As of this millennium and before the life-blood and success of companies rely on data communications. aka networks and networking. So how is it that many of the people who design, maintain and create these very much-needed environments been reduced to mere clerical employees? Many executives do not know how to use a PC let alone understand the intricacies of online computing. They treat their company's major resource like they would their car. As an example, until the car stops running or a red light comes on, to them "everything is fine". They never put money into the car for maintenance to keep it running efficiently or when they do have work done they don't care or have anyway to verify that the work was done properly.

These same executives treat the computer and network operation the same as their car operation. More times than not I find that executives can only relate to the bottom line! Why? It is the only thing they understand and so they choose dollars as the deciding factor. We all should know what happens most of the time when you turn your back on all decision factors except dollars? Just watch any of the TV, Cable or Satellite shows that deal with home renovation, improvements or flipping to see what happens to inexperienced people and when they select the lowest price too.

So, how can upper management (the guy in charge, we hope) figure out if they are in jeopardy? If their executive staff is following corporate policy or if they have real or potential issues and problems waiting in the wings? Let's not forget the good-ole-boy network either. Upper management and/or the executive staff are either part of the problem or part of the solution. There are no in-betweens.