Despite Promises, Computer Networks are Getting More Complex

If there ever was an industry that perpetually promises “New and Improved,” it’s the IT industry. I can’t think of another high-ticket item that loses value and performance as quickly as a computer does. Selling a two-year-old computer is nothing like selling a two-year-old car, for example. You get my point.

Moore’s Law (which states that the number of transistors in a dense integrated circuit doubles every two years) has given us computing power which grows exponentially over time (which is partially why computers don’t hold their value, by the way). I think we all naturally assumed that because of this never-ending improvement, computers would eventually become nearly trouble-free.

Well, don’t hold your breath. We’ve been supporting computers and computer networks for nearly twenty years, and our data shows that the exact OPPOSITE is happening. Computers and network infrastructure generate more errors and require more support interventions today than ever before - even though today’s computer components are the most capable ever.

In other words, increased dependability does not appear to be one of the benefits we’re reaping from improved computer processors, etc. But why?

I think computer technology has been a victim of its own success. Increased capabilities came with a price: increased complexity. As components improved, the possibilities grew, and technology companies moved at break-neck speed to transform the possible into the commonplace.

Securely connecting to my Indianapolis network from a coffee shop in Sacramento, CA on a laptop AND a phone was a crazy pipe dream ten years ago. Today it’s commonplace. Think of all the moving parts and innovations that made this possible.

Twenty years ago if I wanted to service a computer network, I walked into a physical building and there was the network. Not so any more. Where IS the network these days? It’s everywhere, and so are our employees, and so are our software and hardware vendors, and so is our data, etc. etc.

Don’t get me wrong – I’m a huge fan of the plethora of technology improvements that have totally changed the way I “use computers to do business.” I can work from anywhere in the world. I can work from any internet-connected device in the world. I can sleep at night knowing I’ll never lose a bit of data. My technology is all working very, very well for me these days.

BUT…. Remember that I have some very experienced planners and engineers coordinating my entire computer experience and strategy. Yes, I guess you would say I “eat my own cooking.” My clients’ support staff and engineers are my own “computer guys” too. More than you would believe, I’m just another Promethius customer.

In other words, I don’t think I would be nearly as happy a camper if I had to figure out all my technology by myself, nor would I be nearly as effective. I guess what I’m really trying to convey with this article is that if we want to leverage all the good out of all this technology innovation, we need to expect bumps along the road, and we need the help of seasoned experts.

If you’re experiencing troubles/frustrations with your computer network, reach out to me. I “know a guy.”