subject: Strategy Tip - The Backup Hardware Play [print this page] Strategy Tip - The Backup Hardware Play Strategy Tip - The Backup Hardware Play
Always have a backup plan. When it comes to network and telecom hardware, that means playing the strengths of what a few additional units on the shelf will do for you:
-- Stocking backup routers, switches, firewalls, etc. will come in handy during an emergency. Sure, they
may be covered under maintenance, but you might still be down for a period of time. You can always preconfigure the units so that if the time should come, you are ready.-- Sometimes having additional units will be more cost effective than having maintenance contracts.
CiscoSmartNet, for example, oftencosts more than a good quality used piece of equipment. Also, you always have a tangible asset that you can use for making changes/additions to the network ... the maintenance contract may get you nothing.
-- Keeping extra phone sets have always been a great idea due the nature of how they're treated by their users. After a phone goes down, your fellow co-workers will appreciate how fast you got them a replacement.
When you have mission critical units in play and you're thinking about this strategy, ask yourself :
-- Will having a backup provide me the response I need to get back online if a problem occurs?
-- Does my current hardware provider have the backups I need and can they get them to me overnight?
-- What is the total expense of hardware upfront versus the expense of being down?
It pays to formulate a strategy and make relationships with 2-3 vendors that can accomodate your wishes.
