IT network's budget get lumped with IT in general--or worse, operations in general. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" sometimes makes sense in IT or operations. Upgrading workstations or desks can cost productivity, making it self-defeating. You have to stress that IT networks are different from workstations or desks. IT networks are harder to repair. IT networks cannot be done without until fixed. You depend on them for email, web, file transfers, and in some organizations, printing, fax and telephone. If your network breaks you may be forced to rely on hand-written letters. IT network improvements rarely lower productivity on the front line. Instead, a faster, more reliable network can improve front-line productivity.

Plumbing: IT networks will appear to function until they burst. The damage will be more expensive than maintenance ever could have been. In the meantime, you are losing productivity to all the little "leaks." Dams: If a poorly maintained IT network bursts, the eventual flood will harm overall productivity. War: There is no such thing as "good enough" when you are in competition. With an IT network, you're in a quiet arms race with hackers. You are also competing with your business competitors in terms of productivity. Health: Your IT network has to be in top physical condition. You can't make up for bad habits with a week or two of "rejuvenation." Meanwhile, your day-to-day performance will suffer. Cars: Don't wait for your IT network to conk out. Get a regular tune-up of up-to-date equipment.