We all remember from shop class how important it is to measure twice and cut once. To do so ensures that the cut is right, and while it takes a bit more effort up front, could save so much time, frustration, and money from having to start again or living with an inferior result. The same holds true when building a Wireless LAN; or any technology implementation, for that matter.

You also hear often from IT professions that they won’t get fired for choosing “Brand X-Y-Z”. In these challenging economic times, one can understand the desire t to hold on to one’s job. It is important to note, however, that people are promoted and rewarded for innovative thinking and saving boatloads of money.

In a 2007 Gartner report titled “Vendor Influence Curve: A Model for Dealing With Major Vendors” (ID Number G0145023), they underscore the importance of taking a multi- or dual-vendor approach in your technology purchases. The report show lots of graphs and tables, and bullets; all of it very good; but it all boils down to this: when dealing with just one vendor, how do you know you are getting the very best solution at the best possible price, with the most appropriate level of service? You don’t. What’s worse is you have lost negotiation power when NOT evaluating multiple vendors. Can anyone think of a large manufacturer that never offer their best prices and service levels – until they know you’re looking at someone else? Certainly you can think of at least one …

The moral of this story is “Don’t give up your power”. Your original choice may be exactly right. You just will never know without doing some due diligence and at least look at another vendor. By taking a couple of measurements, you can rest assured you made the best possible decision.