I'm currently the Systems Administrator for a small collections agency in the northwest. We run about seven offices across the state, with a network that has been pieced together over the years. However, since I was hired I've been trying to streamline some of the operations.

For example...the computer systems. Every PC purchased by the company is of a different brand, sytle, model, etc. About the only similarity in the systems is the fact that they all have NICs installed. The CEO is CHEAP! Anything that is purchased must be of the lowest cost. Which explains the purchase of about 25 eMachines over the past two years. *reaching for aspirin* I'm wanting to implement several policies in the company, especially since we are at the point of needing a dedicated IT department, consisting of me. I want a budget allocated to the IT so that I don't have to get corporate approval for a CPU fan replacement. I want to be consistant with purchases...one manufacturer, one company to deal with, NOT random eMachine purchases from Costco! We recently acquired two Minolta QMS 2560 lazer printers to use in the corporate office. These were purchased without my knowledge or consent and I am expected to support them. Just so you know, don't ever buy them. Cartridges alone cost twice as much as HP with half the volume. *reaching for another aspirin* I want control of system and equipment purchases or at least to be consulted.
So here's the question:

How do I convince the CEO (tightwad) to do things MY way!

I've tried explaining TCO and that the time and effort I've put into the QMS printers more than doubles what they paid for them. It was useless. The response was that he heard great reviews about the printers, from the manufacturer. *sigh* I figure my only shot is a formal proposal to the corporate execs, but how do I go about doing this? Any advice?

I think I ranted more than explained my situation, but I know many of you experience the same thing.

Thanks