Happy Labor Day!

“We need to do more with less”. I’ve been hearing a lot of that the last few months. What that usually means, is we need to produce the same amount of work with less people or lower cost systems. The less people part is unfortunate, and sometimes as much for the people left working as the people let go. As for the systems, it’s not as bad or difficult as one would think to do more with less. For example, one of the big challenges we have always faced is server performance. We have always used enterprise class servers in our network designs because they provide the best performance possible and everyone wants performance. There is of course a price to pay for more performance, and more to the point, excess performance. I know there are companies out there with servers that are under-utilized. The problem is that buying a server is a lot like jumping over a big puddle, you don’t do it in two steps. It’s all or nothing right up front, mostly. However, with a little up front planning we can capture that excess performance, and do more with less.

By now some of you are very familiar with the steps we have taken over the last few years to do more with less. And before we go too much further, I am talking about value, not price. In short, spending the same or less to do more work, have more options, and be more productive. For those that aren’t as familiar, let me share a few things.

Almost 3 years ago we started working with server virtualization. We have many, many cases where one new physical server has been hosting and running from 2 to 7 or 8 virtual servers. It’s like 7 or 8 families living in the same one family house with all the room they need and never knowing the others are there. It sounds a bit spooky when put that way, but nonetheless it’s what’s happening today.
For the last 4 or 5 years we have been using disk based backups instead of tapes. We believe whole-heartedly that disk is the way to go. The systems we have been selling and using are very effective because they are self-contained, fast and we can manage and monitor backup status from there consoles. Today we have another very cost effective choice. Clients who are using our NetworkCare Service Platform can now utilize lower cost network attached storage units and external usb drives for complete system backups that are managed and monitored from our Service/HelpDesk. In short, upfront costs from $3,500 to $20,000 for centralized backup systems can now be reduced to $500 to $2,500.
Near the end of last year we purchased and started deploying an Enterprise Class Managed Service Platform, many of our Clients know it as NetworkCare. The reason we did this was simple, we knew that with our People, our Processes and this Platform, we could provide better overall Support and Service for the same or lower cost. Since most services can be provided via remote management and control, our travel and on-site times are reduced, thereby reducing cost.
Last but not least is the issue of used equipment and free software. When the budget doesn’t allow for a new server, we have used and/or refurbished equipment available. For some offices, the installation of a used server with one of the free VMware virtualization products is a perfect fit. Sometimes it’s all they’ll ever need, and sometimes it’s good enough for the next 2 years. In many cases we use the free software on brand new servers too, because it’s the best way to go.
We know there are companies running out of warranty servers that have been acting up, and/or their backups are weak or suspect…

You don’t need to be risking your business!

Please don’t risk your business because you think you can’t afford something better, faster or more stable. There are a lot of very good options available today and I am always happy to discuss the pros and cons of these with anyone who has an interest (Call me @ 440-325-2101).


And on a personal note, more with less can be fun and rewarding and all that warm and fuzzy stuff. Several weeks ago we started doing Outdoor Movie Night. My buddy Todd has been doing this for his kids and friends for few years now. I figured I’d give it a try too. So, I bought a slightly used projector, plugged in a laptop with external speakers and we were in business. The first night we had about a dozen people and I projected “The Sandlot” on the back of the house. The picture was about 7 ft. across and we had a really good time. The movie was barely over and everyone was talking about next week already. Fast forward a few weeks and we have about 20 people watching our homemade 16 ft. wide screen made from a plastic tarp and PVC pipe. We’ll still go to the movie theatre now and then, but Outdoor Movie Night in the backyard with family and friends will make lasting memories. And that has Value.

Regards,

Dave