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Cost Optimization Archive Back to IT & The Economy FUNDAMENTALS STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3 STEP 4 Use 10 Best Practices to Improve Your Storage Management Use 10 Best Practices to Improve Your Storage Management 8 October 2009 CIOs are confronted with rising amounts of data to store with shrinking IT budgets. Encouraging the dedicated storage team to implement these best practices will cut costs and ensure effective and efficient storage management. Optimizing IT Configuration Management Optimizing IT Configuration Management 8 October 2009 IT organizations that are mapping out their configuration management strategies should assess the ways in which configuration management tools can supplement the process. With a plethora of such tools in the market, it is critical to understand the segmentation of the tools by domain and function. 10 Key Actions to Reduce IT Infrastructure and Operations Cost Structure 10 Key Actions to Reduce IT Infrastructure and Operations Cost Structure 21 September 2009 I&O is a major target for cost optimization since it consumes 60% or more of IT spending. When fully implemented, our 10 cost reduction recommendations can reduce I&O cost structure by 10% or more through 2010, and 25% or more over the longer term. Jump-Start Software Cost Savings While Justifying an Asset Management Program Jump-Start Software Cost Savings While Justifying an Asset Management Program 30 September 2009 Many organizations fail to establish an adequate software asset management discipline due to the magnitude of the effort involved and the lack of an expeditious return on investment. This process identifies short-term cost-savings opportunities that can be used to self-fund a SAM initiative. Instant Messaging: From Dedicated Hosting to Software as a Service Instant Messaging: From Dedicated Hosting to Software as a Service 25 September 2009 While enterprise instant messaging products are typically deployed on-premises, emerging cloud-based offerings from established vendors, which include IM, will have an impact down market, especially in small and midsize businesses. A Checklist for Data Center Relocation A Checklist for Data Center Relocation 25 September 2009 Moving any data center is a risky proposition. Following this checklist will help enable a successful relocation. Adding Value to 'Industry Standard Servers' Adding Value to 'Industry Standard Servers' 23 September 2009 The most ironic tagline used in the x86 server market is "industry standard server." This research discusses the issue of what "industry standard" exactly means in the server context, and how such products can, in fact, be differentiated. When to Consider Dropping Maintenance for Warehouse Management Systems When to Consider Dropping Maintenance for Warehouse Management Systems 22 September 2009 WMSs is a mature market and many users have aging, and often heavily customized, WMS implementations. Given these circumstances, users are increasingly questioning whether they should consider canceling the vendor's maintenance program. Establish the Value of Your Network, or Lose Your Budget Establish the Value of Your Network, or Lose Your Budget 21 September 2009 Despite many recent advances in functionality, network services are still perceived as a commodity by senior leadership. Networking needs to be more closely connected to the success of business initiatives to gain the necessary priority and sponsorship. Best Practices for and Approaches to IT Operations Process Automation Best Practices for and Approaches to IT Operations Process Automation 21 September 2009 The successful automation of IT operations management processes has less to do with tools than it does with expectations, costs, and organizational and process maturity. IT automation is not an add-on. It's a new way to manage the IT infrastructure. Data Center Efficiency and Capacity: A Metric to Calculate Both Data Center Efficiency and Capacity: A Metric to Calculate Both 18 September 2009 This research proposes a standard metric for performance and energy use that can help identify underutilized resources quickly and become a benchmark for data center capacity planning. Data Backup and IT-DRM Modernization Generates Significant Savings for the Hay Group Data Backup and IT-DRM Modernization Generates Significant Savings for the Hay Group 18 September 2009 This case study will discuss the specific business benefits obtained by Hay Group as a result of leveraging a service provider partnership to reduce backup and recovery costs, while improving service delivery quality. Pay for Mobile Data Encryption Upfront, or Pay More Later Pay for Mobile Data Encryption Upfront, or Pay More Later 26 August 2009 The cost to prevent mobile device data exposures is far less than the cost of mitigation. Companies can make the most of data protection by choosing mobile devices equipped with state-of-the-art encryption tools. Name IT Hardware and Software Properly to Simplify Operations Name IT Hardware and Software Properly to Simplify Operations 24 August 2009 The appropriate naming of the hardware and software elements in your IT infrastructure can simplify operations, decrease troubleshooting time, and improve efficiency for IT staff and end users, as well as reduce complexity. Getting Back to Basics on Patch Management Getting Back to Basics on Patch Management 24 August 2009 IT organizations of all sizes are developing or refining their patching processes for best practices. Here, our recommendations. When You Need to Know Where Everything Is: Assessing In-Building WLAN Location Technologies When You Need to Know Where Everything Is: Assessing In-Building WLAN Location Technologies 20 August 2009 Locating critical assets may be a matter of life and death or a costly mistake that causes high-value assets to be misplaced. Enterprises must understand the usage scenarios and which technology can deliver the appropriate level of granularity. Q&A: How Much Project Management Methodology Is too Much? Q&A: How Much Project Management Methodology Is too Much? 19 August 2009 Many IT organizations can benefit from two sets of project management methodologies -- one for costly, critical projects and another, less-formal format with fewer updates, audits and formal change processes. Nevertheless, all projects should take advantage of some defined process. Do You Have the Right IT Service Desk Staffing Ratio? Do You Have the Right IT Service Desk Staffing Ratio? 