The following is provided by a guest contributor, Mary Hester.  Hester is the Chairman & CEO of LAN Systems, which provides IT solutions to Atlanta area businesses.

You’ve had your business desktops for a couple of years and they have gotten noticeably slower. The staff wants new, fast and fancy PCs but you are just not sure if that is a good use of your resources. You want everyone to be as efficient and productive as possible so it’s time to do a computer ROI analysis.

When discussing desktop upgrades, there are several strategies to use and many ways to mix-n-match them. You can upgrade your existing desktop to extend its life, you can move to a desktop virtualized environment, you can use online software services or you can use a combination of all. This overview gives some of the most common choices, but it is not exhaustive. There are many ways to solve this complex issue.

If you have desktops that the user accesses for programs and files, consider these ideas:

• Upgrade the memory
• Move local disk storage to a server
• Use external drives to expand data storage
• Replace CRT monitors with LCD panels. Consider dual monitors for users that use many application windows or do considerable cut-and-paste.  Most users that use the dual monitor arrangement declare it makes them more productive and less likely to make mistakes!
• Tune-up the PC.  Scan, clean and remove unneeded programs and files.  Sometimes reinstalling the operating system and applications can fix a host of problems, but it can be time consuming.
• If you are looking at upgrading the operating system or application software, consider going to desktop virtualization or purchasing a new desktop.  Often, these choices can be a more cost-effective solution.
• If the desktop is not worth upgrading, consider donating to a non-profit that can make good use of the equipment. You’ll want to remove data and verify the software licenses.
• If you have to dispose of computers and electronics, please choose a responsible recycling program.

If you are considering desktop virtualization on your own server, you should know:

• This strategy can significantly extend the life of the desktop.
• The user will get their desktop and applications from the central server not locally.   Most of the processing is done by the server, so the desktop only uses a small amount of resources.
• Choosing the right desktop virtualization software is essential.  There are many different offerings with different feature sets.
• Review application licensing to see what costs will be incurred in going virtual.
• Do a complete cost analysis to make sure you get your ROI.

Consider online software services (SAAS):

• Evaluation costs over your ROI period
• Consider hosted email, spam and virus protection
• Look at other hosted software like email marketing, sales, contact management, and accounting to replace in-house software

If used wisely, your computer system can be one of your best competitive advantages.   Often minor changes or upgrades that are quite economical can give you the biggest returns.  If want to discuss these and other ideas, please contact me.

Below is the contact information for our guest contributor:

Mary Hester, CEO
LAN Systems
Phone: 770.662.0312
Website: www.LANsystems.com
Email: mary.hester@lansystems.com
Twitter: @LANsystems

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