Are You More Than Just a Cost Center?: Page 2 of 2

The server administrators were in a tough spot for a while, adding so many new machines so quickly that many were running out of data center space, while, at the same time, the cost to power and cool them was skyrocketing. But now, thanks to server virtualization, they can talk about how they are consolidating servers, increasing utilization rates, and cutting the cash needed to power and cool their machines. They can say they're going green and saving money.

I'm sure that some of you, savvy survivors that you are, have developed arguments and strategies to make the case that storage is more than just a cost center. And I am asking you to share those tips. We all know of the obvious arguments: We needed to backup and have a disaster recovery plan in case a hurricane or tornado hits and you can point to the Gulf Coast in case somebody needs more convincing. And rules and regulations regarding compliance and audits and data protection are another driving force, not to mention the cost of eDiscovery.

But that's playing "prevent defense" and rarely scores points. There have to be good, impactful reasons that can be presented to show why storage is more important than it seems on the surface, why the business needs to invest in these technologies, and why there really is a return on that investment.

Many storage managers may not have had to present such a case until recently. But those that find themselves in that position need to know which arguments were effective and which ones didn't work and how you modified your case to get the resources you needed to do your job. Please share your success stories by clicking the "discuss" link below. Your fellow storage managers will thank you.