Budgets are either stagnant or shrinking, and net executives are being forced to do more with less - less money, less new gear and often less people. Below is a compilation of Network World articles, newsletters and columns you can use to make the most of your budget and resources. If you have an idea or best practice you'd like to share, contribute to our More with Less forum and see what your peers are doing.
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It's time for tactics
Just because you don't have a huge budget doesn't mean you should sit back and watch your network atrophy. Some carefully planned and economical tactical moves can provide tremendous advantages.
Network World, 10/22/01.
Time to review IT budgets
Freezing your IT budgets is not the way to go.
Network World, 10/01/01
Slim budgets test users' creativity
How net execs are stretching their dollars.
Network World, 10/01/01.
Setting your IT spending priorities
Though your management may have instructed you to cut your IT budget, there are some areas where it makes sense to continue to invest in new technology.
Network World, 07/09/01.
Controlling communications costs
Are your teleworkers costing your firm a fortune?
Network World, 07/09/01.
Getting the IT house in order
Selective spending, not slashing, is the name of the game these days.
Network World, 03/28/01.
Cut carefully
Where to scale back your network budget while leaving big projects intact.
Network World, 01/29/01.
Economic slowdown to test net execs' mettle
Network and IT executives need to rev up a different set of management skills to handle their staffs, budgets and development efforts.
Network World, 01/08/01.
Surviving slowdowns
Tips that can get you through the tough times.
Network World, 01/08/01.
Equipment
Ease of use: No small part of TCO
With many network products becoming commodities, the ease with which they can be set up and maintained looms ever larger as an important factor in the "total cost-of-ownership" equation.
Network World, 10/29/01.
Deep discounts
Cisco and other vendors are offering up big savings on
network equipment - if you know how to ask.
Network World, 10/15/01.
Server blades set to invade enterprise nets
Small, specialized servers called blades can save companies hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Network World, 10/15/01.
X10: A low-tech power-line net with high-tech uses
Here's a way to remotely switch devices on and off or transfer small amounts of data without futzing with expensive network gear.
Network World, 10/15/01.
Purchasing pointers on when to shell out the dough for new equipment and when it's better to lease.
Network World. 9/17/01.
Auction action
Online bids for net gear reap big savings.
Network World, 08/06/01.
Tips for getting the most out of your WAN
Recommendations for getting the best bang for your WAN buck.
Network World, 08/06/01.
The ABCs of preparing thorough RFPs
You'll save by preparing an RFP.
Network World, 07/23/01.
Used goods
Follow these guidelines for buying reconditioned network equipment.
Network World, 01/24/00.
Staff
Virtual teams, real benefits
Organizing IT into virtual teams extends capabilities and saves money.
Network World, 9/24/01.
Testing the limits
Networking certification exams can be given online and save money.
Network World, 08/20/01.
Is free training really a bargain?
While free educational opportunities abound, experts warn of shallow offerings.
Network World, 08/06/01.
Tools
Finalizing fine filtering
Proxomitron is a free - and excellent - Web filter proxy.
Network World, 10/08/01.
Network management for next to nothing
Tools for managing networks without breaking the bank.
Network World, 07/02/01.
The price is right: 10 free management tools
If the thought of paying hundreds of thousands of dollars for an enterprise net management platform is getting you down, you may be relieved to know that dozens of free management tools are at your disposal.
Network World, 02/26/01.
Monitoring for free
The lowdown on WebTelemetry, a free Web site monitoring system.
Network World, 01/01/01.
Management on the cheap
Here are 10 network and systems management tools that are free (or awfully close to it).
Network World, 05/10/99.
More management on the cheap
Eight more network and systems mgmt. tools that are free (or close to it).
Network World, 06/07/99.
Vendors
Managed hosting vendors winning converts
Outsourcing services promise to lift IT burdens and lower costs.
Network World, 10/22/01.
Out of chaos will come desirable new services
The pressure on carriers to increase revenue is driving them to roll out lower-cost, higher-performance services, which can prove a boon to companies.
Network World, 10/22/01.
Don't rush to farm out the review of bills
A guide to whether you need an outside company to review your telecom bills.
Network World, 10/15/01.
Negotiations: Upside of a downturn
One of the great advantages of a market downturn is that vendors get hungry - and hungry vendors can provide lower costs and better services, at least for purchasers who are willing to dicker.
Network World, 08/13/01.
Crafting contracts with escape routes
First and foremost, keep in mind your biggest weapon when dealing with carriers is your ability to walk away - without paying a hefty penalty.
Network World, 06/04/01.
The art of carrier negotiations
Read about the tried-and-true processes that will help ensure your company gets the best possible services.
Network World, 05/21/01.
Contracts should focus on total revenue
This little-used contract approach should have far broader appeal.
Network World, 05/14/01.
Power at the negotiating table
The trick is knowing how to handle negotiations from the start.
Network World, 12/25/00.
Finding cash in bad bills
Auditing your telecom bills can save you thousands.
Network World, 03/20/00.
Getting a better deal
Tips for holding your own at the negotiating table.
Network World, 02/21/00.
Save money now
Five fundamentals that can help you save thousands in telecom costs.
Network World, 12/07/98.
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