Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Effective Asset Management is Imperative- Find out Why

Enterprises have invested in and developed comprehensive IT asset management programs and although some have made significant progress with their programs, many have are struggling with programs that may not be adequate enough. It has become necessary to for enterprises to continue to emphasize cost control for IT assets. For effective and successful IT asset management programs, it is necessary to have a balanced focus on three vital rudiments which are people, process and technology. And enterprises need to develop asset management strategies and identify timelines, risks and business and technology requirements. If your organization already has an asset management program in place then it is the right time to enhance the same with a process refinement. If you are beginning to implement an asset management program, then it is a good idea to focuses more on processes and less on implementing asset management tools. 
Asset Management is an essential enterprise task that facilitates hardware and software management, license compliance, regulatory compliance, and security. An effective asset management important as it can save companies time, money, and lots of management problems. And to have effective asset management, it is clearly necessary to have good information systems. Understanding the processes and examining what is being done, what is managed and has to be gotten out of the assets is also vitally necessary. Although most trends toward system leasing and IT service desk can reduce operating costs, control is essentially important to achieve utmost benefit.
With a good asset management solution, an audit of manufacturer model is provided with the serial number, processor configuration, and even memory installed with free slots making memory upgrades and disposal fully projected up front. As software license compliance requires an accurate audit of all software applications installed on client computers across the network, effective asset management audits this information quickly and also helps an organization to separate primary applications from operating system and shareware software. By recognizing installations of products no longer in use and redundant software, there can be significant cost savings.
Effective IT asset management is imperative for your enterprise as helps realize your business goals by providing financially focused asset data that allows the control of IT outsourcing costs and achieve cost reduction. It also simplifies the growing complexity of license management and provides the foundation for the data in the asset database.

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Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Remote Infrastructure management Services: Infrastructure management for the Gen-Next organizations

In today’s globalized and techno-savvy business environment, IT infrastructure plays a major role and is not limited to just the hardware, software and the related network. With business pace accelerating, organizations from all industrial sectors, are all moving to real-time business models that involve instantaneous information and data sharing. To meet such fast paced competition, these organizations now include a number of factors under the large umbrella of the IT infrastructure with no compromise on quality and security.

IT infrastructure of the present day business enterprises covers aspects like IT policies and strategies, architecture & design, procurement, installation and management of hardware, software and networks and related equipments. Besides, it also includes tools and facilities, IT personnel, IT security, administration, audit, application development, integration and management as well as vendor management. With a large array of services under its umbrella, organizations feel the financial burden in handling infrastructure management services.

A number of organizations have entered the arena of providing infrastructure management services. However, with IT infrastructure spread out to various data centres, the leaders in the field have pioneered the next generation infrastructure management services which would remotely handle the enterprise infrastructure including data center transformation and management, network security.

The remote infrastructure management services would impact 90% of the IT infrastructure and operational expenses. This process involves remote management of workstations servers, network devices, storage devices and IT security devices. The monitoring and management under remote infrastructure services involves a combination of offshore and global delivery centre known as the Operations Management Centre (OMC) or a client operations management centre. These centers are manned 24/7 by trained professionals and are available for anytime support. With a strong focus on Networks Security and ITIL compliance and advanced processes and tools, these enterprises offer services on a Global Delivery Model with higher flexibility, control, quality and low costs. Other functions which are a part of the remote infrastructure services are Proactive monitoring of server and network devices in a Data Center, workstation Management, Server Management, Storage management, Application support, IT security Management and Help desk.

The valuable benefits offered by the remote infrastructure management services showcases why the business houses are ready to outsource these services from experts in this field. For the business houses, these services ensure right sizing of the resources amounting to increased business value, reduced total cost of ownership and overhead costs, which amounts to nearly 60% of the operational costs. Besides outsourcing, this service from the experts in this field provides the client company with technically sound professionals to remotely manage the entire complex IT infrastructure with improved Service level Management. In addition, the client company gets a better ROI on the IT investments and also saves training and upgrading of skilled staff.