19 August 2009 IT organizations are under scrutiny to optimize their IT service desk staffing levels. This research explores the variables that affect staffing ratios, and what you can do to improve staffing levels. Ten Ways to Cost Optimize Your WAN Ten Ways to Cost Optimize Your WAN 14 August 2009 Enterprises that approach network service cost cutting in a considered and structured manner not only can reduce cost, but also can avoid the risk of inappropriate reductions in performance. Findings From Primary Research Study: Organizations Perceive Significant Cost Impact From Data Quality Issues Findings From Primary Research Study: Organizations Perceive Significant Cost Impact From Data Quality Issues 14 August 2009 In a recent Gartner study, participants estimated that, on average, they are losing more than $8 million annually because of data quality issues. In difficult economic times, organizations of all types must focus on controlling and improving data quality to minimize disruptions and losses. Choosing a File-Archiving Approach for Content Accessibility and Cost Savings Choosing a File-Archiving Approach for Content Accessibility and Cost Savings 10 August 2009 File-archiving technologies provide the tools for better coping with storage growth/costs, reducing backup time, and helping to manage information for compliance and e-discovery. Multiple approaches are available, and each tackles these problems in somewhat different ways. How to Create a Green, Energy Efficient, Cost-Optimized Data Center Solution How to Create a Green, Energy Efficient, Cost-Optimized Data Center Solution 6 August 2009 Data center managers and planners need to deal with many issues while trying to manage their business portfolios on a shrinking budget. A new set of Gartner research addresses these challenges and offers recommendations. Emerging Technology Analysis: Open-Source Software Adoption Emerging Technology Analysis: Open-Source Software Adoption 4 August 2009 The economic crisis has been a catalyst for open-source software investigation and adoption. Corporations, large and small, that previously scoffed at OSS alternatives are taking a second look and electing to adopt OSS. This document looks at what's hot and what's not in terms of OSS adoption. Critical Factors in Calculating the Data Warehouse Total Cost of Ownership Critical Factors in Calculating the Data Warehouse Total Cost of Ownership 31 July 2009 The total cost of ownership of a data warehouse includes several factors besides initial acquisition costs. Data warehouse managers must understand the variation within and between these factors to make a good buying decision. How to Close a Data Center How to Close a Data Center 30 July 2009 Data center consolidation and downsizing can bring substantial cost savings. This research outlines sound practices to achieve the maximum benefit from consolidation. Server Vendors: Who Will Survive and Who Will Profit From the Recession? Server Vendors: Who Will Survive and Who Will Profit From the Recession? 30 July 2009 With 1Q09 results showing the greatest single quarter impact on server shipments ever, we examine how well major server vendors, such as Dell, Fujitsu, HP, IBM and Sun Microsystems (plus new market entrant Cisco), are positioned to weather -- or even benefit from -- the recession. Sealed Storage Arrays From Atrato and Xiotech Require No Drive Maintenance for Three to Five Years Sealed Storage Arrays From Atrato and Xiotech Require No Drive Maintenance for Three to Five Years 29 July 2009 Sealed storage disk arrays from Atrato and Xiotech offer performance and reliability, as well as the promise of zero drive maintenance for three and five years, respectively. These claims are made possible by each array's predictive and preventive algorithms and self-healing capabilities. Q&A: Beware of Data Center Refurbishing Projects, They May Be More Costly Than You Think Q&A: Beware of Data Center Refurbishing Projects, They May Be More Costly Than You Think 29 July 2009 Any refurbishment of a midsize data center (greater than 2,000 square feet) should give a useful working life of more than five years for the costs to break even. Thus, clients must clearly identify all costs associated with retrofits before investing in data center refurbishing projects. Data Centers Focus on Green IT, but Many Neglect Metrics Data Centers Focus on Green IT, but Many Neglect Metrics 27 July 2009 Data center and IT managers focus on green IT, and say that it tops their agendas, despite the economic downturn. However, many do not implement measurements and monitoring, which are essential for the adoption of new technologies and government policies. IT Infrastructure and Operations Management Cost Justification in 2009 IT Infrastructure and Operations Management Cost Justification in 2009 27 July 2009 Funding for IT I&O implementations requires clear, effective economic and business analyses that align the projects with business strategies. We outline the critical steps to take when creating a business case for new technology investment. Applying Lean Concepts to Infrastructure and Operations Management Applying Lean Concepts to Infrastructure and Operations Management 23 July 2009 Infrastructure and operations teams can benefit from applying lean manufacturing concepts. Green IT, Energy and Hosting Are Key Issues for Australian Data Center Managers Green IT, Energy and Hosting Are Key Issues for Australian Data Center Managers 23 July 2009 Data center managers in Australia face important issues during the next 24 months. Based on Gartner's recent Infrastructure and Operations Conference in Sydney, we have codified these concerns in this research. Benchmarking Agile Productivity: Don't Assume Success, Prove It Benchmarking Agile Productivity: Don't Assume Success, Prove It 22 July 2009 We can only control what we can measure. Organizations looking to quantitatively and qualitatively manage their agile projects need to take practical steps to do so. Agile projects are not immune to our money-obsessed culture. DITA Publishing Can Reduce Costs and Accelerate Delivery DITA Publishing Can Reduce Costs and Accelerate Delivery 10 July 2009 Enterprises may or may not benefit from using Darwin Information Typing Architecture publishing systems. This report identifies the benefits some companies have realized, and highlights investments and benefits that can help build a business case for implementing such systems. Roundup of Open-Source Research, 1H09 Roundup of Open-Source Research, 1H09 10 July 2009 Gartner analysts have published a range of research about open-source software and its pivotal roles in helping contain costs. We provide this handy reference to help you navigate this research and explore