Matching hardware to needs in IT infrastructure: investing in the right hardware is crucial.

• Author: Harrington, Susan
• Position: TELECOM & TECHNOLOGY

When does a business know it's time to upgrade hardware components of IT infrastructure? Sometimes, upgrading can help increase productivity and decrease downtime. First though, it's essential to find out what hardware needs actually exist. The next steps lead to getting the right hardware.

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First Make a List

Start with an inventory assessment of existing hardware and the job duties, tasks, and software it is used for. Then list any inadequacies and limitations hoped to be overcome by new hardware solutions. Finally, list any hardware needs that are completely unmet.

Next assess the current software being used and correlate that to the hardware in terms of speed, storage space, server needs (cloud or onsite), and amount of time the software is typically used. Include email, cloud-based software, applications, and interactions, as well as software utilized and housed on each individual workstation or device, plus share drives and server-based software.

Also list monitors, screens, video-conferencing equipment, cameras, back-up devices, printers, 3D printers, telephony, routers, the keyboard and mouse used for each workstation, and any other peripherals connected (wired or wireless) to the company IT infrastructure.

Don't Forget

For retail and wholesale components, include point of sale hardware. For companies that are ingrained in social media, don't forget cameras, phones, tablets, pads, and other devices used to create and share. Drones and GoPro are other hardware options that are growing in business use.

The cloud is another consideration once the assessment is complete. Would it be more advantageous for the server to be in the cloud than in the back room? Internet speed, need, and availability will play into this decision, along with costs.

Get Professional Help

Consult with IT specialists to determine best solutions once hardware needs have been assessed and the information is compiled. Some companies may be able to address this with inhouse IT staff, others may benefit from partnering with an IT support company that offers implementation and consulting services.

Whether developing a cloud or a path to a cloud, some semblance of a network, server, and data storage is required to make it all work smoothly. The more multi-faceted, complex, or graphics intensive the work being done, the more robust the hardware needed. For example, workstations for architecture, engineering, construction, publishing, media, gaming...