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Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Efficient Remote Infrastructure Management For Successful IT

With remote infrastructure service model, many businesses seeking alternative modes for increasing their prospects have produced appealing results. It has also become widely accepted as one of the means to earn attractive profits. IT support organizations, these days offer remote infrastructure management services with enhanced quality and affordability and Infrastructure Management has now become an Industry in itself. Effective IM helps the firms in many ways like reduction in the operation costs, savings in time & resources, effective planning for the core business process, availability of skilled staff.

How efficient remote infrastructure management helps

Remote infrastructure has become essential to help the mobile employees stay in touch and continue their normal work smoothly. Remote infrastructure management has also helped businesses to save their costs on IT asset management infrastructure. It is necessary to have a clear knowledge and understanding about your business environment and have a sound analysis of the customer needs and dependencies.  With remote infrastructure management, proper monitoring of the system performance and troubleshoot the problems should be done. These tools should follow an automated process that ensures maximization of processes and resources, and leverages efficiency.

IT businesses can enjoy the benefits of remote infrastructure services with the help of the cloud computing model. This model provides suitable conditions for high levels of integration in applications and infrastructures. The responses are rapid, and pertinent due to the real-time facilitation of latest and updated information. This is a huge advantage for businesses as they help make important decisions to enhance their performances. As the cloud computing platform is geared up to manage any requirement or demand, storage capacity is no longer a concern. It offers on-premise deployment facilities and furnishes on-demand services with no delays.

Choosing the Service Provider

The remote infrastructure management services have various types of service delivery models which can be used to accomplish the requirements of the customers. Although there have been different vendors as a provider of these services, it is necessary to be aware of the things to choose the right type of provider for business needs. It is firstly important to gain adequate information about the efficiency and the experience of the service desk provider and compare those skills and experience which you require for your firm with the vendor you are going to select. It is always beneficial to select a vendor who has expertise in remote operations as it can help the company to increase its profits.

Remote infrastructure management has been successfully used by large businesses with its combination of costs savings, mature business processes, and focus on business priorities, there is tremendous business growth potential.


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Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Trends in Cloud Computing Services

Today, the concept of cloud computing is nothing new and has brought about a great amount of commercial success in the past few years. It is expected that cloud computing will play a significant role on the ICT domain for the upcoming decade or even more. This is because the future systems will be equipped with the abilities of resource provisioning and managed services.
Cloud computing has generated enough commercial interest not only because it allows high chances of IT outsourcing for minimizing management overhead and expand the existing but limited IT infrastructure but also because they help to bring down the entrance barrier for the new service providers to provide their solutions in order to expand the market with a bare minimum entry price and infrastructure needs. It is a fact that the special capacities of the cloud architecture enable the providers with the chance to experiment with certain kinds of novel services simultaneously minimizing the chances of wasting resources.
However, today we have organizations that rank first in broaching up the subject of Applications and Infrastructure incorporation, and set up models for Business Ready Infrastructure as well partner with the ISV’s and technology based companies to come up with cloud computing services, service operating models and other delivery platforms. These companies act as the Cloud service partners for numerous global organizations with their systematized strategy and offerings.
The cloud computing solutions offered by these companies are all set to alter the manner in which the computing resources are being utilized. The service portfolio includes the following as listed below:-
* Cloud Assessment
* Cloud Implementation
* Cloud Migration
* Cloud Service Management for Private, Public or Hybrid Cloud
At the same time, these companies assist their clients to adopt Cloud by carrying on assessment services on the workloads and then transferring them to appropriate cloud environments. At the same they allow Enterprise Platform as a Service (EPaas) as well as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). They also specialize in innovative managed security services.
However, Cloud systems should not be confused with just any other type of resource provisioning architecture. Cloud computing services has definite features that distinguishes it from the conventional resource and other service provisioning environment and offers effortless management of Cloud as well as legacy architecture.

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Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Professional IT Solutions for Smart and Decisive Decisions in Business

Management of IT processes and components is not child's play. The entire world is in a euphoric frenzy to employ the latest technologies for improving their business profits and gaining more mileage. These businesses often fail to focus on the core necessities and competencies of the business and experience disheartening results. The correct methodologies and the best practices are overlooked giving way to many erroneous implementations that impact costs adversely.

