Understanding the IT Challenge
Start with the goal: Hardware and Software exist not for their own sake but to support the processsing of your information. IT enables this process by giving users equal access to software and other information resources. This access must occur in a mixed environment: old and new computers, Apple, Windows, or Linux. Access must be simple, fast, secure, and reliable. Access should be flexible enough to use from home or any other location.

Variables and Constraints
How to deal with older computers that have trouble handling new apps?
How to efficiently handle updates or new programs without touching each computer?
How to provide each user with the appropriate tools while keeping information secure?
How to handle issues like antivirus and backups without relying on user involvement?
How to prevent technical problems from interfering with the business process?
How to cope with growth?
How to treat computer technology as a utility, like electricity or plumbing?
How to do all these things cost effectively?

Evaluating Potential Solutions
There are two approaches to networked computer technology -
traditional client-server computing and server-centric computing.