Stretching your network budget: Tips from the analysts

Tom Nolle, president, CIMI Corp.

1. Migrate from leased lines to any of the 'virtual' services: frame relay, ATM or virtual private network.

2. If your frame relay traffic consists mostly of data files that are being copied and sent back and forth between headquarters and branch offices, consider sending the files as e-mail attachments over the Internet. Then reduce your frame relay bandwidth.

3. Perform a risk analysis and determine whether you really need all those expensive backup systems that never get used.

Jennifer Pigg, senior vice president, data communications, The Yankee Group

1. Perform an audit of all private lines to determine which ones you've been paying for that haven't been carrying any traffic.

2. Switch from a private to a public data network.

3. Consolidate WAN data networks onto a single technology.

4. Consolidate WAN access, putting data, voice and Internet access onto a single circuit-switched connection.

5. Implement an Internet fax server.

6. Design a service-level agreement that meets your requirements, and make sure your carrier is complying.Determine what compensation is due your organization for missed goals.

7. Investigate low-cost, remote-manageable WAN access hardware devices, such as frame relay access devices, Integrated Access Devices and enhanced DSU/CSUs.

Laura DiDio, senior analyst, Giga Group

1. Become a beta tester; you'll get your hands on the newest technology ahead of your competitors and get good deals on the products.

2. Reduce labor costs by hiring college or even

high school whiz kids.

3. Don't be afraid to barter for goods or services.

4. Send your staffers to get trained on the latest technologies; it's more cost effective than trying to go out and hire new people.

5. Do your homework and find out the street price for products before you talk to your vendor's sales representative.

6. Get tough when it comes to negotiating with vendors. Write up a wish list of items you want the vendor to throw in, such as free onsite tech support; determine what you want to pay for the contract; and challenge the vendors to meet your demands.

More tips:

Consolidate
Server consolidation brings million-dollar savings

Standardize
Setting standards makes life easier.

Automate
Using automation to chip away at network costs.

Negotiate
Nice guys finish last in contract negotiations.

Delegate
Outsourcing offers new lease on your network.

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