quicken $180.00 Word 7.0 $175.00 MS Office $428.00 Dr. Solomon's Anti-Virus $46.00 Norton Anti-Virus $50.00 McAfee Guard Dog $50.00 TOTAL $1367.00 TOTAL per station $2933.00 TOTAL Basic stations: 6 $17,598.00 BUSINESS COMPUTER STATIONS:
Computer Workstations Business Stations Towers Pentium II/200+ $1500.00 Keyboards $45.00 Monitors : 17 inch $580.00 Modems: external 56K $148.00 Mouse $25.00 Surge protectors $28.00 TOTAL $2326.00 Software Windows 98 $175.00 WordPerfect $263.00 Quicken $180.00 Word 7.0 $175.00 MS Office $428.00 Publisher $85.00 Dr. Solomon's Anti-Virus $46.00 Norton Anti-Virus $50.00 McAfee Guard Dog $50.00 TOTAL $1452.00 TOTAL per station $3778.00 TOTAL Business stations:4 $15,112.00 DESIGNER COMPUTER STATIONS:
Towers Pentium II/200+ $2000.00 Keyboards $150.00 Monitors : 21 inch $1145.00 Modems: external 56K $148.00 Mouse $50.00 Surge protectors $28.00 TOTAL $3546.00 Software Windows 98 $175.00 WordPerfect $263.00 Quicken $180.00 Word 7.0 $175.00 MS Office $428.00 Dr. Solomon's Anti-Virus $46.00 Norton Anti-Virus $50.00 McAfee Guard Dog $50.00 Publisher $85.00 PhotoShop $600.00 PageMaker $498.00 Quark $500.00 TOTAL $3050.00 TOTAL per station $6596.00 TOTAL Designer Stations: 2 $13,192.00 GRAND TOTAL: $45,902.00 12 stations
Other items:
Total Equipment Cost for Self Directed Resource Center $66,952
- 12 chairs @ $150/ea) Total Cost $1,800
- 6 work tables (@ $400/ea) Total Cost $2,400
General Equipment Costs
The Telecenter will have some overall needs to address such as anti virus software, power back up for the equipment, security for equipment such as table locks, equipment and supplies for staff and public users. Additionally, staff will need office space, storage space and available restrooms. Issues of accessibility for disabled users may be address such as access ramps, bathroom accessibility, or other computer needs such as large print screens.
Telecenter equipment:
- purchase four desks (@ $800/ea) Total Cost $3,200 - purchase three computer work stations (@ $2,933/ea) Total Cost $8,799 - purchase four desk phones (@ $150/ea) Total Cost $ 600 - purchase one printer (@ $400/ea) Total Cost $ 400 - purchase three drawer file cabinet (@ $120/ea) Total Cost $ 120 - purchase one three drawer locking file cabinet (@ 300/ea) Total Cost $ 300 - purchase office supplies such as: staplers, trash cans, paper, pens, pencils, printer/scanner/copier/fax ink cartridges, disks, CD's, mouse pads, mouses, file folders, hanging files, scotch tape, scissors, etc... Total Cost $2,000 - purchase four desk chairs (@ $150/ea) Total Cost $600 - purchase four reception area chairs (@ $300/ea) Total Cost $1,200 - purchase four book cases (@ $200/ea) Total Cost $800 - purchase two locked storage cabinets (@ $300/ea) Total Cost $600 - purchase power back up units (5@$350) Total Cost $1,750 Total General Equipment Costs $20,369
Summary of Equipment Costs
Video Conferencing $33,575 Training Center and Resource Lab $41,933 Self-Directed Resource Center $66,652 General Equipment Costs $20,369 Total Equipment Costs $162,529
Staffing
The Telecenter will operate from 8 am to 8 pm Monday through Friday and from 10 am to 5pm on Saturday, as outlined in the revenue forecast this is a total of 67 hours, in which staff coverage will be needed. Should hours be reduced or extended staffing needs will changes also.
Telecenter Director
The Telecenter will need one position that will serve as the Director and overall Manager of the Telecenter and it's program. This position should report directly to the Executive Director and the Board of the 501 ( c )3 that will be established for the Telecenter. The Director will oversee all operations of the Telecenter. Other duties for this position should include computer technical skills either in training, programming, Internet and web site development, grant writing and grant administration, budget development and monitoring, public liaison and information, employee supervision, and previous experience as a program Manager, Director or Telecenter administrator. This position should be expected to work 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday.
Technical Staff
A minimum of two other program staff positions will be needed to maintain good operations of the Telecenter. These staff could be hired from OIT or any other Computer Technology or Sciences program to provide the technical support to the center. These positions will be needed to maintain, update and troubleshoot all of the computer workstations. To reset the computer workstations after training sessions, to maintain the hardware and provide service to users of the overall center. Thus, qualified staff should not only be excellent computer technicians but have skills in web site design, hardware maintenance, programming, and customer service and public speaking.
Office Staff
The telecenter will require one Office Assistant position to perform the duties of answering the telephones, keeping the copier, printer, fax and scanner filled with paper, receiving funds from the public for computer use, setting appointments for video conferencing, meeting rooms, and training sessions, class registration, and to assist the Director with office functions.
Staffing Summary
Director ( @ $35,000/annually) $35,000 Technical Staff ( @ $12.00/hr - 2FTE) $49,920 Office Staff (@ $8.00/hr - 1 FTE) $16,640 Fringe (@ 24%) $24,375 Total Staffing Costs $125,935
Other Operating Costs
The Telecenter will require certain services and items to operate on a daily basis.
Monthly Internet services for all computer workstations (26 @ $20/mo) Total Cost $6,240 Monthly charges for video conferencing lines (@ $1,000/mo) Total Cost $12,000 Annual software updates (estimated) Total Cost $4,000 Anti-Virus software updates every three years (estimated) Total Cost $1,265 Computer equipment replacement: (Assumes 4 year life span) Total Cost $16,500 Facilities Rent (assumes $2,500/mo) Total Cost $30,000 Utilities (estimated) Total Cost $4,800 Phone lines and phone charges (32 lines @ $13.10/mo) Total Cost $5,040 Marketing Costs (33.6% of projected revenue costs) Total Cost $40,000 Staff Training (assume 4 staff members) Total Cost $2,400 Printing and Mailing (estimated) Total Cost $4,000 Business cards, Letterhead, envelopes (estimated) Total Cost $825 Other supplies and consumables (estimated) Total Cost $3,000 Total Other Operating Costs $115,070
Estimated Costs for Phase I - Telecenter
Video Conferencing Equipment $ 33,575 Training & Resource Lab Equipment $ 41,933 Self-Directed Resource Center Equipment $ 66,952 General Telecenter Equipment $ 20,369 Staffing $125,935 Operating Costs & Marketing Costs $ 130,070 TOTAL COSTS (FIRST YEAR OPERATING/START-UP): $418,834
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