How to get more out of your IT budget
The key: Get more out of your existing IT infrastructure
Global IT budgets are projected to grow just 1% this year, meaning your budget is likely strained as your IT needs grow exponentially.* From expanding analytics and digital marketing needs to the increased need for virtualized applications, heightened security and mobile support, it’s essential to get more out of your budget than ever before. The easiest and most cost-effective approach is to maximize the memory and storage in your existing infrastructure. This approach allows you to increase performance, keep hardware costs down, and invest in expensive software that drives future business growth. Here’s how to optimize your infrastructure.
Memory: Increase system performance and longevity
At just a fraction of the cost of a new system, memory (RAM) upgrades deliver increased performance and allow you to get more years out of an existing machine. Memory upgrades are also one of the best ways to maximize the value of your CPU investment, since processors are typically the most expensive and powerful component in a system. Maximize server CPU performance and longevity by installing high-density modules in each slot. For desktops and laptops, you’ll want to upgrade in a way that balances costs with the performance needs of the end user. Based on extensive performance analysis, here are memory recommendations to optimize each department in your organization.Storage: Improve efficiency and accelerate virtualized applications
SSDs do two things for businesses of all sizes: (1) they radically increase workforce performance by delivering instant access to data, and (2) they help extend system life because they don’t revolve around small moving parts that are prone to fail (like hard drives). By installing SSDs in existing client systems, you’ll stretch your budget while increasing performance.
When you make the switch, invest in low capacity drives for desktops and laptops. Since most business data is stored on networks, client systems don’t need as much local storage, making 128-256GB SSDs a good fit for most business users. In terms of affordable ways to accelerate server storage and performance, the best approach is to use SSDs for hot data, virtualized applications and operating systems, then use enterprise-class hard drives for cold, bulk data that isn’t frequently accessed and used.
The bottom line
Optimizing new software requires powerful hardware, so you want to upgrade in the most affordable way possible. By maximizing your existing infrastructure, you can get more out of your IT budget. You don’t need new systems to run new software – just better components.
*According to the 2015 Gartner CIO Agenda Report, which surveyed 2,810 CIOs in 84 countries about their IT budgets and spending projections.