IT hardware and software wouldn’t interoperate without standards, but implementations of those standards are constantly evolving. We usually expect infrastructure to last a long time, but how do we best build for the future? Do we hold on to a tried-and-true implementation because it’s cheaper and less disruptive (10/100 Ethernet, for example), or do we go all in on a new course to ensure future performance scalability? In this session, we’ll consider how best to answer those questions.

Often, the decision comes down to specific use cases. We’ll probably have a different answer for IT infrastructure in properties leased for the short term versus properties we’ll own over a long term, for example, and then there are unconventional venues to consider. During the session, we’ll consider key factors such as current versus future needs for throughput, capacity, power, security and manageability, and we’ll also consider risk versus cost.

We'll also have some workable rules of thumb for IT planners in any given situation.

This event qualifies for BICSI Continuing Education Credit.