Infrastructure Decision Framework

The #GoodwinGetsIT Infrastructure Decision Framework helps IT professionals evaluate infrastructure and architecture decisions based on the problem being solved, not the product being considered.

Use the workbook to compare multiple architecture options using customizable weighted criteria including business fit, security, reliability, scalability, operability, recovery, cost/TCO, and flexibility. Options are automatically scored and categorized to provide a clear, consistent view of their overall fit.

The included dashboard summarizes scores, criteria weights, and areas that may require additional attention, while the Decision Brief helps translate the technical analysis into business language by documenting the problem, risks of doing nothing, future requirements, operational considerations, constraints, tradeoffs, and final recommendation.

This framework can be reused for decisions involving cloud migrations, virtualization platforms, server refreshes, storage, networking, backup and disaster recovery, infrastructure modernization, data center strategy, and other technology investments.

The goal isn't to let a spreadsheet make the decision. It's to create a repeatable process that forces the right questions to be answered before a technology or vendor is selected.