 |
It Networks: How To Argue For A Bigger Budget |
 |
|
IT network managers have to fight the "if it ain't broke
don't fix it" mindset to win resources. With computer
networks, that mindset is dangerously complacent. IT networks
will keep pumping data until they die or let in hackers. Here
are some winning arguments against "if it ain't broke…"
IT Network Maintenance: Better Analogies
Don’t let your IT network's budget get lumped with IT
in general--or worse, operations in general. "If it ain't
broke, don't fix it" sometimes makes sense in IT or operations.
Upgrading workstations or desks can cost productivity, making
it self-defeating.
You have to stress that IT networks are different from workstations
or desks.
* IT networks are harder to repair.
* IT networks cannot be done without until fixed. You depend
on them for email, web, file transfers, and in some organizations,
printing, fax and telephone. If your network breaks you may
be forced to rely on hand-written letters.
* IT network improvements rarely lower productivity on the
front line. Instead, a faster, more reliable network can improve
front-line productivity.
Here are the analogies you should stress to counter "if
it ain't broke":
* Plumbing: IT networks will appear to function until they
burst. The damage will be more expensive than maintenance
ever could have been. In the meantime, you are losing productivity
to all the little "leaks."
* Dams: If a poorly maintained IT network bursts, the eventual
flood will harm overall productivity.
* War: There is no such thing as "good enough"
when you are in competition. With an IT network, you're in
a quiet arms race with hackers. You are also competing with
your business competitors in terms of productivity.
* Health: Your IT network has to be in top physical condition.
You can't make up for bad habits with a week or two of "rejuvenation."
Meanwhile, your day-to-day performance will suffer.
* Cars: Don't wait for your IT network to conk out. Get a
regular tune-up of up-to-date equipment.
IT Network Maintenance: What Can Go Wrong
Now, let's drive the point home. Here are some concrete,
easy-to-explain reasons to keep your network up-to-date:
* Power supplies. Without redundant backups, your network
is vulnerable to a shutdown. The lost productivity will make
extra equipment seem inexpensive in comparison.
* Integrity. Faulty or contradictory data can break older
networks. Newer equipment has solved these problems. Again,
the potential cost of lost productivity makes newer equipment
a good value.
* Firewalls. Hackers can leak trade secrets stolen from unprotected
networks. Firewall software upgrades are relatively inexpensive.
* VOIP. Organizations worldwide are switching to VOIP--not
just outside-line telephones but also switchboard and teleconferencing.
If your network is out-of-date, it may fail when you eventually
try this new technology.
* Speed. Older platforms such as 10BASET will throttle your
bandwidth. You can now upgrade to a Terabit or more. Just
think of the seconds, minutes, hours, and days lost as staff
wait for email to arrive and web pages to load.
Final tip: show how cost-effective IT network maintenance
really is. Get a firm cost estimate from a vendor. Just make
sure your cost estimate is as competitive as it can be. You
can often get new equipment at half the cost of retail by
buying refurbished equipment.
Close your case for a better network with this wisdom: no
matter what you pay, keeping your network up-to-date is cheaper
than the consequences of letting it fall into disrepair.
About the Author:
Joel Walsh is a business and technology writer. Get an IT
network cost estimate from Genesis Global, specialist in guaranteed
used juniper networks: www.genesisglobalinc.com
|
|
|
|
Relevant Resources |
|
|
|
|
|
Need Cisco Hardware for your Cert? |
|
|
| Call 813.852.6400 now for more information to find the best router or switch to best help you with your certification exam. Having "real" hands-on experience is extremely beneficial not just for testing, but also ensures you are actually familiar with the device you are working on.
|
|
|
|
|
Cisco Routers |
|
|
|
|
|
Cisco Switches |
|
|
|
|
|
