NETWORK COMPUTER

Network Computer



Network Computer

Task 1:

Today's enterprise network provides more than simply a technology infrastructure. It's an enabler for the enterprise, supporting mission critical applications, creating operational efficiencies and increasing productivity gains. While the infrastructure provides the very foundation for the organization and its initiatives, the business strategy must drive the development of the enterprise network, ensuring it supports today's requirements while evolving to meet tomorrow's demands.

  A multivendor network strategy supports the idea that in order to truly align the enterprise infrastructure strategy with business requirements, organizations must be free to choose the solutions that best meet their unique needs and based upon open standards, not proprietary, closed systems. Business imperatives and strategy should drive network infrastructure strategy, not the other way around.

Advantages of a Multi-vendor Network Strategy

The Power of Choice 

Unlike single vendor strategies that require the enterpriseto conform to a sole equipment provider's point of view, a multi-vendor network strategy empowers enterprises with thfreedom to choose. The network strategy should be built upon an open standards-based solution that fits with the business' vision, a path for network evolution, and best of breed innovations that deliver a competitive edge (www.dlink.com).

Best-of-Breed without Compromise

With the network becoming a vital component of the overall business strategy, enterprises shouldn't be forced to sacrifice one area of the network for another simply because a vendor's product portfolio constraints demand it. A truly sustainable, evolutionary network foundation needs to have very component of the network firing on all cylinders a multi-vendor network strategy allows an enterprise to do just that. While single- vendor strategies force the enterprise to settle for what one provider has to offer for each area of the network, a multi- vendor strategy enables a true best-of-breed solution that is optimized to perform across the enterprise.

Flexibility That Drives Innovation 

When networks are built upon open standards, enterprises have the ability to adopt new solutions as the business grows and needs change, or as new and improved solutions become available. Because a multi-vendor strategy is inherently an open-standards strategy as well, vendors must continue to innovate to create competitive advantage, driving new advances that result in higher performance solutions. A single-vendor with a broad portfolio of products will by its very nature always have products that lag behind others due to resource allocation, disparate product lifecycles and shifting areas of focus. Furthermore, a single-vendor strategy results in a lock-out strategy for any are competing vendors even when they offer a superior solution. A multi-vendor network strategy based upon open standards doesn't demand that you sacrifice innovation or flexibility. In fact, innovation and flexibility are its very by products (www.dlink.com).

Reducing Risk - And Costs 

While reliance upon a single vendor creates significant risk for enterprises, a multi-vendor network strategy actually mitigates risk by reducing exposure to a single vendor's decisions, from arbitrary product rationalization and service discontinuation to pricing increases. But the risk reduction benefits of a multi-vendor network strategy don't end there. Because while a single vendor strategy puts the enterprise at the mercy of a sole source that can drive costs up through mandatory upgrades, compulsory support programs and equipment packages that include products that don't necessarily meet your needs, a multi-vendor strategy actually promotes cost reduction. By creating a level playing field where partners must earn business through best-pricing, comprehensive service programs and added value, vendors in all areas must demonstrate commitment to earning your business - today and every day. 

Leverage the Enterprise's Expertise 

No vendor understands your business and its network requirements as well as your technical staff. To move forward with a single-vendor strategy is to abdicate control over the decisions your technical staff is trained to make and instead places the control of your network destiny directly into the hands of a third party. A multi-vendor strategy ensures that you are at the ...