When it comes to determining the specific network service levels that business units require, it is a mistake to deliver more than necessary. In fact, unwarranted network service levels create many enterprise problems and do not benefit the business units. Network organizations should consider the following points as they review current and future service level needs:
- Service level costs and complexity versus actual needs.
- A methodology to identify and validate network service levels.
- Negotiating service levels with business units and management.
There may not appear to be a noteworthy difference between a 2 and a 1.5 second network response time. However, the related costs and technical complexity to achieve the shorter time can be daunting and wasteful unless there is a strong value proposition to do so.