The eternal struggle: Standardization versus Customization
Posted in Service Management Update on Nov 11th, 2008 No Comments »
Although not as epic as the battles between good vs evil, chocolate vs vanilla, or eagle vs shark, the battle between standardization versus customization is one that presents a fundamental challenge to any organization when it comes to managing their IT infrastructure, and in particular, their desktop environment. Ultimately we are making a decision between standardization (which brings with it the potential for a reduced total cost of ownership and consistency in hardware, software, operating systems and drivers etc) and customization (which introduces flexibility in offerings, tailored solutions, and of course, Apple Mac’s into the traditional PC/Windows environment).
Of course recent events have helped those who are pro-choice (Apple or otherwise), such as the release of open standards, virtualization for server environments and cross-platform applications. But when you add the time/effort/resources/$$$ required to evaluate compatibility of IT changes (Change Management anyone?) with all these different platforms, machines, drivers and OS combinations then the conservatives begin to score a return few points in their favour. Similar skirmishes are also being fought on the handheld front, with Blackberrys, iPhones, Windows Mobile variants and Google’s new Android platform all seeking to occupy that valuable real estate in your trouser pockets/handbags.
On a personal note, I will be honest and admit to using an Xbox 360 console to satisfy any gaming cravings I might have from time to time. Despite the many arguments against consoles, the one thing that can’t be argued with is their simplicity in getting the job done. Put in game, pick up controller and away I go. I’ve got the cash to buy the latest and greatest PC to play the same games (using a mouse and keyboard for FPS fans), but what I don’t have is the time and patience to perform hours of investigation and diagnosis into complex and obscure driver/hardware/Vista conflicts that are part of the landscape of PC gaming. Is the modern IT organization any different? (Except for not having the cash..)
While I think competition and choice is a great thing for everyone, with decreasing budgets provided to fund IT (especially IT Service Management) can we really afford the luxury that endless customization provides?
Maybe freedom isn’t free….. (to quote a the song)
Tim Malone
ITSM Educator
