Rapid Assessment for Data Networks Gartner Measurement research has shown that 76 percent of data costs stem from hardware, software and transmission, thus reinforcing the need for procurement and asset management tools and skills. With the other 24 percent of costs related to personnel, managers are presented with a mix of components that poses a difficult challenge. Although managing cost is important, senior network managers who truly wish to optimize their data network performance must consider how to leverage vendor resources and staff along with cost-efficiency considerations. This comparative assessment analyzes data networks from an efficiency and effectiveness perspective. Services delivered are measured against business requirements to understand the trade-off between cost and performance. The members of the peer group selected for XYZ have NOW indices ranging from 0.49 to 1.15 with an average NOW Index of 0.77 (figure 3). The peer group and XYZ share a similar network architecture; however, XYZ’s network has a higher amount of dial-up traffic and higher network availability than each member of the peer group. Addresses the following business issues: Measure and compare your actual data network costs across a consistent TCO model and Chart of Accounts Utilize TCO Manager modeling tools for ongoing cost analysis, testing and comparison of future what-if scenarios to identify areas of opportunity for improved network operation and cost-efficiencies Identify and quantify gaps between services delivered by the data network and services required by the business Communicate the value of the data network organization to business managers Monitor and improve data network performance levels figure 3 Contact Information: For more information about Gartner Measurement services please e-mail measurement.info@gartner.com