Making theBusiness Case for

Flash Storage

What’s Inside:

This PowerPoint template will walk you through putting together the numbers you need to make a business case for flash storage in your organization

The accompanying Excel Calculator is designed for simplicity:

It befits a feasibility-level study; more complex analyses would require a more robust model

It is based on cash flow, not P&L

It has no macros

All data and assumptions are to be entered on one tab, the other tabs are for display only

Show Current State

1. Input current state data

Simply enter in values in the green boxes

The fields in yellow will be calculated by the model

Missing Data?

1A: What if I you don’t have all the data?

You probably don’t, so the model will calculate the data you do have and, if you know the figure is wrong, you can correct it by entering an “override” value

ShowProject Costs

2. Enter the project costs and discount rate

Estimate costs based on prior experience, market scan, or vendors’ indicative pricing

Discount rate can be usually obtained from CFO group

ShowTarget State

3. Enter in target state benefits by year

Consider reduction in staff, facilities and hardware

This case assumes a “magic wand” function in which all expenses are incurred and all benefits accrue immediately. Don’t feel bound by this, provide whatever runway you’re comfortable when making your business case

ShowTarget State Costs

3A: Review the impact in dollar terms

The Excel spreadsheet will calculate these numbers automatically for you

Show Additional Costs

3B: Calculate Additional Costs of Target State

These are all Year 0 costs

There is no material cost for maintenance

This is a cash case, so there is no depreciation

No purchase beyond Year 0 is considered because 0% growth is assumed. Any new purchase would go toward new workload, no to refresh this acquisition

Customizethe Presentation

4. Customize the PowerPoint to fit your needs

Review the numbers in your completed Excel spreadsheet then cut and paste the exhibits into this PowerPoint presentation

Follow the format of presenting the current state, project costs, target state and investment analysis

Make it Work

5. If you don’t like the answer, just change the assumptions

You can always go back and change:

The current state growth projections

Target state reduction projections and the forecast speed of attainment

The discount rate you’ll receive

Created by William Freedman @ITCaseMaker

& Tom’s IT Pro @TomsITPro