How to reduce hidden costs and find secret savings in a VoIP rollout

Networking Technology Update This newsletter is sponsored by DataDirect Networks Storage Solutions that Enable Semiconductor Design for Manufacturing (DFM) EDA tools used for DFM are helping overcome the physical challenges associated with producing semiconductors based on complex designs using nanometer technologies. However, the tools are only as good as the storage systems upon which they rely. An S2A-based storage system enables the swift, reliable operation of these leading edge DFM tools and the machines used for photomask production, assuring faster time to market with reduced risks. Networking Technology Update, 07/25/07 How to reduce hidden costs and find secret savings in a VoIP rollout By Robin Gareiss One of the key issues in implementing VoIP is cost. Until around 2005, organizations that implemented VoIP did so because of its real or perceived cost savings over traditional telephony. Get more out of your IT dollar Business Services Management lets you get more out of your IT investments by aligning business goals and your core infrastructure. Network World Editor-in-Chief John Dix and IDC Research Manager Stephen Elliot examine BSM's benefits and how enterprises are starting to take advantage of this strategy. Attend now! In many cases, they did find substantial savings by eliminating costly third-party contracts for moves, adds and changes (MAC), reducing the amount of cabling required in new buildings, or leveraging idle capacity in their data networks. Indeed, those savings existed, but so did additional costs -- effectively negating any net savings for the first 12 to 18 months. For the past two years, cost savings has been a secondary driver to "futureproofing" the network. IT executives see IP as the platform for the future, and they want to be prepared for new applications -- starting with voice -- within a converged infrastructure. As a result, they are more accepting of VoIP's hidden costs, such as consulting, training and ongoing maintenance. The focus has shifted from proving the business case of VoIP vs. TDM to the business-case vendor comparisons. In other words, it's no longer a matter of whether a company switches to VoIP; it's a matter of when. For more on this story, please click here.

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Contact the author: Gareiss is executive vice president at Nemertes Research. She can be reached at robin@nemertes.com. This newsletter is sponsored by DataDirect Networks Storage Solutions that Enable Semiconductor Design for Manufacturing (DFM) EDA tools used for DFM are helping overcome the physical challenges associated with producing semiconductors based on complex designs using nanometer technologies. However, the tools are only as good as the storage systems upon which they rely. An S2A-based storage system enables the swift, reliable operation of these leading edge DFM tools and the machines used for photomask production, assuring faster time to market with reduced risks. BONUS FEATURE IT PRODUCT RESEARCH AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Get detailed information on thousands of products, conduct side-by-side comparisons and read product test and review results with Network World’s IT Buyer’s Guides. Find the best solution faster than ever with over 100 distinct categories across the security, storage, management, wireless, infrastructure and convergence markets. Click here for details. PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS AVAILABLE You've got the technology snapshot of your choice delivered to your inbox each day. Extend your knowledge with a print subscription to the Network World newsweekly, Apply here today. International subscribers, click here. SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES To subscribe or unsubscribe to any Network World newsletter, change your e-mail address or contact us, click here. This message was sent to: networking.world@gmail.com. Please use this address when modifying your subscription. Advertising information: Write to Associate Publisher Online Susan Cardoza Network World, Inc., 118 Turnpike Road, Southborough, MA 01772 Copyright Network World, Inc., 2007