We specialize in the Costing of Shared Resources. Shared Resources can now consist of commodity (Open Systems), proprietary (mainframes or specialized solutions), or some combination of both (Software Oriented Architecture). A single Resource can also be shared in a dedicated and/or community manner.
We understand these sharing requirements and utilize Metering and Workload technologies for our offerings. These technologies allow us to accurately attribute community based usage for one or more systems, even if they are different platforms or processing power. Our solutions allow a client to know relevant technical and cost information in support of IT requirements that include:
- IT Governance Support
- ITIL Service Management
- Capacity Management
- Chargeback / Showback Information
- Bill of IT
There are several ways that our clients can leverage their Costing requirements:
- Local Installation: This option allows for an in-house solution that is in complete control of the client. The client also has unlimited access to the report design, ad-hoc analysis, and other capabilities of the product. This option is best suited for the larger clients seeking an in-house Costing solution.
- Offsite Services: This is a suite of customized services that are performed offsite for a client that needs a Costing solution. The client performs the data collection, but we provide the Costing process. This option is best suited for the smaller clients seeking a Costing solution but do not have the resources or desire for a formal in-house capability.
- Consulting: We provide consulting services that assist clients in defining their Costing requirements. These services are suitable for any size client, and can be provided both onsite and offsite.
Products
We offer two types of products that can be installed locally by the client: Agents and the Value Manager. The agents are provided free of charge and allow for the collection of information from different platforms. The list of supported platforms includes: AIX, Solaris, Windows, etc. The Windows agent will also collect the information regarding SQL Server and Exchange.
The Value Manager product is available on a subscription basis and is installed locally on a client’s Windows based system (PC). The local product installation allows the client to control all the Cost processing required for their business needs. The client has access to the business centric tables that can be updated when required, and allows for up-to-date business metrics.
With the Value Manager, the client has access to the in-built report designer, data analysis and export functions, and the other capabilities that are required for Costing oversight. These capabilities provide the most leverage for the IT group.
Services
While services are normally performed offsite, it is also possible to arrange for special services to be performed onsite. Regardless, the services provided are customized to the client’s requirements.
The range of services performed is based on a client’s needs. The on-going services generally consist of those services that would normally be performed by the client in-house. This includes the importing of data and the generation of the reports on a regular basis. Reporting frequency is normally monthly, but could also be quarterly, annually or some other frequency as required.
For services, there is generally a set up process that is required. During this process we will meet with the client either onsite or via web conferencing. The client will be guided through the process in a manner that ensures the client’s needs are met. Based on the client’s requirements, several service options will be provided allowing for an “ala carte” Costing process.
Consulting
It is not possible to define all the consulting services that we can provide as they are tailored for the client from our solutions, but they will generally be based on the client’s Costing requirements. All that is necessary is a need for Costing information by a client and we will be able to tailor a consulting program that will leverage the skills and/or knowledge of the organization.
Some of the consulting services that can be provided include:
- Costing Program Definition and Setup
- Service Catalog Definition and Support
- System Normalization
- Metering Education and Setup
- Chargeback / Showback Systems
- Bill of IT
