Automation: An Ingredient of Success

By: Scott Jarvis
Submitted: 2008-03-18 15:17:40
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As is normal in the world of computers things change rapidly and there’s always a bigger, better piece of software or hardware waiting in the shadows patiently for its chance to dethrone current technology.  This is perhaps even truer when dealing with technologies surrounding networks.  Though it’s been in existence for some time aspects of IT automation are just beginning to take foot within businesses.

When it first began to make it’s rounds in the business world, IT Automation was extremely expensive to have implemented and the technology was in an obviously unproven state.  As time went by and the technology advanced more businesses began to take notice and begin implementing things like Run Book Automation and ITIL automation.  These businesses quickly discovered that implementation of such things freed up not just network resources but human resources as well.

Prior to implementation the majority of businesses whom relied on their networks for business were frequently forced to dedicate one or two individuals to a network for the sole purpose of tracking down bugs and then manually create patches for those problems. This naturally consumed payroll and did not allow talented individuals to assist in the creation of new applications, perform alpha and beta testing, and even keep things running smooth for those in the company who used a computer. As it became known that automation would free up these types of resources and allow the network to patch itself this technology really began to garner attention from businesses that may have once been apprehensive about adopting a new technology.

These days the majority of companies be them small or large have implemented some type of automation.  Some have begun to use services like ITIL Management while others still have gone to full automation and streamlined their IT staff considerably, saving their company both money and time. In fact those companies who do not plan to automate to even a small degree should take heed and learn from those who’ve already chosen that path.  Data Center Automation has become such a powerful tool that those that choose not to automate often find themselves struggling to keep applications online and running properly and generally have no choice but to employ an unnecessarily large IT staff.  In many cases these companies have failed and are no more however it’s never to late to begin the automation process.

As with all things once it approaches commodity status and is no longer the new thing prices drop, healthy competition takes root, and there are endless choices both in terms of services and cost for entrepreneurs and IT professionals to consider.  Most experts predict that the majority of networks will be completely autonomous by 2016 and while that’s difficult to argue, it may happen much sooner should the technology continue on the road it’s on.

Article source: Expert Articles