2020 is here, and now is the perfect time for business owners to reflect on the past and set resolutions for the year ahead. As your IT advisors, we would like to share some thoughts about 2020 IT initiatives that can help your organization:
1. When you create your initiatives or business plan for achieving your 2020 growth goals, make sure your technology supports these objectives!
If you are planning on growth through efficiencies or increases in staff – let’s talk. We want to make sure your current IT infrastructure aligns with and supports your business goals.
2. Invest in protecting your business against Cyber Crime.
As business leaders, besides all other responsibilities, we now also have to take stock of our companies Cyber protections. With cyberattacks now more widespread, organizations of all sizes need to have an up-to-date cybersecurity policy in place to make sure they’re prepared to face these threats.
When drafting your security policy, you should:
- Identify your organization’s IT assets and the key resources you need to protect.
- Determine what your action plan is in case of a cyber-attack. Outline who will be responsible for managing the fall-out and getting you back online – these roles and responsibilities are crucial to ensure a fast response in the event of a breach.
- Develop a User Policy that includes an “Acceptable Use Policy” (AUP) for all your IT devices. An AUP guides what your employees can and cannot do online.
3. Business Continuity – test your backup systems as they may be your best way to save your business.
Each new year brings exciting opportunities as well as unexpected challenges. Make sure your company is prepared for what 2020 may bring by testing your backup solution. Ensure you can recover your data when you need it within the timeframe the business requires.
4. Keep tabs on where your devices are in their life cycle. Old technology reduces productivity and increases your support costs.
As computers age, they seem to become slower, and overall performance suffers – why does this happen? Each time software is loaded it may install any number of tool sets and helper processes, and this performance issue is particularly problematic in the case of business computers that are crucial for cost efficient day-to-day operations. This is compounded by the fact that newer software often requires more resources to run correctly, which translates into older workstations slowing down productivity, freezing in the middle of tasks, or crashing altogether.
Here at Digital Industry, we recommend that devices get replaced within a 3 to 5 year period depending on their use and importance to the organization.
To maintain peak operational ability, a good rule of thumb is to replace critical workstations after 3 years and ensure all devices are no more than 5 years old.
TECHNOLOGY IN THE 2020s
As we move into a new decade, leveraging technology is more important than ever before for small and medium-sized businesses to stay competitive. If you need a hand making sure your tech is up to standard, a Digital Industry virtual Chief Information Officer can help you:
- Create a budget-conscious technology plan that supports your day-to-day operations as well as your long-term business goals
- Craft and implement an effective cybersecurity policy, identify any vulnerabilities in your organization, and educate your staff on cybersecurity best practices
- Develop and implement a business continuity plan that keeps your data intact and helps your business quickly recover from any disruptive event
To learn more, visit our vCIO page or send us a message. We’d love to help you reach your New Year’s business goals and make 2020 your best year yet!
