A lawyer would never enter the courtroom without a game plan, and the Death Star wasn’t destroyed without some pretty serious forethought and planning. So, there’s really no reason why a business would want to utilise information technology (IT) infrastructures that are thrown together with no designs or plans to them.
And with Australia expected to spend approximately $117.7 billion on IT in 2023, companies really don’t want to invest in network devices and software applications that don’t see eye-to-eye. We don’t want to be a buzzkill here – we want to be sure that our fellow Aussie businesses’ IT investments will pay off in the long run.
So, without further ado, here are five reasons why organisations don’t want IT environments that make less sense than a mad scientist’s lab.
1. Poor infrastructure security
Poorly planned technology environments can lead to a number of security issues, such as insufficient security measures, weak authentication processes, inadequate disaster recovery plans, irrelevant cyber security policies, and a lot more. As a result, operating systems are more likely to be breached and are vulnerable to attack.
To combat this, businesses ought to implement modern security and technology solutions that are fully capable of patching weaknesses. At the same time, the solutions we use to manage our system security need to be constantly updated to ensure that they are effective against the latest threats. In other words, poor infrastructure management and planning results in a weak security posture; carefully planned IT environments are more secure – it’s that simple.
2. Out-of-date (legacy) hardware and software
Imagine making our customer service teams use rotary dials to liaise with our customers … absolute chaos and inefficiencies everywhere. That’s because, by today’s business standards, companies are expected to use technology that is part of a cohesive setup. Illogical IT environments make it harder for users to deploy updated compatible tools (and they also have trouble supporting innovations like the cloud).
But, by strategising IT planning, our hardware/software networking components will be able to thrive in an environment that is both current and future-proof. This way, we can avoid the headache of leveraging digital and physical resources that can’t keep up with our operations anymore.
3. Decreased productivity and efficiency
IT environments that look and feel like an Escher painting offer a one-way trip to the Land of Inefficiencies. Technological environments that include low-quality devices, clunky dataflows, and thoughtless configurations can irritate employees, making them less inspired to work.
On the flip side, well-planned IT environments allow for better communication and collaboration, as well as increased visibility and transparency in work processes. This can lead to faster problem resolution and improved staff performance and satisfaction – there are no losses here!
4. Increased incidents of downtime
Mishmashed IT infrastructures and environments are a recipe for disaster. No matter what type of disaster comes their way, in a messy technical ecosystem, the individual components of IT infrastructures that make a business functional are more susceptible to vulnerabilities that result in downtime. And how much can downtime cost organisations? More than $300,000 per hour.
Technology solutions that are sourced and implemented methodically run according to well-defined goals and precise procedures. They also have the computing power required to optimise workflows, reduce operating costs, and make our workplaces more streamlined. No one should feel like they have to put up with downtime. And with planned technology ecosystems, we can make downtime put up with us!
5. Less-than-desirable customer (and user) experiences
Get ready because this point is big. Ineffective IT environments and their technology solutions can lead to frustrating user experiences. Inappropriate configurations and outdated hardware can slow down employee access to critical information, leading to low-quality results with customers.
To add insult to injury, IT ecosystems that were illogically put together can also result in disorganised/mismanaged data. For example, if someone in the sales team can’t locate information for that crucial Thursday morning meeting with a prospective client, stress levels can increase, and they would have to go on a journey to retrieve it. In addition, if there is a problem with the network, it may be difficult to diagnose and fix.
Fortunately, proper planning and implementation of IT infrastructures can securely streamline the flow of information within the business, making sure that everyone has the resources they need to satisfy customers. Pro tip: undertaking proper information architecture practices can make information management among employees even easier.
How can business owners plan their IT infrastructure and environment?
When implemented and configured correctly, the great thing about technology solutions is that they will modernise our workplaces, mitigate risks, and make our team members happier. And planning IT infrastructures is surprisingly simple.
Here are some tips:
- Determine any IT and business goals before procuring solutions.
- Assess the current IT infrastructure and environment, including hardware, software, networks, storage, and other components.
- Identify any gaps in technology or processes that need to be addressed.
- Develop a budget for IT procurement and maintenance.
- Research and invest in reliable hardware, software, and network components that are relevant to business needs.
- Securely back up data from all components to off-site data centres.
- Determine current and future usage requirements before settling on licences.
- Establish security, access, and privacy protocols.
- Utilise cloud infrastructure and services – software-as-a-service (SaaS), infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS), etc. – to reduce costs.
- Monitor usage and performance of IT solutions to adjust your plans as needed.
Need a plan for your technology solutions? Atarix is a call away
Carefully constructed technology environments can make employees more efficient, reduce security risks, and help businesses stay competitive.
The IT strategy experts at Atarix can help you plan and deploy an IT environment that meets your specific needs. With their help, your organisation will dominate the market with technology solutions that work seamlessly.