IT planning is an imprecise science that allows IT experts to increase the flexibility and agility of IT environments while reducing the bottom line. In an ideal world, where time and budget are not limiting factors, upgrading an organization’s infrastructure happens on an ongoing, as-needed basis.
In the real world, IT administrators have to make decisions about the hardware they put in place and how to maintain acceptable service levels over the course of the equipment’s expected life. Most businesses do not have the luxury of replacing their current storage systems when IT demands outpace their current infrastructure.