- May 1, 2006
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- Alex
I post this because I like to think that we're not the only ones feeling a hardware vs. software conflict.
Traditionally we have been far beyond the typical dealership in providing the latest and greatest computers and equipment for our employees. With the economy down-turn we have not done much in the way of upgrading our machines, but have continued working with vendors who are extremely proactive. Our vendors are definitely the best, but as they roll out new things our hardware is certainly showing serious signs of being outdated. We are going to do something about it, but we have a debate as to which is the best way to go.
1. Virtual PC's for non-management positions with a massive server (least expensive way to go)
2. Continue to upgrade Thin Clients/Neowares for non-management positions (medium-expensive of the list)
3. Buy all new PC's for every sales agent, and cycle Thin Clients to non-management/non-sales positions. (most expensive)
Aside from moving to Virtual PC's, we're playing in the 6-digit territory no matter which way we go, but the struggle comes in balancing who wants what.
IT Department: can manage Thin Clients and Virtual PC's remotely with less concern for security breaches and viruses because they're essentially only managing one big computer.
CFO: cheapest thing that will get the job done with the most amount of security
Sales Department (all): Fastest machine possible that will allow full utilization of the newest goodies vendors roll out.
Service & Parts Departments: Whatever will run the DMS, Parts ordering, OEM software, and Service scheduling software. However, they recognize that Fixed Operations is getting ready to receive a technological shot in the arm and will have larger hardware needs in the very near future.
Management: already equipped with decent PC's, but some are in need of more RAM and Quad Core processors. Managers need serious multi-tasking capabilities.
Our vendors: some are vehemently opposed to virtual PC's and Thin Clients. Most don't support them whatsover.
With that last statement about our vendors' stance, you'd think this was an easy decision, but the money is probably the biggest issue. In order to get to where our vendors want us to be, we're looking at a mouth-dropping sum of money that requires a lot more investment on our IT department's time.
Is anyone else in this same boat? Has anyone made any policy changes such as making the sales staff responsible for providing their own hardware (almost everyone has a laptop or is willing to invest in one)?
Traditionally we have been far beyond the typical dealership in providing the latest and greatest computers and equipment for our employees. With the economy down-turn we have not done much in the way of upgrading our machines, but have continued working with vendors who are extremely proactive. Our vendors are definitely the best, but as they roll out new things our hardware is certainly showing serious signs of being outdated. We are going to do something about it, but we have a debate as to which is the best way to go.
1. Virtual PC's for non-management positions with a massive server (least expensive way to go)
2. Continue to upgrade Thin Clients/Neowares for non-management positions (medium-expensive of the list)
3. Buy all new PC's for every sales agent, and cycle Thin Clients to non-management/non-sales positions. (most expensive)
Aside from moving to Virtual PC's, we're playing in the 6-digit territory no matter which way we go, but the struggle comes in balancing who wants what.
IT Department: can manage Thin Clients and Virtual PC's remotely with less concern for security breaches and viruses because they're essentially only managing one big computer.
CFO: cheapest thing that will get the job done with the most amount of security
Sales Department (all): Fastest machine possible that will allow full utilization of the newest goodies vendors roll out.
Service & Parts Departments: Whatever will run the DMS, Parts ordering, OEM software, and Service scheduling software. However, they recognize that Fixed Operations is getting ready to receive a technological shot in the arm and will have larger hardware needs in the very near future.
Management: already equipped with decent PC's, but some are in need of more RAM and Quad Core processors. Managers need serious multi-tasking capabilities.
Our vendors: some are vehemently opposed to virtual PC's and Thin Clients. Most don't support them whatsover.
With that last statement about our vendors' stance, you'd think this was an easy decision, but the money is probably the biggest issue. In order to get to where our vendors want us to be, we're looking at a mouth-dropping sum of money that requires a lot more investment on our IT department's time.
Is anyone else in this same boat? Has anyone made any policy changes such as making the sales staff responsible for providing their own hardware (almost everyone has a laptop or is willing to invest in one)?
I'm sorry to laugh, but I have certainly found "job security" to be a high priority when looking at various folks in the IT field. I can't say how much of that priority is at play within our own organization, but I'm glad you said it and not me.
