Technology Allowance

[Dan Rector]

We're starting to look at another round of technology upgrades for staff. The last few rounds we standardized hardware and software so that everyone was on the same playing field. That's certainly an option again, but I'm seeing some companies move to a technology allowance and give the individual user choice of what equipment they want to use as long as it meets certain standards and compatibility requirements.

When we first started this our staff was much less tech savvy. We now have a younger and more tech aware group and in some cases (media creation for instance) the 'standard issue' system doesn't really cut it for long, and then they have resorted to using their own personal systems to accomplish the job.


Have any of you moved to this model? If so, what are your experiences?

Dan

[Esoteric]

I have many clients that do this actually. For example a large church in the area has three video content guys. Two of them prefer Final Cut Pro and the other one loves Adobe Premier. They are each allowed to use the software they want as long as their work meets the specs.

Now the only problem is when guy #3 moves on, then they may have to buy another license for FCP if the guy replacing him prefers FCP (unless they hire a Premier specialist). Unless they have a site license (which I believe they did for FCP but not for Premier).

Mike

[Paris MkVI]

I firmly believe in letting the task define the tools. Sometimes it is absolutely essential, especially in media.

And I don't just mean video. Just turn your graphic artist loose on an underpowered system with inadequate storage and RAM and then make them turn stuff out in Photoshop and other apps. Watch their hair turn gray and fall out. Watch them age before your eyes. Hear them growl to themselves when they leave for the day to go home and get the job done on a decent machine on their own time.

Let the task define the tool.

[Toetagger]

I think a hybrid approach would be best. Meaning there is an allowance but maybe 2 or 3 options to choose from with the option to "build your own". Meaning if someone doesn't know what to pick they can just order something premade but someone who is tech savvy can go get something that meets the requirements and tailors to their specific needs and/or preferences.

[hubbytait]

Keep on updating on dis...

[jonack]

We have a stepped approach. It takes a bit more energy to keep up, but here is how it goes:
Power users get their desktops/laptops replaced every 2-3 years depending on machine and software. When it is time for their CPU's to be replaced the latest and greatest is purchased and their "old" machine gets moved to the 2nd level with is the almost power users. Those are the people who don't need as fast of machines, but often do a lot of repetitive tasks(database searches, web updates, etc.). Then we move the next machines down to those that just do admin work, volunteer stations or we donate the boxes to charity.

The key to this type of setup is having a really thought through plan. We choose not to give allowances based solely on one thing: what happens when that video editor leaves? The church could have dropped $5-10k one one machine and software. Once they are gone, how do you get the software or machine back based on a 3-5 depreciation schedule. Some software is way cheaper for a non-profit (Adobe has great deals on their non-profit stuff), but it can't be loaded on a personal machine and can't be given away as per their EUL.

It seems to me like technology allowance is great for PDAs (what are those again?!), cell phones, iPad's, etc. but not for computers and software.