The IT services can be efficiently provided only when there is an effective data center hosting platform. Large deficiencies exist in the data hosting facilities which hinders optimum service deliveries. These facilities lack flexibility and have inefficient and inadequate security solutions. They do not possess capabilities that can help in delivering customized solutions and maximizing resources to positively influence the business ROI and reduce costs. Nowadays there is more emphasis on use of green datacenter services, but hardly any of the businesses have appropriate Green Datacenter processes.

Businesses that follow a chartered strategy where IT processes are optimized and the possibilities of rising costs are reduced are the ones that will experience long term benefits. These IT businesses have awakened to the need for professional assistance in helping them identify their weaknesses and make modifications that complement the business objectives, and produce healthy results. The professional services are provided via the cloud computing process which means that the businesses are provided with the best, latest and effective solutions.

The competent managed desktop services rendered by these IT professionals result in leveraged performances with a good control over redundant processes thus alleviating costs. Intense and proactive security measures are initiated with consistent monitoring and control metrics. The solutions provided are customized that best suit the requirements of the business without causing any conflicts in the environment or any contradictory manifestations. It deploys best practices in conformation with the standards of green technology.

The IT professionals provide unparalleled service desk support that helps the businesses to experience fulfilling and rewarding experiences. The service desks are equipped to handle every function intelligently. It provides extremely gratifying experiences as it helps users to find resolutions, create requests, report incidents and review their status through simple self help controls. It provides assistance in efficient logging and tracking of the incidents and service requests. Normalcy is quickly restored in service operations to ensure that the business does not suffer any major setbacks. Thus businesses that seek the IT professionals' help seldom encounter disappointments.


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Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Simplifying the Implementation of Identity and Access Management

Identity and access management (IAM) technology have become an integral part of security tools, and most enterprises are realizing the value of the same. IAM is fundamentally involved with the establishment of identity components in business processes and technology solutions so that it manages users' identities and offers logical admission to an organization's application. As this technology is used to initiate, capture, record and manage user identities and their associated access permissions in a preset fashion, it ensures that there is information security consulting, and that access privileges is granted according to one interpretation of policy and that all individuals and services are suitably authenticated.

The need for adopting IAM Processes
The need to comply with regulations such as HIPAA, SOX and PCI are driving users to adopt Identity Management technology. It is essential to establish the accountability around data access and management, and it is important that IT provide value to the company's employees by giving them smooth access to the business apps. Without the proper access an executive may not get the required information to close a sale.

Simplifying the Implementation of Identity and access management
An inadequately controlled IAM processes can lead to regulatory non-compliance for the reason that if the organization is audited, the management will not be able to prove that company data is not at risk for being misused. And hence it has become necessary for IT security operations groups to be paying specific attention to IAM providers that are focused on a strategy to simplify the implementation process.

An identity and access management (IAM) program consists of a technology solution interconnected with pertinent business processes, to manage the identity of users and their access to systems and applications in the organization. For any IT application, the access procedure commences with user confirmation and granting apposite access privileges based on the user's role. The automation of these measures is usually created in the IAM program. The IAM program needs to be attentively envisaged, by incorporating sound IT architectural vision to prevent being saddled with IAM silos in different departments.

A few tips for a successful TAM implementation
To avoid implementation challenges like federating identity, risk-based authorization and role management these tips can help.

1. It is important to know where the organization is headed with IAM implementation.
2. Getting the suitable people involved is essential.
3. Implement incrementally: use a phased approach that delivers value early and often.
4. Educate the end users, business and IT staff on the new technology and process changes.
5. An IAM solution needs routine attention to stay in top form.

Although the benefits of
 identity and access management implementation are significant, the organizations that are most likely to realize them are those that have a detailed, realistic implementation plan in place. And by making the implementation process simple, an organization stands to gain a lot.

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Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Asset Management Solutions for Business Reinforcements

A business is largely dependent on IT assets such as hardware and software to pursue and achieve its long-term goals. A combination and collaboration between these assets is necessary to ensure the fulfillment of the goals. There is never an ideal situation where all the assets are compatible and a cohesive environment is fostered. Due to the changing dynamics the business has to constantly keep updating its processes with advanced assets that provide better scope for enjoying more enriching returns. The potential security risks looming in the vicinity are immense which calls for a proactive attitude and robust solutions that helps in establishing a vigilant and compliant environment.