the issues. Case Study: Move to Microsoft BPOS Cuts Collaboration Costs by 20% Case Study: Move to Microsoft BPOS Cuts Collaboration Costs by 20% 9 July 2009 One company moved 55,000 users to a Microsoft-hosted implementation of the Business Productivity Online Suite for e-mail, instant messaging and Web conferencing over several months. The results, with some exceptions, have been good. Operating-System Migration Options and Adoption Considerations Operating-System Migration Options and Adoption Considerations 9 July 2009 To optimize data center costs, IT organizations must simplify, consolidate and reduce operational costs. However, operating-system migrations are often executed ad hoc, with limited insight into outcomes. Homogeneity in the Client Operating System Can Increase Hidden Costs and Risks Homogeneity in the Client Operating System Can Increase Hidden Costs and Risks 2 July 2009 Organizations that want a homogeneous environment with a single operating system may decide to skip a version of Windows, but this can result in hidden costs and complications. This research outlines key factors for organizations to consider before skipping a Windows release. How to Apply Lean Principles to ERP/Business Application Implementation and Support How to Apply Lean Principles to ERP/Business Application Implementation and Support 26 June 2009 Enterprises that have begun to adopt "lean" principles to increase IT productivity are incorporating lean IT principles into the ERP/business application life cycle. Lean principles deliver on their potential when backed by effective leadership and changes in behavior. CIO Advisory: Want to Improve IT Workforce Effectiveness? Focus on Three Areas CIO Advisory: Want to Improve IT Workforce Effectiveness? Focus on Three Areas 22 June 2009 Improving workforce effectiveness ranks high among CIOs for strategic business priorities. A Gartner survey of 1,600 IT practitioners revealed obstacles most likely to reduce people's effectiveness. CIOs and IT leaders, take heed: The obstacles are in your control. Is It Time for You to Progress Beyond Data Center and Server Consolidation? Is It Time for You to Progress Beyond Data Center and Server Consolidation? 16 June 2009 If you are among the nearly 40% of Gartner clients who have not yet progressed beyond data center and server consolidation, you are missing the opportunity to reduce your I&O costs by as much as 10%. Cost Optimization: Cut Costs by Building Agile Data Centers Cost Optimization: Cut Costs by Building Agile Data Centers 16 June 2009 Traditional data centers, built larger than needed with room for growth, have become an outdated and inefficient model. Design engineers can optimize costs by building to suit current needs and trying other design strategies. The Role and Impact of OSS in a Down Economy The Role and Impact of OSS in a Down Economy 16 June 2009 The promise of cost savings is driving increased interest in open-source software; however, the roles that OSS plays in today's stressed economy may be different than expected. New Storage Architectures Make SSDs More Cost-Effective New Storage Architectures Make SSDs More Cost-Effective 15 June 2009 Replacing hard-disk drives with solid-state drives on a one-to-one basis improves storage array performance, but can complicate system-level optimization and management. New SSD architectural deployment alternatives and automated management promise higher SSD utilization rates and lower costs. Reduce the Cost of Data Management by Prioritizing Projects Reduce the Cost of Data Management by Prioritizing Projects 12 June 2009 Organizations can save 20% of data management project investments by rationalizing objectives and the associated project scope. Adopting a data management prioritization model enables these cost-saving opportunities. Reduce the Costs of Reporting Through Data Mart Consolidation Reduce the Costs of Reporting Through Data Mart Consolidation 12 June 2009 Organizations can save up to 20% of data reporting costs and provide better business information by replacing fragmented reporting in disparate data marts with a single instance of widely used data. Benchmarks Can Guide Cost-Optimization Initiatives Benchmarks Can Guide Cost-Optimization Initiatives 5 June 2009 Cost-optimization initiatives can be stressful because of organizational changes and the uncertainty of where to find the best opportunities. Benchmarks reduce uncertainty by providing comparative data on where opportunities may exist to lower costs in IT and in the business. Engage the Workforce to Survive and Thrive in Tough Times Engage the Workforce to Survive and Thrive in Tough Times 29 May 2009 Workforce engagement is vital during the economic downturn to ensure that employees will remain committed to the long-term success of the organization and stay when the economy eventually rebounds. SIP Trunking: Where Are the Savings? SIP Trunking: Where Are the Savings? 28 May 2009 Session Initiation Protocol trunking services can reduce voice transport costs, but they're not an automatic choice for U.S.-centric voice over IP customers. To gauge the value of SIP trunking to your organization and identify cost-saving opportunities, focus on specific scenarios. Use Data Deduplication to Improve Availability and Lower Cost Use Data Deduplication to Improve Availability and Lower Cost 27 May 2009 As they seek new, cost-effective ways to store data, organizations continue to evaluate data deduplication. This research examines the benefits of deduplication, focusing on its effect on data availability, and addresses concerns about risk. Four Risk Management Mistakes That Threaten Your Security Budget Four Risk Management Mistakes That Threaten Your Security Budget 27 May 2009 Security budgets are difficult, and sometimes even impossible, to justify if they aren't closely aligned with business objectives, and if the business doesn't ""own"" IT risk. Use Gartner's best practices to align business goals with security service-level agreements. Server Virtualization for x86: A Benefits Impact Assessment Server Virtualization for x86: A Benefits Impact Assessment 26 May 2009 There is a basic assumption that investments in server virtualization will always result in overall cost savings. Although they can, cost savings depend on factors that must be carefully planned and implemented to achieve real savings. Management Prerequisites for Cost Optimization Management Prerequisites for Cost Optimization 26 May 2009 To reliably reap the benefits of cost optimization projects and programs, the CIO must ensure that seven disciplines are in place. Understand How Methodologies