Utility computing is the key to achieving good return on investment (ROI), automating the mundane and adding value to the businesses a company serves.
This is according to Veritas` John Poulter, VP of sales for emerging markets, who delivered the keynote address at the launch of the Veritas Vision conference taking place at the Sandton Sun today and tomorrow.
Poulter said the key to utility computing is heterogeneous software, since not all customers have the same platforms.
"The vast majority of customers see the cost benefits of heterogeneous software, as well as the benefits of software that can drive multiple platforms, while they don`t want a single vendor stack," he said.
"Another advantage of heterogeneous software is that it offers flexibility in moving to a new operating system."
He believes it is necessary for IT to evolve where it is better aligned with business, and it must move away from the traditional concepts of distributed proprietary infrastructure, arbitrary service levels and labour-intensive management.
"There are five steps to achieving utility computing. First it is necessary to know what you have in the business, then you must consolidate what you`ve got, after which there is a process of standardisation, which is, in effect, a cost saving measure.
"The fourth step is that of automation, where you create a predictable environment and finally you reach the stage of service, where you can begin offering IT as a business service."
He says that because utility computing offers better ROI and lowers costs, a company can therefore use these efficiency savings to fund new investment.
"This becomes a growth cycle, as the more a company delivers, the happier the customers are, meaning that the business gets more customers, which leads to higher revenue, which in turn means the company can therefore invest in better technologies to drive the cycle over again.
"Veritas has had a record first quarter this year, which means we have the revenue to invest even more in the technology and products our clients want," said Poulter.
He said Veritas estimates that over the course of 2004, it will invest $337 million in such technology and products.
"Ultimately, it doesn`t matter what size business you have, utility computing is important. All a smaller business needs to do is to pick the parts that are suitable and necessary for that particular size organisation."
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