Question:
What to Consider When Selecting Computer Network Technology
Cost effectiveness-All organizations have a budget implemented to enhance performance and productivity levels, in which case technological advancements and upgrades are usually outlined within the parameters of the budget and are essential to the organizations growth. As a result of corporations cutting back on expenditures, the company's focal concern should be based on whether or not the network is cost effective. Organizations desire a network that is a perfect combination of advanced performance and high quality reliability. Managers, leaders and/or supervisors should ask themselves the following questions before finalizing the purchase decision such as; how does this new technology tie in with our budget? What is this system going to cost us? What is the predicted ROI (return on investment). How is the new network better than the old network? What are the pros and cons associated with this change? Can we maintain the same operability with the new system as we did with the old system? How does this system differ from the other system? And, how will this network benefit our organizational practices.
Energy efficiency-To ensure that an organizations network is operating at its optimum capacity, managers should make sure that the system they implement is energy efficient. Energy efficiency is also another method of cost effectiveness. For example, computer networks should be timed to shut down or to enter sleep mode in an effort to prevent power surges, or increased electricity bills. Not only is energy efficiency a feasible option for preserving the lifespan of computers, it is also a reliable source of energy conservation. "A well-designed ENERGY STAR qualified computer will not lose its network connection, which could lead to a loss of data, while in the low-power or sleep mode. Additionally, ENERGY STAR qualified computers with networking capabilities have the ability to enable and disable Wake On LAN for Sleep mode, allowing greater use of low power modes without a loss of IT system maintenance capabilities." (D.O.E. 2010).