Evolve Into Standards to Achieve Service Excellence Understand How Methodologies Evolve Into Standards to Achieve Service Excellence 26 May 2009 Outsourcing and professional service providers need a sound service delivery methodology, with repeatable best-practice processes to deliver service excellence competitively. Understanding how methodologies evolve and relate to industry frameworks/standards will help you choose the right provider. The Golden Opportunity to Slash Your Printing Costs: Seize It Now The Golden Opportunity to Slash Your Printing Costs: Seize It Now 26 May 2009 Today's economic pressures provide the incentive and impetus to finally bring your enterprise printing under control. Don't miss the opportunity. Best Practices for Deploying Hosted Virtual Desktops Best Practices for Deploying Hosted Virtual Desktops 26 May 2009 Hosted virtual desktops continue to garner significant market attention. Organizations considering their deployment can minimize cost and risks by following best practices outlined by early adopters. 2009: A Year of Progress on I&O Key Initiatives 2009: A Year of Progress on I&O Key Initiatives 22 May 2009 Gartner clients surveyed expect to make substantial progress implementing infrastructure and operations key initiatives in 2009, despite and, in some cases, due to, the current economic turmoil. Cost Cutting: How to Use Wireless E-Commerce to Boost Business Cost Cutting: How to Use Wireless E-Commerce to Boost Business 20 May 2009 Avid users of mobile devices demand more from Web interactions than ease of access from a home base. To gain mobile user loyalty, an organization must rethink how it organizes, offers and updates its Web presence, and the ways that presence reaches customers and maximizes consumer value. Toolkit: How to Calculate TCO for Server Virtualization Toolkit: How to Calculate TCO for Server Virtualization 19 May 2009 Most virtualization total cost of ownership figures are not based on a like-for-like comparison. This Toolkit helps clients calculate, measure, and realize like-for-like cost savings from implementing virtual server configurations. It can also be adapted to meet other specific needs. Use Smart MFPs to Transform Your Paper-Intensive Projects Use Smart MFPs to Transform Your Paper-Intensive Projects 19 May 2009 Smart multifunction products offer intelligent processing and distributed document capture. We estimate that use of SMFPs to integrate paper-based documents into electronic document workflows can reduce office paper use by 50%. Controlling IT Spending on Operations: Five Areas of Opportunity Controlling IT Spending on Operations: Five Areas of Opportunity 15 May 2009 Demanding economic times require that companies take aggressive actions so that resources can be allocated where most urgently needed. We identify five areas to optimize or reduce IT spending with regard to operations-related functions. Case Study: Cloud Provider Achieves Ten Times Lower Total Cost of Ownership Over FCoE With Input/Output Virtualization Case Study: Cloud Provider Achieves Ten Times Lower Total Cost of Ownership Over FCoE With Input/Output Virtualization 15 May 2009 Server virtualization, virtual machine mobility and business agility requirements put demands on server and network infrastructure. Fibre Channel over Ethernet promises to address these, but external InfiniBand I/O virtualization with automated provisioning can deliver this now at a lower TCO. Cost Model: Migration to Windows Vista and Windows 7 Cost Model: Migration to Windows Vista and Windows 7 14 May 2009 We expect no difference in cost to migrate from Windows XP directly to either Windows Vista or Windows 7. Organizations that deploy Windows Vista will spend 66% to 75% less to get to Windows 7 as they spent migrating from XP to Vista, but will spend more overall because they did two migrations. Best Practices for Extending the Use of Your Existing Videoconferencing Investments Best Practices for Extending the Use of Your Existing Videoconferencing Investments 8 May 2009 Organizations can make more corporate use of videoconferencing, without investing in new deployments, by better management of existing video resources. How to Cut Your Data Center Costs How to Cut Your Data Center Costs 7 May 2009 In the face of organizational budgetary cuts, there are seven effective ways you can reduce costs in the data center during a 12- to 18-month period. Case Study: How WAN Optimization Rescued a Virtual Desktop Deployment at Low Cost Case Study: How WAN Optimization Rescued a Virtual Desktop Deployment at Low Cost 7 May 2009 This case study shows how Leaders, a property-letting agency in the U.K., used WAN optimization equipment from Expand Networks to overcome initial problems with its deployment of virtual desktop infrastructure and enable a full rollout. We outline its approach and the lessons to learn. Leveraging Cloud Infrastructure to Reduce Application Operational Costs Leveraging Cloud Infrastructure to Reduce Application Operational Costs 7 May 2009 Confusion is increasing about software applications and cloud computing. We provide a framework for companies to understand the variations of software applications and cloud computing. A Leadership Framework for Business Systems' Centralization and Consolidation A Leadership Framework for Business Systems' Centralization and Consolidation 6 May 2009 In this time of economic distress, a way to reduce costs is to centralize IT systems. Decisions on this level cannot, however, be made without understanding business drivers and effects. We provide a road map for business and IT executives to manage the issues that arise when centralizing systems. Managing the Data Center Cost Portfolio During a Recession Managing the Data Center Cost Portfolio During a Recession 6 May 2009 As a result of the current recession, managers of large data centers are under increasing pressure to find ways to cut costs in data center cost portfolios; however, they are expected to do so without reducing the quality of IT services. Q&A: Benchmarking Notebook and Desktop Ratios in Business Q&A: Benchmarking Notebook and Desktop Ratios in Business 4 May 2009 As part of their larger cost containment efforts, many Gartner clients are reviewing their PC hardware assets and measuring the ratio of PCs to users and the ratio of notebooks to desktop PCs against the benchmarks of their peers. Cost Cutting Endpoint Protection Platforms, 2009 Cost Cutting Endpoint Protection Platforms, 2009 4 May 2009 Endpoint protection is often the single-biggest software expense in enterprises' security budgets. In a time of constrained security technology