Doesn’t it seem like you’re always planning for the future? You plan ahead for your education, and you start thinking about retirement sometimes before your career even gets off the ground. You’re always planning, and this extends to your organization’s IT infrastructure.
If you’re old enough to remember dial-up internet services, you have a pretty good idea of how quickly technology changes. This means your current state-of-the-art IT department may be almost obsolete in a few years. We’re looking at some of the key components of IT modernization so you’re ready for whatever the future decides to bring.
What is IT Modernization?
Before you resign yourself to rebuilding your IT department every few years or so, this isn’t exactly what IT modernization means. You also don’t want to confuse it with digital transformation. These are two separate things. Digital transformation looks more at how your business can more effectively and efficiently use technology.
IT modernization is the process of upgrading your IT systems, strategies, and processes. For example, if you’re still using first-generation management systems, you’re probably not able to keep up with fast-moving modern technology. Some solutions you may use to get your IT infrastructure into the 21st century can include taking advantage of cloud computing, automating some workflows, and updating software programs.
See, this doesn’t sound too bad or expensive. You’re not starting an IT department from scratch, you’re essentially only giving it a makeover.
Key Steps for a Successful IT Modernization Strategy
Great, you have a few ideas on how to bring your IT infrastructure out of the dark ages. However, don’t just dive in and hope for the best.
You should have a strategy. This means looking at your existing infrastructure and figuring out which areas need some improvement. From there, you can create a strategy that addresses your issues.
Assessing and Planning Your Modernization Strategy
You’ve got a pretty good idea of where your problem areas are. You’ve identified any process gaps and have a general idea of your options. You’re looking at making space for cloud adaptation. This eliminates the need to purchase expensive IT equipment like servers. Just think of the savings you get when you’re not buying new components.
The cloud, regardless of whether you’re using a public, hybrid, private, or combination model, is noticeably cheaper than trying to upgrade existing physical infrastructure. Best of all, the maintenance and upgrades are handled by your service provider.
Modernizing your IT infrastructure can also include finally getting around to automating some tasks like data backup. You may also want to make room in the budget to update your cyber security protocols.
Even if you’re migrating to the cloud, cyber security is still a primary concern. You can’t expect your service provider to handle all security aspects, especially on your end.
Don’t Leave Your Stakeholders Out of the Conversation
Modernizing your IT infrastructure isn’t a one man or woman job. Even your dedicated IT staff is going to need some help. This is a process that takes your entire organization. Yep, this may even mean looping in the board and any investors. Every business is set up a little differently and this affects who your stakeholders are.
You want to spread your strategies across departments and personnel. Make sure everyone knows what’s going to be required of them during the process. Don’t forget about any changes to existing practices after the modernization.
Don’t leave your staff in the dark. Get them ready now so operations aren’t disrupted. The last thing you want is for an employee to cause a glitch simply because you didn’t explain the new processes.
Use the Right Technologies
Before you start implementing new technology just because your competitors love the results, take a look at what your business needs. This means looking at things like cost and cyber security.
For example, if you’re dealing with sensitive data the public cloud may not be the best way to go. You may want a private cloud to take advantage of the added security protections.
Scalability is something else you don’t want to overlook. Do your business needs change throughout the year? If so, consider this before you start modernizing your IT infrastructure.
Make Changes Slowly
Some people prefer ripping the band-aid off in one quick pull. Others prefer to go more slowly. When it comes to IT infrastructure modernization, slow and steady is usually the best way to go.
Sure, it can be a bit annoying taking things one or two steps at a time. You’re ready to end the process and get back to work. Your staff may even be on board, but it’s probably a mistake.
Even something as relatively simple as transitioning to the cloud can take some getting used to. If you start throwing new processes at your employees, confusion and frustration usually take over. Mistakes also tend to pop up. Taking things slowly can help ensure business operations aren’t grinding to a halt.
Training and Support is Crucial
Start training your staff as soon as the modernization process starts. Trust us, this can make the process go a lot more smoothly. Whether it’s the cloud, advanced security protocols, or new ECM solutions, be ready to train your team.
Don’t stop training after everyone seems to have everything done. This should be treated as a continual process. Once training is done, have support around. Chances are, your team is going to have lingering questions at least until they get used to the new processes.
Always Be Ready to Adapt
Modernization isn’t a one-and-done kind of thing. Technology is going to keep advancing, and this means you’re never really done modernizing your IT infrastructure. Keeping your modernization plan flexible is a good start. You never know when you may need to add a new feature.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to the professionals. Even a cloud service provider can help you get started with your business’s IT infrastructure modernization plan so you’re better prepared for the future.
The post Are You Ready to Modernize Your Organization’s IT Infrastructure? appeared first on Visualmodo.
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