Some organizations are under the impression that they could keep operations moving without their IT infrastructure, but it would simply make doing business impossible. Therefore, it becomes critical to know when to invest in new technologies that can improve operations. Here are some of the critical considerations that any IT decision maker should keep at the top of their mind when looking into new technology for a business.
Start with Business Problems
If your business is already functioning optimally, then there is really no reason to add new technology solutions to the infrastructure. Adding new technology is not something that automatically creates value for your business; on the contrary, adding too much can overcomplicate the infrastructure and create problems rather than solutions. If your business could be running more efficiently, on the other hand, you can use technology to shore up those areas of trouble.
To get started, ask your employees what your business could be doing better. It is always helpful to get the feedback of those who are on the frontlines and doing the work, so be sure to emphasize that this is their chance to make their responsibilities less stressful, be more productive, and generally make their jobs easier.
Focus Down Security
It is paramount that you secure any technology solutions added to your IT infrastructure. The importance of this must be emphasized. Cybercrime is on the rise, and as businesses add more technology to their infrastructure, they are also adding more entry points into it. The key thing to note here is that network security involves much more than implementing a security solution; it also involves educating your workforce on security best practices and raising awareness of how they can contribute to a safer work environment.
This information security plan should explore the goals and priorities of the organization related to cybersecurity and should extend into all aspects of its technology infrastructure, including often forgotten elements such as social media, email, and just about any other Internet-connected resources. It also helps to have an inventory of all hardware and software utilized by the business, as well as any sensitive data that the organization maintains. For good measure, you should also add an access control system and comprehensive employee training so that your employees know how to keep your business safe.
Consider Long-Term Costs
You should also have an understanding of how much this new technology is going to cost your business. While the price of new servers or workstations is simple enough, there are other costs associated with deploying any new technology solution. We guarantee that it will dwarf the price of the technology solution itself.
How often will this technology be replaced, and what does the implementation process for this new technology look like? Will this solution achieve a return on investment? What is the total cost of ownership for this technology? To calculate TCO, you should consider the following:
- The cost of acquisition
- The cost of implementation
- The cost of operation
- The cost of improvement and maintenance
Each of these variables is a lot to consider. If the costs associated with implementing a solution and training your staff on it are much higher than the acquisition costs, you will need to consider whether or not the solution actually yields a return on your investment. From there, it’s a matter of whether or not you think it’s worth the capital.
Understand Limitations
It’s okay to not know where to start when you are adding new technology to your network. Thankfully, you can rely on experts to help when you have questions or need clarification. Or, better yet, Business Solutions & Software Group can take care of the entire process for you, from design to implementation to training. To learn more about how we can help you leverage new technology to your business’ benefit, reach out to us at (954) 575-3992.