resources, these technologies offer a target for cost cutting and an opportunity for significant savings. Estimating the Costs of an ERP/Business Application Initiative Estimating the Costs of an ERP/Business Application Initiative 30 April 2009 Determining the costs of an application initiative can be difficult because of the intricacies involved in estimating costs. Following a formal process for estimating these costs can improve the accuracy of cost estimations, and reduce the time and effort invested in such exercises. Cost Optimization with Open-Source DBMSs Cost Optimization with Open-Source DBMSs 29 April 2009 There is much hype in the industry about using open-source software to realize cost reductions. Open-source database management systems have this potential when used with appropriate applications, gaining rapid return on investment. Multitier Data Centers: A Hybrid Approach With Significant Cost Savings Multitier Data Centers: A Hybrid Approach With Significant Cost Savings 29 April 2009 High-availability data centers are extremely costly to build, but using a multitiered design approach can reduce capital expense dramatically, while still providing the appropriate availability goals for your business. Extend the Life of Your Server, but Beware Some of the Pitfalls Extend the Life of Your Server, but Beware Some of the Pitfalls 27 April 2009 Continuing to use servers beyond their depreciated asset life can result in cash flow benefits. Although technical limitations and potential risks in server reliability need to be considered, sweating the assets in this manner is a useful cash management technique during this recessionary period. ATV: Cost Optimization Opportunities Abound in Client Computing ATV: Cost Optimization Opportunities Abound in Client Computing 23 April 2009 Client computing offers many opportunities to optimize costs and help an organization achieve its financial goals. The key is to combine the right cost-cutting measures with appropriate investments to achieve desirable bottom-line results. Cost Cutting: Skip Windows Vista on Desktops When You're Delaying Desktop PC Updates Cost Cutting: Skip Windows Vista on Desktops When You're Delaying Desktop PC Updates 22 April 2009 Organizations extending the life of their desktop PCs should skip Vista on those machines, even if they will be deploying Vista on new notebooks. This is especially true if some applications are only used on desktops, because those applications will not need to be tested on Vista at all. Best Practices for Planning Your Office Printing Needs Assessment Best Practices for Planning Your Office Printing Needs Assessment 22 April 2009 Needs assessments can help you reduce your print-related spending by 10% to 30%, but only if you plan them carefully. Virtualization Licensing Costs: Comparing VMware ESX With Microsoft Hyper-V Virtualization Licensing Costs: Comparing VMware ESX With Microsoft Hyper-V 21 April 2009 Gartner is frequently asked for price comparisons between VMware and Microsoft virtualization licenses. Both offer no-cost basic solutions, and VMware can be less expensive in specific cases. Ensure there are no more surprises. Cost Cutting in Enterprises, and Six Ways Identity and Access Management Programs Can Help, 2009 Update Cost Cutting in Enterprises, and Six Ways Identity and Access Management Programs Can Help, 2009 Update 20 April 2009 The worldwide economic crisis forces enterprises to cut IT costs. Security budgets are not exempt from these crucial cost-cutting and cost-optimization efforts. Identity and access management can help by addressing critical enterprise needs in six key areas. Recommendations From the IT I&O Leaders Workshop Recommendations From the IT I&O Leaders Workshop 16 April 2009 During Gartner's Infrastructure and Operations Leaders Workshop, participants developed recommendations concerning I&O people, process, technology and business management. The insights that emerged reflect a changing business environment. Moving Lean From the Plant to the IT Organization, Part 3 Moving Lean From the Plant to the IT Organization, Part 3 15 April 2009 A basic premise of lean transformation is that it must be an enterprisewide initiative. Often, the IT organization struggles with applying lean internally, despite being a critical enabler of lean transformation in other parts of the business. Don't Let Short-Term Agile Create Long-Term Pain Don't Let Short-Term Agile Create Long-Term Pain 7 April 2009 As IT groups look to do more with less and help businesses adjust to new economic realities, the lure of agile development practices as a quick path to development perfection can lead to long-term maintenance problems. Done right, however, agile can drive quality and time to market. More Ways to Save Money in Your IBM Mainframe Environment More Ways to Save Money in Your IBM Mainframe Environment 7 April 2009 IT organizations remain under budgetary pressure. We provide some nonstandard options to reduce mainframe costs or to defer/minimize the next planned upgrade. PC Power Management Saves Global Law Firm an Estimated $133,749 Annually PC Power Management Saves Global Law Firm an Estimated $133,749 Annually 3 April 2009 A law firm implemented a PC power management strategy as part of a companywide green IT initiative. Acquiring support and buy-in from the business was the most important factor in implementing the power management strategy successfully. Cost Cutting in IT: Findings and Recommendations, October 2008 to March 2009 Cost Cutting in IT: Findings and Recommendations, October 2008 to March 2009 2 April 2009 Some startling findings from our clients and some strident recommendations from us are the result of a subset of client telephone inquiries, conference attendee feedback and individual client meetings pertaining to IT cost-cutting efforts. How the Business Continuity Management Professional Can Survive the Worldwide Economic Crisis How the Business Continuity Management Professional Can Survive the Worldwide Economic Crisis 2 April 2009 The global economic crisis is having a severe impact on enterprises' business continuity management programs. Business continuity management professionals must take strategic and tactical steps to ensure the ongoing viability of their programs and their jobs. Save Millions: How to Add Years of Growth to Data Centers Save Millions: How to Add Years of Growth to Data Centers 1 April 2009 IT continues to grow, regardless of budget constraints. Although there may not be capital to build the next data center, there are ways to extend the life of an existing data center by many years, potentially saving