The cloud computing model has proved to be a great advantage for businesses as it renders cost-efficient and effective asset management solutions. It provides capable asset discovery services and helps in creating and maintaining hardware and software libraries. It provides the best solutions for configuration management, software license management, procurement management, request and approval process management, contract management, supplier and vendor management, re-deployment and disposal management.

The cloud computing services are promptly furnished on-demand without any delays. The services are latest based on real-time reports thus giving the businesses an opportunity to make quick and critical decisions with the prospects of making decisive impacts. The businesses that employ the cloud computing model are guaranteed complete security with stringent and exacting security standards. An integrated infrastructure is deployed which encourages compatibility with all the existing business applications and network systems. The processes are simplified and easy to operate thus delivering a unique and enriching user experience.

A streamlined and automated IT outsourcing asset management process is deployed which leverages the help desk efficiency and delivers excellent performances. The users can easily search for solutions, create requests, report incidents and review the status of the submitted reports. The cloud computing model is also helpful during any accidental mishaps or unwarranted circumstances as it helps to restore the normal operations without wasting much time or causing any adverse effects on the business.

Asset management is an overwhelming challenge that can misguide the business processes. Errors cannot be afforded as every minute of the production process is precious. Carelessness or a negligent attitude can result in time-wasting methods that will yield no results. Cloud computing is the best option that helps businesses to move in the right direction steadily, securely and with a well-thought strategy. It is advisable to implement solutions that enhance efficiency and help in empowering the businesses.

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Friday, November 11, 2011

Gaining Extra Mileage with Remote Infrastructure Management

As the competition in the business world is gaining pace it is becoming extremely difficult to implement models for generation of high quality results without any daunting demands on cost. It has become a truly intimidating challenge for the businesses to incorporate new and better methodologies without affecting the finances. Many businesses seeking alternative modes for increasing their prospects have adopted the remote infrastructure service model that has produced some appealing results and is being widely accepted as one of the means to earn handsome profits.

As the number of mobile workforce is increasing daily a business has to also ensure that the IT services are provided to this section to facilitate their operations even while on the move without causing any detrimental effects. In such a scenario remote infrastructure is a necessity that can help the mobile employees stay in touch and continue their normal work smoothly. Remote infrastructure management has also helped businesses to save their costs on IT infrastructure. Although this model has shown some remarkably positive results there are few issues that cast some doubts such as security and integrity, inadequate supply of skilled professionals, proficient tools and physical infrastructure.

Every business that adopt remote infrastructure management services should be furnished with highly integrated tools that demonstrate high levels of intelligence and insight that render optimum results. These tools should follow an automated process that ensures maximization of processes and resources, and leverages efficiency. The tools must deliver real-time reports that are required for critical business decisions. A standardized process must be enforced and a high level of network security is essential.

IT businesses can enjoy the benefits of remote infrastructure services with the help of the cloud computing model. This model provides conducive conditions for high levels of integration in applications and infrastructures. The responses are quick, and relevant due to the real-time facilitation of latest and updated information, and this is a great advantage for businesses as they can make critical decisions to help augment their performances. Storage capacity is no longer an issue as the cloud computing platform is equipped to handle any requirement or demand. It provides on-premise deployment facilities and furnishes on-demand services without any delays.

The cloud computing services maintain stringent security parameters with honorable, reliable and consistent monitoring, authentication and assessment capabilities, and provide relief to businesses from malicious intentions. Cloud computing is also considered a favorable option that helps in carrying out healthy IT operations with less energy consumption.

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Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Simplifying the Implementation of Identity and Access Management

Identity and access management (IAM) technology have become an integral part of security tools, and most enterprises are realizing the value of the same. IAM is fundamentally involved with the establishment of identity components in business processes and technology solutions so that it manages users' identities and offers logical admission to an organization's application. As this technology is used to initiate, capture, record and manage user identities and their associated access permissions in a preset fashion, it ensures that there is information security consulting, and that access privileges is granted according to one interpretation of policy and that all individuals and services are suitably authenticated.

