It seems like everyday that computer technology leaps forward with yet another breakthrough, but not all break throughs are easily understood and the benefits may not be clear to the end users. 64 – bit computing has left the consumer a little confused to say the least.

And in the case of IT managers and Computer Support staff, do they really need 64-bit operating systems on their or their users Pc’s or do they really need specialist CAD workstations?

Whilst many firmly ignored the advent of the arrival of a commercially available 64-bit systems because of driver support under Windows XP, now that Vista is firmly entrenched (there’s no getting away from it) IT support staff and business owners really do need to understand what this means to their power users as opposed to ignoring it which many still are.

Rarely will they be tasked or have the remit to increasing business productivity. So more often than not hardware supply is aimed at office user level and if an employees needs are greater tough, there pleas for better equipment will be ignored!

Equally where there is an understanding or even a willingness to listen, there is often lack of interest to do anything about it as it will upset the status quo or will be an extra drain on the IT budget that has not been provisioned for.

Mention CAD to your average IT support technician and you will see them mumble something technical and run the other way.

This unfortunately is an understandable reaction as no matter how competent the support staff are, they rarely have an understanding about specialist software and hardware requirements, and equally to be fair it is a little unreasonable to expect them to know unless they are exceptionally familiar with this environment.

If a user is making a noise then they are obviously seeing issues that need addressing and in some cases talented design professionals will seek alternative employment if their pleas are not being heard.

If your business or the business you support is involved in Digital Content Creation (DCC), Mechanical CAD (MCAD), Electronic Design Automation (EDA) etc. then it is vital (if you care about beating the competition) that you understand your IT policy may be seriously undermining the productivity and effectiveness of the business.

Any good business owner will understand the return on investment that an increase in productivity or a reduction in costs and penalties will give them. And given a reasonable justification why would they not want the business to be more profitable?

Often where IT support staff are told there is nothing else in the budget they will accept that and do the best they can given the restrictions. But bear in mind their focus will then be about minimising costs (which sometimes can be a bad thing).

If you tell them that there is nothing else in the budget unless there is a justification for investment, then IT support staff will naturally focus on providing the most efficient and productive IT environment, and will not be afraid to come forward with positive and productive ideas..

If you have specialist users in your business and have not made special provision for them here are some key points to consider:

1. Investment in proper CAD workstations in all but the rarest cases is fully justified, you only need to find out to what level.

2. Minimum requirements mean just that, minimum productivity, minimum life span minimum performance. The question you need to ask is what is the best specification for the software applications that this Cad Workstation will be running for the next 2 years?

3. Engage the help of your software specialist reseller, they will have first hand experience of your requirements and should be your trusted advisors. Heed the advice as your business will make far more from your investment than they will from the small return they get from hardware these days.

And finally try and set your desktop refresh to a maximum of 2 - 3 years if appropriate for you power users.

Their workstations can be effectively re-deployed within the business and will still have a good life as office based machine so you can get a further return on investment for your business hardware.

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