millions of dollars. IT Procurement Best Practice: Optimize Your Supply Chain as Part of Vendor Consolidation IT Procurement Best Practice: Optimize Your Supply Chain as Part of Vendor Consolidation 31 March 2009 Enterprise IT vendor managers can no longer rely on the traditional hierarchy of vendors and channel partners. Obtain the best possible value from both technology and service providers by optimizing your supply chain. Q&A on Server Virtualization Management Freeware Q&A on Server Virtualization Management Freeware 31 March 2009 Here, we present answers to frequently asked questions regarding "free" software for managing virtual server environments. The Cost Optimization Reality of DBMS Consolidation The Cost Optimization Reality of DBMS Consolidation 31 March 2009 Many organizations believe that reducing the number of supported disparate database management system platforms will reduce costs. Although there are cost savings to be had from DBMS migrations, the time frame for realizing the savings is longer than expected and desired. x86 Server Life Cycle Planning x86 Server Life Cycle Planning 30 March 2009 Enterprises can maximize their investments in x86 servers by understanding the server life cycles and creating a plan for updating and replacing these servers. Factors to consider include failure rates, software upgrade schedules and technology road maps. Repurposing Old PCs as Thin Clients as a Way to Save Money Repurposing Old PCs as Thin Clients as a Way to Save Money 30 March 2009 For many customers, using old PCs as thin clients is not only viable but preferable for the right environment. We give guidance and offer best practices for implementation. Extreme Measures for Extending the Life of PCs Extreme Measures for Extending the Life of PCs 30 March 2009 Budget pressures are forcing many organizations to look at ways to extend the life of their PCs. This research examines some of the options and decision criteria that must be considered. Optimize Costs by Implementing Storage Strategies and Tools Optimize Costs by Implementing Storage Strategies and Tools 30 March 2009 IT can help enterprises manage expanding amounts of data, while benefiting the bottom line by implementing smart storage strategies. New research outlines tools and techniques for managing storage, while achieving cost efficiency, often with return on investment of less than six months. Cost Optimization: Re-evaluating Your PC Hardware Replacement Strategies Cost Optimization: Re-evaluating Your PC Hardware Replacement Strategies 27 March 2009 Most organizations can consider extending the life of their current desktop PCs to five years. Notebooks should still be held three years for traveling workers, but can lengthen to four years for day extenders. Cost Cutting: Securely Extending the Life of Out-of-Support Systems Cost Cutting: Securely Extending the Life of Out-of-Support Systems 25 March 2009 Many organizations are reluctant to continue the use of out-of-support applications and operating systems because of potential security risks. Although the risks cannot be eliminated, we offer a strategy for securely continuing the use of these systems. When to Consider Commercial PC Power Management Tools When to Consider Commercial PC Power Management Tools 25 March 2009 Reducing PC energy use continues to interest organizations running green or cost-cutting initiatives. PC power management tools are often required to support such projects; here, we discuss the drivers and the market. 2009 Agenda for Applications: Cut Costs While Growing the Business 2009 Agenda for Applications: Cut Costs While Growing the Business 24 March 2009 In 2009, Gartner's research for application leaders will focus on cost optimization, key application initiatives that drive business performance effectiveness, and emerging trends and technologies. Four Steps to Overcoming the Crushing Inertia of Reality Four Steps to Overcoming the Crushing Inertia of Reality 23 March 2009 If "inertia" is described to be the tendency of a body at rest to stay at rest, then most organizations have inertial problems with change. Overcoming this inertia requires a few deceptively simple steps. Use Matrix-Based Salary Increase Guidelines to Align Pay With Performance Use Matrix-Based Salary Increase Guidelines to Align Pay With Performance 20 March 2009 Effective use of matrix-based salary increase guidelines (aka, merit matrix) enables CIOs and IT leaders to re-emphasize pay for performance in tough times. How to Reduce Your PC TCO 30% in 2011 How to Reduce Your PC TCO 30% in 2011 20 March 2009 A combination of factors allows users to reduce the average total cost of ownership of new PCs 30% by 2011. The key will be harnessing current technology developments that improve PC manageability. Reduce Costs of Data Integration by Rationalizing Tools and Infrastructure, and Centralizing Skills Reduce Costs of Data Integration by Rationalizing Tools and Infrastructure, and Centralizing Skills 20 March 2009 Enterprises can save $500,000 or more annually by rationalizing data integration tools and the associated computing infrastructure. Centralization of data integration skills can yield savings in the millions ongoing. Adopting a shared services model enables these cost-saving opportunities. Cost Cutting Initiatives for Office Printing Cost Cutting Initiatives for Office Printing 19 March 2009 As recession spreads and deepens across global economies, organizations are desperately looking for new avenues of cost reduction. We outline some immediate steps that organizations could take to reduce the cost of office printing without negatively impacting productivity. Use SLAs to Optimize Storage Costs Use SLAs to Optimize Storage Costs 18 March 2009 Using service-level agreements to guide the design of storage infrastructures can optimize the use of storage technologies. SLAs can lower costs by reducing the frequency with which IT organizations overdeliver against application needs. Significant Cost-Savings on Storage Area Network Deployments for Data Centers Significant Cost-Savings on Storage Area Network Deployments for Data Centers 18 March 2009 Gartner looks at the cost-saving potential of Internet Small Computer System Interface and at the deployment barriers that have been eliminated by the evolution of iSCSI technology. Enterprise Content Management Cost Optimization Through a Selective Deployment Approach Enterprise Content Management Cost Optimization Through a Selective Deployment Approach 18 March 2009 Content management technologies offer a range of well-proven capabilities in delivering value. CIOs must make difficult choices about