Three IT innovations for small businesses to prepare for in order to keep costs down
Many CIOs consider reducing IT costs as critical to their initiatives, according to a study by Gartner. Sometimes this goal is interpreted into resistance to new technologies. Embracing the new will come with hidden costs and risks, but using the right innovations with proven track records can save money long term. Organizations need to take a proactive approach to their IT roadmap, instead of reactive or passive. Here are three of the most disruptive innovations to proactively understand and prepare for, from Alex Bona, vice president and analyst at Gartner:
The Internet of Things
The Internet of Things (IoT) offers the biggest changes for businesses and consumers alike in the coming years. IT professionals would need to change from supporting and working with a few different devices to living and working in a world where every electronic device becomes a networked, data-producing endpoint. The increase in devices will become more difficult to manage, and the game plan will change for supporting so many devices.
Cloud Computing
According to predictions by Gartner, the cloud services market could exceed $180 billion this year! Proponents of the cloud will lay out benefits to businesses, which include cutting business infrastructure and operation costs. But beware of hidden costs in the cloud and analyze your business’s infrastructure to fit a migration to your needs.
Maintenance Fees
Connected devices need software. Many vendors depend heavily on maintenance fees, so when companies invest in multiple solutions, they may be paying fees to many different business partners. When companies invest in project management, security, privacy and other important software, they may pay many fees for solutions that only accomplish one task. More comprehensive solutions may be the best options for lowering overhead costs and cut paperwork as well.
Work with us to get a game plan for your IT costs. We can strategically evaluate whether your IT infrastructure is set up to grow with your business, finding areas where you can improve business processes and reduce costs. Start by taking our IT Assessment Survey.