Like most business leaders, you understand that your IT infrastructure must be ready to help you compete, grow, and keep your data secure in the digital age. That’s why nearly two-thirds (64 percent) of SMBs indicate technology is a primary factor in pursuing their business objectives, according to a recent CompTIA survey.For more please visit IT Services in Houston.
This shows why businesses place their IT infrastructure second only to their workforce in achieving those goals. But to know where you’re going, you must know where you’re at, which starts with an IT infrastructure assessment.
What is an IT Infrastructure Assessment?
The goal of an IT assessment is to show what technology, systems, and processes are hampering efficient business operations, increased cybersecurity, and business growth. The IT provider assesses all areas where services are being deployed, including:
- Hardware
- Operating Systems
- Network
- Servers
- Applications & Application portfolio assessment
- Client Devices
- Legacy Systems Lifecycle Assessment
The engine that runs your business is fueled by the way people, processes, and technology come together in a holistic way. That’s why an effective IT assessment starts with a deeper understanding of how your business operates using technology and systems to do the following:
- Align IT with core business goals
- Identify and eliminate business process pain points
- Affirm business continuity and disaster recovery (BCDR) plans and systems
- Meet any applicable regulatory compliance measures within the IT infrastructure (PCI-DSS, GLBA, GDPR, HIPAA, SOX FISMA, etc.)
While these points show that an IT infrastructure assessment provides a granular view into how IT is or isn’t working to keep data secure it may still be a little vague for many business leaders. If you’re an IT manager making the case for such an assessment, you must provide reasons that speak to the business leader and show why you need an IT infrastructure assessment.
Why Do You Need an IT Infrastructure Assessment?
For most SMBs, the resulting costs of IT infrastructure security vulnerabilities and operational downtime are viewed as remote possibilities until it happens. The truth is there are plenty of things happening daily that will have long-term bottom line consequences such as:
- Poor software update and patch management
- Poor onsite, offsite and cloud data management
- Security vulnerabilities that invite data breaches via spyware, phishing attacks, malware or worse
These things and a laundry list of other security vulnerabilities make small businesses especially vulnerable to cyberattacks. In fact, about 43 percent of the more than 41,000 cyberattacks identified in Verizon’s 2019 Data Breach Investigations Report targeted small businesses. That’s why IT infrastructure assessments are important to uncovering these vulnerabilities that can cost your business thousands or even millions of dollars.
Collectively looking at these systems and how they are used by your employees are critical to developing a plan to mitigate these challenges as part of an ongoing IT strategy. The first challenge to an IT assessment is that many businesses rely on part-time IT personnel.
While they may be highly skilled IT generalists, they are often at the mercy of time constraints, limited viewpoints into the business operations and a lack of expertise needed to make such an assessment. Internal IT managers must deal with limited staff and a full plate of business daily IT needs.
Both types of businesses need expert support capable of providing a 360-degree view of all technology, systems and processes. That means a custom IT solutions provider that can deliver a detailed IT Infrastructure assessment and resulting IT strategy planning. Please go on to IT Services in Houston for more details.
By taking a proactive rather than reactive approach, your business can ensure technology best serves all operational and security needs. The goal is to know where you’re at in terms of IT needs. With that knowledge and support, you can cost effectively plan and implement the right changes at the right time. This brings your business real ROI while positioning it for operational stability, security, and growth in the digital age.Please Visit IT Services in Houston.for Assistance