When a computer or network slows down, most will list the root cause as old or slow equipment. Some even opt to replace it with new equipment. However, What has been overlooked is that many of these problems occur because of fragmented hard disks on servers, laptops, and desktops.

What is disk fragmentation? In simple terms, fragmentation occurs during normal system use when users create, delete, and resize computer files on their hard disks. The continual creation and deletion of files causes file segments, originally created in contiguous or continuous blocks, to be scattered, or fragment into many pieces all over the hard drive, separated by other data blocks. The more fragmented the pieces become, the longer it takes for the computer or server to find and read the files, and overall system performance degrades.

A common analogy for fragmentation is to imagine a customer file that has been split among 20 filing cabinets. Wouldn't it be easier and faster to find the information if it were place in one contiguous file area?.

Excessive disk fragmentation can create substantial performance degradation on both servers and workstations. Some companies, unaware of the true source of the problem, may resolve such a performance issue with more expensive acquisitions of higher performance hardware. However, it is just a matter of time before fragmentation impacts the new machines as this solution only temporarily masks the real problem. Therefore, a company can address performance slowdowns without hardware purchases by utilizing a defragmentation policy rather than relying exclusively on more costly hardware upgrades.

ROI

An estimate of the savings associated with customers instituting a defragmantation policy was based on a one-year installation. Each customer was asked about individual installations of hardware and software. Research found that defragmented servers could effective serve 12% more users than unfragmented servers, and the defragmented servers experienced 10% higher uptime than non-defragmented servers. The estimated savings came to $195.20 per user per year with an ROI (Return On Investment) of 165%.

Bottom line – Let’s developed a defragmentation policy.