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October 23, 2007

WAN Optimization -- Where Should It Go?

We just submitted our thoughts on this topic in a Network World article this week:

http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/frame/2007/1022wan1.html

More and more, we are seeing customers integrating their WAN optimization deployments within their Integrated Services Routers (ISR). Whether it's part of a larger router refresh project or they have open slots in their existing ISR, the value is increasingly clear at both a technical and business level of leveraging a single chassis for WAN connectivity and acceleration.

From a business-level, customers like Norcraft (a leader in kitchen and bathroom cabinetry) have seen cost reductions in rack space, power, MTBF and fewer support contracts that can total up to 70% less operating expenses (see linked story above). From a technical level, seamless integration with existing WAN and router-based services like QoS, monitoring and reporting are equally or even more important, as many VoIP customers can attest to when their QoS (and VoIP quality) is impacted.

What are your thoughts on WAN optimization and where/how it should be deployed? What's worked for you or your industry colleagues?

Find out more of our thoughts in this paper posted at Webtorials:
http://www.webtorials.com/abstracts/Cisco90.htm
www.webtorials.com

Posted by Mark Weiner at 01:19 PM Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

October 17, 2007

How Important is Green?

Let me put the anti-flame disclaimer up immediately- Power and cooling efficiency is massively important! It is a top-of-mind consideration for every major IT vendor right now as well as investors in above-said IT companies as well.

When I ask 'How Important?' though I mean in relative perspective. If I were to define 'Top Tier Considerations for IT Asset Acquisition' I would list some of the following - in no way intended to be exhaustive but if there are others to add please respond.

Does the product/solution work?
Is it stable?
Can I manage it with my tools?
Can my organization operate it?
Does it have business value, is there a benefit for implementing it?
Will it last as long as its depreciation schedule? Longer?

Let's call these top-tier purchasing criteria. Second tier would be things like-

How much does it cost?
How power efficient is it?
What is the customer service like?

The reason I put these as a second tier are because it doesn't matter if the device in question is much less expensive if it doesn't work, doesn't last as long, causes more problems with stability than it solves with function, etc.... similarly a device that uses 1000kw/h less than its competitor but doesn't last as long, have the same capabilities to solve your business problems, or is unmanageable by your staff isn't worth the efficiency gain.

But I may be wrong. :)

Will power/cooling efficiency become a top-tier criteria?

Posted by Douglas Gourlay at 08:55 AM Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)