The need for adopting IAM Processes
The need to comply with regulations such as HIPAA, SOX and PCI are driving users to adopt Identity Management technology. It is essential to establish the accountability around data access and management, and it is important that IT provide value to the company's employees by giving them smooth access to the business apps. Without the proper access an executive may not get the required information to close a sale.

Simplifying the Implementation of Identity and access management
An inadequately controlled IAM processes can lead to regulatory non-compliance for the reason that if the organization is audited, the management will not be able to prove that company data is not at risk for being misused. And hence it has become necessary for IT security operations groups to be paying specific attention to IAM providers that are focused on a strategy to simplify the implementation process.

An identity and access management (IAM) program consists of a technology solution interconnected with pertinent business processes, to manage the identity of users and their access to systems and applications in the organization. For any IT application, the access procedure commences with user confirmation and granting apposite access privileges based on the user's role. The automation of these measures is usually created in the IAM program. The IAM program needs to be attentively envisaged, by incorporating sound IT architectural vision to prevent being saddled with IAM silos in different departments.

A few tips for a successful TAM implementation
To avoid implementation challenges like federating identity, risk-based authorization and role management these tips can help.

1. It is important to know where the organization is headed with IAM implementation.
2. Getting the suitable people involved is essential.
3. Implement incrementally: use a phased approach that delivers value early and often.
4. Educate the end users, business and IT staff on the new technology and process changes.
5. An IAM solution needs routine attention to stay in top form.

Although the benefits of identity and access management implementation are significant, the organizations that are most likely to realize them are those that have a detailed, realistic implementation plan in place. And by making the implementation process simple, an organization stands to gain a lot.

Other Links

Thursday, October 20, 2011

The Significance of Green IT in the Data Center


Essentially green IT focuses on the use of Information Technology in an efficient manner that concentrates on energy savings. Going Green can be both environmentally responsible and cost efficient for the enterprise. A successful green initiative not only increases the availability of IT infrastructure but also helps reduce costs for the enterprise. True green IT focuses on reducing the carbon footprint and goes further to educate and engage the community in the ways of green computing to give back to the community and the environment. It can also be a platform to bring in a new level of discipline in IT provisioning and management. Green IT has tremendous significance, whether you're looking at specific practices from power management to virtualization or taking a top-level look at corporate sustainability goals.

The Green Data Center
Data centers represent the starting point for green IT initiatives in most companies. Data centers are found in nearly every sector of the economy, including financial services, media, high-tech, universities, and government institutions. An efficient, well-designed datacenter is important for every organization as it can reduce down-time, enhance output and reduce operation and maintenance costs. Perhaps the biggest benefit is that a properly maintained datacenter can save significant capital expenditures by eliminating the need for upgrades.

The key aspect to achieving a Green Data Center is power management. A green data center is a repository for the storage, management, and dissemination of data in which the mechanical, lighting, electrical, and computer systems are designed for maximum energy efficiency and minimum environmental impact. As companies spend the same on cooling in the data centre as they do on electronics, there is a need to optimize and take the green initiative. Among the other widely reported practices, companies are using to green their IT departments are power management and the adoption of cloud computing services, or Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) projects. Looking at more long term solutions, the data center footprints can be transformed more sustainable strategies like consolidation and virtualization.

Is virtualization the answer?
By virtualizing, a single piece of hardware functions as multiple pieces. Different user interfaces isolate portions of the hardware, and make each one operate as a separate entity. In data centers, installing virtual infrastructure allows more operating systems and applications to run on fewer servers, which reduces overall energy use and cooling requirements. Virtualization will be the highest-impact trend changing infrastructure and operations through 2012, according to Gartner, as it has the potential to play a much larger role in the quest towards Green Information Technology (IT).

Data center managers will not replace their existing management tools and vendors will have to work to cover more platforms and help customers manage heterogeneous environments. An enterprise must look at all the aspects of the environmental impact to achieve energy efficient and clean IT.

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