When your tech isn’t healthy, your business isn’t healthy! Whether you’re a small business or a multinational corporation, the technology you engage with every day can have a big stake in your success.
That’s why it’s important to regularly assess the health of your tech—from the programs you use to the devices that power them and the policies you’ve put in place for your team members.
Here are six key areas to keep in mind when reviewing the health of your IT.
1. Core Infrastructure
Is your IT core infrastructure properly structured?
Your core infrastructure takes into account all of the components that make up your IT systems, from hardware (computers, routers, servers, etc.) to software (operating systems, desktop applications, etc.) to facilities and more. It’s important to have a big picture view to make sure these interconnected elements are working with each other in an efficient, secure way that supports your operations.
2. Server Infrastructure
Server health can make or break your business productivity. As one of the most important components of your overall IT infrastructure, servers allow you to connect with others and share files and information.
Poor maintenance, out of date systems and processes, and lack of modernization can all create minor to major headaches for your organization and how easily you work.
3. Hardware
Properly functioning hardware is a must-have, but it’s easy to not give it much thought until you’re facing an issue. Proactive actions will help keep you up and running!
Make sure you know what hardware is under warranty, what regular maintenance is required and if you’re up to date, and whether everything is installed properly. Having documentation of the age of every piece of hardware also helps you stay up to date and build a hardware replacement plan.
4. Software
Software health is just as critical as hardware health. Not only does properly functioning software keep your team at work, but it also helps keep your business secure. Software updates frequently address security vulnerabilities alongside improvements and bug fixes. When you fall behind, your business becomes more vulnerable.
It’s also important to look at vendor support. If your current software is too outdated or your software is no longer made, you’ll lose critical access to help when problems arise. You’re also at risk for losing irreplaceable business data or other important functionalities that help you run your business.
5. Security
Cyber attacks are on the rise, and even the smallest businesses and organizations can be vulnerable. The good news is that in addition to keeping your hardware and software updated there are several additional actions you can take to protect your business and team.
Do you have secure password policies in place? Are you using anti-virus and anti-malware software? Do they run automatically, regularly scanning computers? Are proper authentications and credentials set up for team members? Does your team get regular cybersecurity education to help prevent common attacks before they start?
6. Business Continuity
Having a business continuity plan (BCP) means you’re ready to tackle whatever IT-related interruptions come your way. It can also give you peace of mind that your team has a game plan to confidently address issues with minimal impact to your business.
A detailed BCP features the steps necessary to keep your operations as minimally impacted as possible during a disruption. It includes designated roles of administrators and team members when the plan is activated, procedures for coping with short-term and long-term disruptions, and a disaster recovery plan that covers everything from small-scale disruptions (a team member’s computer crashes) to large-scale problems (a server outage).
Without a BCP, your business is vulnerable to increased downtime, which translates into lost time, productivity, and money.
Not sure how your business stacks up in these six categories?
Reviewing your IT on your own can feel overwhelming. That’s why AxiaTP developed the free IT Score® Assessment to help you see where you’re doing well and where there’s room for improvement. Get a judgement-free peek at how your business is doing today by taking the IT Score® Assessment.
