Is bandwidth always the answer? - Article - Global Services

In the midst of a global downturn that has seen worldwide IT budgets cut for the first time in ten years, the CIO might be forgiven for thinking access technologies do not need their immediate attention.

But, as BT's James Moore points out, they remain a key battle ground, accounting for between 50% and 80% of the cost of operating a network, and may demand closer inspection.

Access technologies include leased lines, the most prevalent types of network access, and nearly ubiquitously available globally, and DSL. In remote areas, satellite technology can bring down the cost of access significantly, but making the right technology decision is vital.

The deployment of new applications, often essential in order to maintain a sustainable competitive advantage, can see bandwidth usage grow three- or four-fold, and the impact of this on network access can very quickly have a critical business impact.

Investment in access technology is subject to a trade off between quality and service levels on the one hand, and cost on the other. But access that is not sized properly for an enterprise can carry a hidden cost - too high for the demands of a corporation and money is wasted. However, access that is too low at a critical site within an enterprise can lead to complete business paralysis if access fails.

Getting this balance right requires the consideration of the CIO, and needs to be treated as a corporate priority. Decisions about access need to start with the needs of the business, and take into account the demands of the application infrastructure as it evolves in the future.