News in the Channel - issue #27

SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE

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the value of infrastructure investments. High-quality, dependable components, smart builds that account for heat generation and other degrading elements and extended warranties all contribute to customer assurance. Agility is also critical. Lock-in strategies may offer short- to mid-term gains but customers are becoming increasingly wary of such constraints. Providing flexible, adaptable solutions will foster trust and ensure long-term partnerships. Additionally, ease of use must not be overlooked. Make it easy for partners and customers to administrate and deploy solutions so they are operationally efficient and feel in control. Ultimately, look beyond the obvious big tech offerings for more bespoke, progressive and transparent partners. The goal should be to push forward rather than revert to outdated approached or limit offerings to generalist technology.

global supply chains. These disruptions could be even more severe than those experienced during the pandemic-related shortages of recent years. The ability to operate efficiently with fewer resources is not only a strategic advantage but may become necessary considering potential extended stock issues. For similar reasons, it is prudent to plan to use underlying core hardware for an extended period. When specifying solutions, organisations should assess their projected performance needs over the next five years – a challenging task, but one that is crucial given the likelihood that future demands will exceed current requirements. Finally, the volatility of energy prices is another factor to consider. Future spikes in energy costs are a real possibility, making it vital to keep energy usage as efficient as possible to minimise shocks and disruption when and if this occurs. Supporting sustainable infrastructure There are clear business justifications for the continued championing of sustainable infrastructure. All organisations should ideally be factoring these elements into their strategic thinking from a purely business perspective, even without considering the broader environmental benefits. Channel partners can be empowered to continue to offer and build out sustainable infrastructure by focusing on several key areas. First, cost is a crucial factor. Solutions must be within budgetary reach and recognise the economic and environmental situation. Affordability should not come at the expense of sustainability or long-term value. Performance is another key consideration. Beware of solutions that, in a bid to meet budgets, constrain the ability to work well. This is a particular concern with big tech offerings, where cost-cutting measures can sometimes hinder overall system performance. Longevity is essential for maximising

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Beware of solutions that, in a bid to meet budgets, constrain the ability to work well...

...This is a particular concern with big tech offerings, where cost-cutting measures can sometimes hinder

The sensible path forward Short-term thinking driven by ever hotter prevailing winds is almost certainly a mistake. The wheel will turn again, and priorities will come back around, especially as the planet warms and our energy needs exponentially increase. In the meantime, sustainable infrastructure remains our best bet regardless, as until channel partners get their own personal nuclear reactors we are likely to be working within ever tighter resources. Using less space and less power, while meeting customer performance and budgetary needs is the only sensible way to go.

overall system performance.

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