Comments on: Start simple: a corporate desktop/laptop refresh model http://www.peterkretzman.com/2008/05/29/start-simple-a-corporate-desktoplaptop-refresh-model/ Intensely practical tips on information technology, by Peter Kretzman Thu, 20 Nov 2008 10:22:41 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.2 By: Peter Kretzman http://www.peterkretzman.com/2008/05/29/start-simple-a-corporate-desktoplaptop-refresh-model/#comment-1426 Peter Kretzman Tue, 03 Jun 2008 00:03:32 +0000 http://www.peterkretzman.com/2008/05/29/start-simple-a-corporate-desktoplaptop-refresh-model/#comment-1426 Well, a spreadsheet will get you 80-90% of the way there, for sure. What it won't get you, without being endlessly tweaked and enhanced, is integration with other systems (e.g., HR, Finance), or tracking of other equipment besides just laptops/desktops. A good ITAM system will do "discovery" on your network, which brings you to a whole new level of complexity, data issues, and optimization possibilities. My major point in my post is that I've seen organizations hold back, wanting to have it all even though they had almost nothing. Hence, "start simple." But by no means stop there! Thanks for the question, Jim. Well, a spreadsheet will get you 80-90% of the way there, for sure. What it won’t get you, without being endlessly tweaked and enhanced, is integration with other systems (e.g., HR, Finance), or tracking of other equipment besides just laptops/desktops. A good ITAM system will do “discovery” on your network, which brings you to a whole new level of complexity, data issues, and optimization possibilities.

My major point in my post is that I’ve seen organizations hold back, wanting to have it all even though they had almost nothing. Hence, “start simple.” But by no means stop there!

Thanks for the question, Jim.

]]> By: Jim Tabor http://www.peterkretzman.com/2008/05/29/start-simple-a-corporate-desktoplaptop-refresh-model/#comment-1425 Jim Tabor Mon, 02 Jun 2008 20:52:53 +0000 http://www.peterkretzman.com/2008/05/29/start-simple-a-corporate-desktoplaptop-refresh-model/#comment-1425 Great post, and really useful spreadsheet. Your right. None of the companies I've been at have managed their desktops and laptops well. None of them could have answered any of your sample questions! Here's my question--if I use the tool you provided, what more do I really need? How would asset management software (more than just a souped-up spreadsheet like you provided) help me further? Great post, and really useful spreadsheet. Your right. None of the companies I’ve been at have managed their desktops and laptops well. None of them could have answered any of your sample questions!

Here’s my question–if I use the tool you provided, what more do I really need? How would asset management software (more than just a souped-up spreadsheet like you provided) help me further?

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