CIOview eUpdate
Should I Stay or Should I Go?
Mapping the Route to 64-bit Computing

The Clash unleashed some of their punk-rock fury on America by singing:

Now there is an answer to this quandary. CIOview has developed a standardized, three-part methodology to analyze the impact of running Oracle Database or BEA WebLogic on a 64-bit as compared to a 32-bit architecture. The CIOview framework lets you try different scenarios, then tie your estimates into the rest of your decision-making process.

In Step 1 you'll decide whether you'll receive any benefits from 64-bit processing. Although 64-bit hardware typically costs more up front than more standard 32-bit servers, you still may be able to reduce your server requirements and the associated overhead on your data center resources if your application will benefit from more memory, higher bandwidth, or better floating point performance.

Step Two is to analyze the implications of 64-bit processing for your application and management software. Along with the actual application or applications you wish to run, your operating system, middleware, and network system all must have 64-bit versions.

In Step Three you'll survey your 32-bit environment and compare it to a 64-bit deployment. Your analysis must look at the actual amount of time necessary to upgrade your hardware, install new software, and migrate and optimize your code. Each computing option will have a different set of trade-offs within your organization. For example, setting up a 64-bit architecture is an opportunity to consolidate server resources, but you'll either have to purchase all new servers or else manage separate islands of 32-bit and 64-bit computing.

For many companies the whole issue of 32-bit versus 64-bit will represent a clash of philosophies, a clash of economics and perhaps even a clash over what a good valuation methodology should be. However, where there should be no difference of opinion is in the fact that a conscious decision has to be made whether you stay or whether you go! To help with that decision, you'll find a detailed white paper on this topic on our web site.

The critical step in finding a solution to whether you should stay with 32-bit or go to 64-bit is to perform a reliable analysis based on trustworthy data. CIOview soon will be releasing BEA and Oracle project tools that will help your organization decide whether 64-bit is right for you.   More info

TCO. ROI. NPV. IRR. EVA. . . An alphabet soup of financial metrics, some new, some tried and true, is swamping project managers today. As your planning group begins to shape the framework of your deployment analysis, the first step is to ensure there is shared agreement on which benchmarks best serve your needs, and why that is so. This concise CIOview White Paper provides not just the definitions for each of these popular metrics but, more importantly, explains exactly what each can - and cannot - accomplish for you. Read it now. See all CIOview's White Papers on the financial impact of technology.

Did you receive this e-mail from a colleague? Want your own? Click here to sign up and receive CIOview's eUpdate first-hand. Keep up to date on topics like 64-bit computing and server consolidation. Register now!

ROInow! Consultant is the Swiss Army Knife of ROI analysis software. Contact CIOview to arrange a web-based demonstration and find out how CIOview's unique, easy to use software can quickly get you to a detailed ROI report customized to your IT initiative. Email us now, or call CIOview Sales at 978-635-9540.

All contents are Copyright © 2005 CIOview Corp. All rights reserved. Patents pending. CIOview® and ROInow!® are registered trademarks, and TCOnow!™, SecurityNOW!™, Simplifying IT Purchasing™, Business Value Library™, CompareITnow™, Real-Time TCO, and Real-Time ROI™ are trademarks of CIOview Corp. Disclaimer: This information is provided to you as a tool "as is" with the understanding that there are no representations or warranties of any kind either express or implied. CIOview disclaims all warranties including, but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. More information.