Overcommitting network service levels beyond those that business units actually require can be a costly mistake. In fact, unwarranted service levels can create support problems for the IT organization and increase business unit frustration. IT groups should consider the following points to identify and validate their network 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.
At first glance, there may appear to be little distinction between a 2 or 1.5 second response time. However, unless service levels are properly validated, IT organizations and their business unit clients will not realize any benefits.