Tom Franken - Network Management

Some network management goals can actually be in conflict with the users' ability to benefit from the network. If security settings are tight enough, no users will be allowed access to any resources. Although such a scenario is unlikely, security concerns often hinder usability. In theory, this is by design; we want to hinder an unauthorized user's ability to use the network. However, if the legitimate users are hindered too much, they will at best lose valuable productivity and at worst figure out ways around the security system.

Security is not the only concern that can hinder usability. Enterprise-wide software is often purchased based on detailed discussions with the finance managers since they are the ones who ultimately will pay for the software. Only a passing glance is given to other departments and employees who will have to use the software on a daily basis. When the software is in place, the users left out of the purchasing discussions need to find ways to work around the software. Not only is it inefficient, but when parts of the software is not used, the rest of it becomes less effective. Upgrades to a network must include active participation from all groups of users.

I have personally had the "opportunity" to work with two such implementations. (I was not involved in the planning of either; I just got to work with the fallout!) In both cases, users that were forced into the system found that they could not effectively carry out parts of their jobs. Workarounds were developed as each person figured out a way around the system for their own use. Two problems developed. First, by taking some of the information out of the system, the information for the rest of the system became useless. When someone then tried to use the official system for reporting, the results were garbage. Second, critical information ended up stored in non-secure, unprotected locations; usually a workstation. Many workstations don't support passwords and password policies are hard to enforce on workstations that do. As critically, workstations are rarely included in the routine backup procedures.