We talk with IT folks all the time. And, we have nothing but respect for the myriad of responsibilities they hold in our ever-changing technology landscape.
If you work in IT, chances are you are now dealing with more data than ever before, trying to fill skills gaps, tackling security threats and trying to keep your network running smoothly to support new, more interactive platforms and tools.
That's why it's so hard for most IT and Telecom professionals to take time out to review their existing plans and road maps to see if they are still on track. And yet, it's one of the most important exercises you can undertake for your department and organization.
Take a moment and review these key areas that most experts agree lie central within IT departments. Are they on your roadmap?
- Dealing with more data
- Just as Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle, said many years ago, "The Internet changes everything," the Internet of Everything, IoT, really changes everything! You have more data and within much of it lies real value. But how are you analyzing and reporting on it?
- Optimizing cloud computing
- The Cloud has never been safer, more efficient and more effective in its ability to liberate users and IT folks from housing software and systems in house. Yet, all the same, there are still areas where premise-based systems are needed. What are you doing to carve out a strategy that optimizes the mix of systems and processes between premise and Cloud?
- Navigating the changing security landscape
- Along with all the great enabling technology comes more entry points for nefarious activities and bad actors out to compromise your network. Are you keeping one step ahead of the latest malware and other hacking strategies?
- Addressing the skills gap
- When was the last time you took an IT course? What about your staff? And, do you know the skills you need to hire for? It may be time to look at some re-education and brush-up training.
- Upgrading legacy systems
- Are you still struggling with connecting new technology and old, trusted platforms? Are you paying for legacy systems you are no longer using?
- Dealing with ever-dwindling budgets
- How are you making the case to your C-suite that your group is no longer a "cost center" but a strategic asset to be supported, listened to and included in high level budget discussions?
You can probably add plenty more to this list. But, just as that old Thomas Guide under the seat of your car may no longer reflect new highways and roads, so can your own road map become outdated, reflecting old technologies and systems.
Maybe it's time to take a second look at your IT road map. Dust it off, discuss it, and adjust it accordingly. Our professional services folks are here to help. And, given how fast our technology landscape is changing, you're going to want to make sure the dust never settles again!