Writing Storage RFPs in 2011 (Spring 2011)

The data storage industry has changed dramatically over the past few years. The traditional Request for Proposal (RFP) does not address these changes or the challenges faced by IT organizations. Therefore, a new way of defining storage requirements to leverage this evolving technology is needed. This tutorial defines the “must-have” criteria that should be included in any data storage RFP in the current era. Performance, scalability, and resiliency are given; but new challenges will arise around power consumption, space requirements, and overall cost containment. In addition, accommodations for developing technologies such as server virtualization and Green IT must be designed into the RFP. Attendees of this session will receive an RFP template designed specifically to take advantage of current storage and IT technologies.

Learning Objectives

What are the most important buying criteria for storage in 2011
How to structure an RFP that gets differentiated responses from vendors
How to approach vendors via the RFP process in a way that gets results