budget priorities and spending for such initiatives during an economically challenging 2009. Q&A: An SOA Sanity Check in Difficult Times Q&A: An SOA Sanity Check in Difficult Times 17 March 2009 Service-oriented architecture is not easy. Despite its proven successes, some organizations will continue to struggle and fail with SOA. Although some high-profile, broad-scoped, "top down" SOA initiatives are being reconsidered, more grassroots, "bottom up" SOA projects continue to pop up. Q&A on Switching to a Third Party for ERP, SCM and CRM Maintenance and Support Services Q&A on Switching to a Third Party for ERP, SCM and CRM Maintenance and Support Services 16 March 2009 For organizations deferring upgrading business applications (such as ERP, supply chain management and CRM), vendors' high annual product maintenance and support fees for a low level of application maintenance has opened the door to cost savings via third-party support for legacy software products. Green IT and Energy Efficiency Themes Dominate APEC 2009 Green IT and Energy Efficiency Themes Dominate APEC 2009 13 March 2009 The Applied Power Electronics Conference focuses on energy-saving products and technologies. In the midst of a recession, it attracted 160 exhibitors, 150 presenters and 1,900 attendees -- all intent of reducing energy consumption and improving the electronics industry's carbon footprint. Cost Optimization: Using SRM to Recover and Manage Storage Costs Cost Optimization: Using SRM to Recover and Manage Storage Costs 13 March 2009 Storage resource management products manage and map the relationship between applications and storage. By finding and freeing storage, and identifying rarely accessed data for archiving, SRM enables enterprises to reduce costs, avoid or defer upgrades, and achieve rapid returns on SRM investments. 2009 Update: What Organizations Are Spending on IT Security 2009 Update: What Organizations Are Spending on IT Security 12 March 2009 This research will help managers compare their security spending with peer organizations. We examine how information security spending will grow, and where organizations continue to make investments. Current economic conditions, however, create significant uncertainties. Best Practices for Lowering Your Storage Costs Best Practices for Lowering Your Storage Costs 11 March 2009 IT and storage operations managers face challenges for controlling costs as the number of products at their sites increases. They can optimize storage infrastructure costs by removing unused, obsolete or duplicate products. Case Study: University of Kentucky Uses Unified Communications to Enhance Communication and Cut Costs Case Study: University of Kentucky Uses Unified Communications to Enhance Communication and Cut Costs 11 March 2009 The University of Kentucky evaluated Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 as a means to offer UC and manage growth of the university's large telephony infrastructure. IT personnel discovered that OCS 2007 could also reduce IT costs and enhance the way people communicate. Seven Smart Steps for Learning Cost Optimization Seven Smart Steps for Learning Cost Optimization 11 March 2009 In times of economic difficulty, companies facing financial pressures will look for ways to reduce learning costs without negatively impacting performance. This report offers seven less painful options to achieve this goal rather than simply slashing the training budget. Is There Anything Greener Than the Dollar? Is There Anything Greener Than the Dollar? 11 March 2009 This note discusses how different enterprises can prioritize the components of a green IT program in order to strike the right balance between short-term cost pressures and longer-term sustainability. Tactical Guidelines for Reducing Your Fax Costs Tactical Guidelines for Reducing Your Fax Costs 11 March 2009 Fax remains fundamental to many businesses' day-to-day operations, but managing fax can be time-consuming and costly. We provide a set of steps that can help you reduce the amount of money your organization spends on fax. Managing Employee Absence: Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder, and Time Is Money Managing Employee Absence: Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder, and Time Is Money 9 February 2009 Measuring and managing employee absence has significant hard cost savings, can improve productivity, and serves as an early indicator of workplace issues. Yet, few organizations measure and manage employee absence effectively. Overview of a Project to Rationalize Your Database Management Systems, 2009 Overview of a Project to Rationalize Your Database Management Systems, 2009 6 February 2009 Today, organizations support too many disparate database management systems at ever-increasing costs. This, coupled with today's economy, has created growing interest in simplifying the database management system landscape. Use Seven Management Work Streams to Drive IT Modernization Use Seven Management Work Streams to Drive IT Modernization 6 February 2009 IT modernization will place increasing stress on the management processes involved in defining and delivering IT services to the business. There are seven key areas where IT management teams can invest in process improvement to make the IT organization fit for the challenge. Save Money Now With Hosted and 'Cloud' Infrastructure Save Money Now With Hosted and 'Cloud' Infrastructure 5 February 2009 Businesses may be able to reap immediate cost savings by deploying applications on hosted or "cloud" infrastructure, rather than in-house data centers. Beyond Survival: Leverage EA Best Practices to Thrive Beyond Survival: Leverage EA Best Practices to Thrive 5 February 2009 During the current economic downturn, it is critical to ensure that EA efforts are delivering and demonstrating business value. This collection of research examines best and worst EA practices that architects should learn to increase their success rate and impact. Q&A for IT Service Desk Metrics Q&A for IT Service Desk Metrics 4 February 2009 IT service and support managers struggle to define, measure and use key service desk metrics to help them understand the quality of service they deliver and drive continuous improvement in conjunction with the Information Technology Infrastructure Library or other process initiatives. Case Study: Cutting IT Costs Can Go Too Far Case Study: Cutting IT Costs Can Go Too Far 2 February 2009 To reduce cost, the financial services support firm reviewed in this Case Study entirely abandoned separation of duties inside its IT organization. The internal auditors have issued a finding, and the firm