As storage services architectures emerge, the flaws in storage suppliers' chargeback strategies will be increasingly exposed. Chargebacks are problematic for users. On the one hand, busines lines want to understand exactly what they're paying for and be charged only for those services they consume. On the other hand, the hassle of constructing a chargeback system and auditing its accuracy is often not worth the effort. So most organizations simply perform a cost allocation exercise and charge the business based on some pre-conceived notions of usage. What's more, most vendors charge between $1,000 - $7,500 per server for chargeback licenses, prompting many users to run their chargeback systems on Excel spreadsheets.
A storage services architecture enables the granular provisioning of storage services based on application or business requirements. Chargebacks should be viewed as analytical tools to understand usage patterns, consumption of resources, service levels and importantly, contribution to the business. For example, products should not just track downtime, but the cost of that downtime as measured in lost revenue or productivity-- directly tied to the storage infrastructure. Specific goals such as time to provision, RPO and RTO, cost per GB per tier and other key performance indicators should be readily available and customizable.
Action Item: Leading storage vendors should provide chargeback software for free as they develop storage services architectures. Vendors should look at chargebacks as a demand generator, providing software to enhance understanding of usage patterns and the concomitant purchase of services to the business. This ultimately will drive demand for gigabytes, software and services.