Tool

Info-Tech Research Group has established that savings through lower one-time and ongoing server acquisition costs is the strongest argument in a business case for server virtualization. Use this calculator to get a broad sense of the...

Tool

Use this tool to estimate SharePoint development/customization TCO, whether you are outsourcing development, doing all the work in-house, or taking a hybrid approach.

Tool

Each organization will have different priorities for the use of Software Assurance (SA). Use this tool to calculate the true dollar value of SA to build your business case for or against SA in your organization.

Solution Set

Desktop Virtualization adoption has more than doubled in less than two years and is approaching it's full potential with new technology working for broader use cases.

Note

Software Asset Management (SAM) is a formalized process used to minimize the risks associated with pirated or non-compliant software, reduce software costs, and create efficiencies in procuring, managing, and distributing software.

Solution Set

This solution set will provide guidance on how best to manage your hardware and software inventory process, plus helpful tools and practical advice on conducting an audit.

Tool

This License Inventory template can facilitate license tracking in time of audit, and can be used as part of the due diligence process in creating formal documentation of licensed assets.

Note

Less than half of surveyed companies purchasing Microsoft software spend significant efforts to prepare for software negotiations. With Microsoft comprising more than 50% of a company's software budget, this could be leaving considerable money...

Template/Policy

Create a company software requirements profile to improve your negotiation tool kit, and be firmly in the driver's seat during Microsoft software license negotiations.

Tool

A technology roadmap documents past upgrades and prepares for future technology rollouts, providing a comparison to Microsoft's expected upgrade cycle. Use this tool to document previous and future upgrade cycles in the enterprise.

Solution Set

Microsoft has multiple licensing options to provide flexibility for various sized organizations, commitment levels, and product usage. This adds greatly to the complexity, causing many companies to buy into the wrong program and therefore overspend.

There is a significant cost reduction opportunity in consolidating smaller SQL databases while upgrading to Microsoft SQL Server 2008. Over time, smaller databases have proliferated within many enterprises (serving departmental or line of...

Desktop virtualization has transformative potential for how desktops are managed - moving from desktop asset management to providing desktops as a service. End user experience is a critical limitation of remote access virtual desktops. In View...

Three quarters of organizations investigating desktop virtualization don't consider any vendors beyond VMware or Citrix. These two vendors, however, approach virtual desktops from very different angles. Understand the pros and cons of the two...

28-Sep-09 It can be a juggling act to curb unnecessary costs on additional software licences while ensuring there are enough licences for all users. IT departments will often procure more seats than they actually require so users don't run...

Microsoft has been talking about virtual desktop infrastructure as part of its dynamic infrastructure initiative for 18 months. However, when the actual product was called for, the practice has been to point to partner Citrix. This will change...

Failure to choose the right software license can lead to inflated costs and unused software, which most small enterprises cannot afford. Select the right licensing arrangement by understanding the nuances of available licensing arrangements.

Note

Failure to choose the right software license can lead to inflated costs and unused software. Select the right licensing agreement by understanding the nuances of available licensing arrangements.

(29-Jul-09) - EBay Inc. is building new software to run its Skype Internet-calling service, a bid to sidestep a licensing dispute with Skype's founders, who have threatened to take back the underlying technology. Click here for full article

Desktop virtualization is a game changing technology that can reduce IT operational costs while increasing efficiency and agility in desktop management, says Info-Tech Research Group. 30% of IT leaders have plans to implement a Desktop...

Podcast

Microsoft licensing is a significant cost driver for most IT organizations. Finally, there's a rational approach that can be used to determine whether the organization is overspending in this area. This podcast will provide guidance for...

Podcast

4:18 minutes - This podcast discusses how to save on desktop licensing by minimizing switching costs, dropping Software Assurance, and harnessing virtualization for the reduction of underutilized licenses.

Video

Microsoft licensing is a significant cost driver for most IT organizations. Finally, there's a rational approach that can be used to determine whether the organization is overspending in this area. This webcast will provide guidance for...

Cutting back on service levels, negotiating with vendors, and implementing good application maintenance processes can yield short and long-term cost reduction results with minimal consequences on day-to-day business activities. Assess the area...

Plant or facility closures are often executed with accelerated timelines. Working against a comprehensive checklist, IT managers can ensure the project runs safely and efficiently.

Any small enterprise that wishes to create an agile, highly optimized server infrastructure can do so using the hardware and tools currently available. The utility infrastructure will continue to evolve and improve as more server rooms migrate...

Windows 2008 Datacenter Edition is the best way to license Windows for virtual server environments. It has also been called Microsoft's virtualization tax. Understand how Windows server licensing works on a virtualized environment in order to...

Tool

Growing small and mid-sized enterprises often develop a need for time reporting capabilities. Use this shortlist preparation worksheet to evaluate enterprise Time Reporting Solution (TRS) requirements and develop a listing of suitable vendors.

Note

On-demand or Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) time reporting solutions are a relatively commoditized market. However, distinctive differences still exist between products. Small and mid-sized enterprises must look beyond the standard time reporting...

With multi-core processors becoming the standard for new x86-based servers, the data center inventory must now include processor-cores as a key component. Not only will this metric impact upgrades, replacements and virtualization options, but it...