Go to page: 1 2 3   

Printer Friendly Version

Another new feature is ID Vault. This stores copies of every users ID file in a central administration database. This ties into the new Notes client so when a user forgets their ID password they can reset their password themselves. This can cut down on help desk calls which can help with your support costs.

Consolidate

I've explained how things like DAOS and the new compression technologies can actually save you disk space on your servers. Also, with the new I/O efficiencies, you can put more users or applications on the same hardware. These two things could allow you to consolidate servers and free up hardware for other needs.

Virtualize

This isn't Lotus specific per se, but you can use virtual machines to place multiple servers on a bigger piece of hardware. For example, you could take five existing Domino servers all on their own hardware, and move them to one large piece of hardware that can host multiple virtual machines.

This saves money in a variety of ways. For one, a single big piece of hardware requires less power than five separate boxes, it also puts out less heat so it costs less to cool in your data center. And it also takes up less space in your data center, which in some cases can also save you money. Also, less power means you are more green, so in addition to saving money, you are helping reduce carbon emissions.

Telecommute

The Lotus Notes client is very well suited for use by telecommuters. You can set up Notes in various ways to allow replication through your firewall. If you open port 1352 in the firewall, you can tell the Domino server to encrypt traffic on that port for security.

You could also have one server in your network's DMZ that you can use to pass-through to your internal servers.

What this all means is that you can allow your end users to access all of their Domino servers securely from home without VPN software. You can also set up replication so they can work locally and even in an offline fashion.

If you make an employee a telecommuter, you can reduce your office space. The user also doesn't have to commute to work, so it saves them money and hassle. As a side effect, it's good for the environment, and with Sametime web meetings and instant messaging, employees can still be connected while not being in the same office.

In larger companies, think of the savings you could get back if you got rid of a whole floor of office space for your sales group if they can now work from home. Also, in these tough economic times, many companies will not be able to give raises this year. In lieu of that, allow employees to work from home. It's a nice perk that still puts money back in their pocket while saving money for you.

Utilize Other Operating Systems

Lotus Domino servers can run on Linux. The savings you can see on this may vary, so you would have to do your research first to make sure, but you may be able to move servers to Linux and save yourself some money in Windows upkeep costs.

You would probably have to have Linux experience in house to make this cost effective, but it may be another way for you to save. For what it's worth, the Lotus Notes client can run on Linux too, so if you have users that want to move to Linux for their desktop OS, they could be supported and may help you save money as well.

Go to page: 1 2 3   

Printer Friendly Version