What is an IT strategy?
You will get somewhere with a map to guide you, and the same is true for your company’s information technology (IT) infrastructure. Running a business is similar to going on a road trip. An information technology plan is a road map for the computer hardware, and computer programs utilised in a company’s regular operations. It will not only provide a list of your computer workstations, laptops, and software subscriptions, but it will also take into account your IT budget and make it possible for you to plan more accurately for the future while retaining the ability to be flexible in the face of change.
How successful is your IT strategy?
It’s easy to assume that, as long as no huge issues are occurring, everything is going to plan. But is your IT strategy as efficient as it could be?
A detailed IT strategy for the next three to five years
Naturally, each company’s road map will look slightly different. Still, in general, you will want to document the current configuration of your IT hardware, the date of purchase, and any details regarding the warranty, and mark a point at which you should evaluate this hardware for possible replacement. Similarly, your IT plan should encompass all software solutions you have purchased, including lengthy subscriptions such as Microsoft 365. You will want to ensure that your IT plan includes at least the next three to five years, the typical lifespan for gear used in businesses.
Meetings with your IT support provider regularly
A solid plan for the long-term use of information technology must include provisions for maintenance and support. Although computer reliability is constantly improving, this does not guarantee that there won’t be problems occasionally. You can be confident that problems will be resolved promptly if you maintain an open line of communication with the IT support service you choose; in most cases, this will only need a phone call. However, in addition to that level of service, scheduling monthly meetings with your IT support provider is the perfect way to ensure that your IT strategy is still on the right path. After all, an information technology strategy is not a static document; rather, it is fluid and changes in response to the activities of the business. You will have the chance to ask your IT support provider questions about the path ahead of you and ensure that everyone is on the same page if you plan a meeting with them.
They are existing IT assets that must be utilised to their full potential.
Are you maximising the use of all of your IT resources to the fullest extent possible? Alternatively, do you have a stockpile of unused laptops or even a subscription to Microsoft 365 that you only use for Word and Excel? If so, you could sell these items. If any of this is true for you, an information technology plan might be exactly what the doctor ordered. You may be certain that the money you spend on information technology will be put to good use if you examine the infrastructure you already have and the budgeted expenditures you have planned.