remains vulnerable to significant downstream liability. Save Money and Time Using Component Content Processes Save Money and Time Using Component Content Processes 30 January 2009 Companies have saved hundreds of thousands (even millions) of dollars with component publishing. To make a business case, content managers and publishing organizations should understand where the savings and efficiency come from. I&O Leaders' Interest in Green IT Mainly Involves Containing Energy Costs I&O Leaders' Interest in Green IT Mainly Involves Containing Energy Costs 30 January 2009 In 2008, electronic surveys given at three major Gartner conferences showed that infrastructure and operations leaders' interest in green IT has increased dramatically. The reasons seem to be more economic than environmental. Survey Results for 2009 Infrastructure and Operations Spending Outlook Survey Results for 2009 Infrastructure and Operations Spending Outlook 29 January 2009 The Gartner survey for I&O spending, conducted at the U.S. Data Center Conference in December 2008, provides a glimpse into the impact the economic climate might have on infrastructure and operations spending and focus. Virtualization, consolidation and storage remain key priorities. Cost Optimization for E-Mail Infrastructures Cost Optimization for E-Mail Infrastructures 29 January 2009 There are numerous ways companies can save money on e-mail infrastructures, from server consolidation to storage optimization and user segmentation models. For IT Cost Optimization, Follow the Money For IT Cost Optimization, Follow the Money 26 January 2009 Average global IT spending is 5.9% of total operating expenses, which means that 94.1% of all costs are outside IT. If your enterprise is looking to reduce costs in 2009, go where the money is. Don't just reduce IT spending; use IT to reduce operating costs in the business. Three Simple Telephone Tips Can Save Time and Money and Improve Productivity Three Simple Telephone Tips Can Save Time and Money and Improve Productivity 23 January 2009 The telephone platform is still a key component of office communications. We present three simple tips that can help the IT department avoid short-term expenditure, and help employees save time and be more productive. Cost Optimization: Three ITIL Processes Can Play an Important Role Cost Optimization: Three ITIL Processes Can Play an Important Role 19 January 2009 Although the Information Technology Infrastructure Library's financial management process framework adds little to reducing operational IT costs, other ITIL disciplines, such as configuration management, capacity management and problem management, play an important role in cost optimization initiatives. Tutorial: Ten Steps for Developing an ILM Strategy for Corporate Data Tutorial: Ten Steps for Developing an ILM Strategy for Corporate Data 19 January 2009 As organizations look to upgrade and modernize their IT architectures, the implementation of a comprehensive information life cycle management plan for each application dataset will not only lead to better information governance but also result in dramatically reduced storage costs. PC Power Management Activation Leads to Significant Power and Cost Savings PC Power Management Activation Leads to Significant Power and Cost Savings 16 January 2009 In an organization, the case for actively directing PC power management is compelling. Substantial power and cost savings can be made with relatively little effort and no impact on productivity. IT Managers Can Actually Increase Their Current Expenses by Eliminating a Project IT Managers Can Actually Increase Their Current Expenses by Eliminating a Project 15 January 2009 As IT managers scrutinize their budgets for ways to save money, they must be extremely careful not to inadvertently increase their expenses as a result of eliminating a project. Staffing the Enterprise Network: How Many People Do You Need? Staffing the Enterprise Network: How Many People Do You Need? 29 December 2008 Our network staffing model helps IT managers estimate staffing requirements and create a leaner and more efficient organization. Cutting IT Costs Within IAM and With IAM Cutting IT Costs Within IAM and With IAM 18 December 2008 Cutting identity and access management costs for the enterprise involves both cost-cutting within IAM initiatives and operations and cost-cutting with IAM initiatives and operations. Pragmatic Guidance on Data Center Energy Issues for the Next 18 Months Pragmatic Guidance on Data Center Energy Issues for the Next 18 Months 24 November 2008 During Gartner's recent data center conference, some important questions were raised about data center spending and technologies. This note codifies the answers and gives tactical guidance on dealing with data center concerns over the next 18 months. Preliminary Findings: 2009 IT Spending and Staffing Report Preliminary Findings: 2009 IT Spending and Staffing Report 13 November 2008 In light of economic uncertainty, Gartner outlines its preliminary key findings regarding IT spending and staffing for 2009. The data collection process will continue until the end of November 2008, so the information reported here will likely vary from what is published in the final report. Tutorial for Creating An Enterprise Metrics Framework Tutorial for Creating An Enterprise Metrics Framework 3 October 2008 Most organizations don't have an enterprise metrics framework in place, yet it is key to success in business intelligence and performance management. Follow the steps in this research to create an enterprise metrics framework for your organization. Tutorial for Using the Gartner Business Value Model to Create an Enterprise Metric Framework Tutorial for Using the Gartner Business Value Model to Create an Enterprise Metric Framework 3 October 2008 One of the biggest challenges to developing an enterprise metric framework is getting started. The Gartner Business Value Model contains business metrics that conform to the best practices for metric selection and provides an excellent starting point for your metric framework. Cost Cutting Using IT Management Practices Cost Cutting Using IT Management Practices 28 April 2008 Key IT management practices can help lower IT costs. The five practices listed in this research can realize up to 5% savings in IT staff budgets and up to 20% savings in total IT budgets. Cost Cutting in IT: Eliminating Hidden Costs Cost Cutting in IT: Eliminating Hidden Costs 14 March 2008 IT organizations can reduce their costs by adhering to finance policies and engaging in some basic accounting tasks.	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