News

Advice for IT professionals: Quit whining, start planning-HP official says get ready for coming rebound

Message to information technology professionals: Stop the whining. Start preparing for the inevitable economic rebound.

Julie Howard
The Idaho Statesman

Being ready to move forward when the economy does is critical to future success, according to KC Choi, Hewlett-Packard Co.´s west region technology director. Choi spoke to IT professionals on Tuesday at the ITEC trade show, which concludes today at the Boise Centre on The Grove.

ITEC, which is geared toward IT managers and professionals, includes seminars and product displays that center on helping businesses improve their network systems and conduct e-business.

Choi´s keynote address focused on ways HP has identified to help companies weather the stormy economic climate without sacrificing future success.

“There will be an economic comeback, and what you do during this period is key,” said Choi. “Businesses need to get more out of the assets they have and make sure they´re aligned with their business priorities.”

Technology products targeted to the bottom line are important to companies in consolidation mode, and Choi said those products might be software, not hardware.

Choi said HP helped the package delivery company DHL consolidate its 24 worldwide data centers down to two, beefing up servers that would handle the same amount of information. The company saved millions of dollars, Choi said.

IT professionals have a tougher sell to their own bosses when it comes to updating and replacing equipment because of a disillusionment that technology alone will drive business.

“Eighteen months ago, they bought anything that was cool,” said Choi. “These days, we´re much more concerned with return on investment and the business value it provides.”

Work needs are different today because of widespread layoffs, leaving fewer people doing the same amount of work, said Choi. People are seeking “comfort products” that ease their work lifestyle, he said.

With that in mind, HP has partnered with T-Mobile and Starbucks to create wireless environments so overworked individuals can take their laptops and do online business over a latte.

“We want to help people do work where and when they want to,” he said. “So we´re getting communication access to places where people want to congregate.”

To offer story ideas or comments, contact Julie Howard
[email protected] or 373-6618

http://www.idahostatesman.com/Business/story.asp?ID=26057

Posted in:

Sorry, we couldn't find any posts. Please try a different search.

Leave a Comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.