Thursday, 7 January 2016 Blog ehdf

7 IT Must-Dos in 2016

Today, the pace of change in IT is greater than ever before. Just when you think that you have adopted the latest technology solutions for your business, a new trend is being touted as ‘the next big thing’! In today’s competitive business environment, it has become imperative to not just stay informed, but stay ahead.

To make things simple for you in 2016, we have compiled a list of 7 IT must-dos this year

1. Create a plan to let go off legacy systems

We could have said – “replace legacy systems” but that’s a time consuming and costly process. Instead, start planning – identify existing legacy systems and their functionalities, and assign timelines for replacing these legacy systems for more modern capability.

2. Explore the cloud

Are you still using tape storage for backup and recovery? Is your team bogged down by frequent software or hardware updates? We say—its time you move to the cloud! In fact, according to Gartner, the use of cloud computing is growing, and in 2016, this growth will increase to become the bulk of new IT spend.

Concerned about taking the plunge? We share best practices for migrating your data to the cloud: https://www.ehdf.com/about-ehdf/resource-center/blog/entry/best-practices-for-migrating-your-data-to-the-cloud

3. Consider Managed Services

In 2016, we suggest you not only move to the cloud, but also opt for managed services. From data storage to your network and servers, a Managed Services Provider will be able to offload much of your responsibility for overseeing day-to-day operations and allow you to focus on your core business goals.

4. Review the data you are collecting

Companies are now producing data more than ever, but the biggest challenge is – they are collecting data because they can, and not because they should. Here’s what we suggest – this year, review the data you have been collecting, and make sure it serves some purpose. If not, let that data go.

5. IT Governance is a must

In the age of always-connected devices and mobile workforces, make sure you have a governance plan in place that specifies the role and functions of your IT department, and ensures that your IT model satisfies your business requirements.

Here are a few simple tips to ensure that your mobile workforce stays secure: https://www.ehdf.com/about-ehdf/resource-center/blog/entry/keep-your-company-data-safe-by-securing-your-mobile-workforce

6. Addressing your security requirements is an absolute must

It is critical that you have security procedures and capabilities in place to avoid the increasingly-common data breach. Here’s a good read that will prepare you for a data breach: https://www.ehdf.com/about-ehdf/resource-center/blog/entry/are-you-prepared-for-a-data-breach-5-questions-to-ask-yourself

7. Make sure you have a disaster recovery plan in place

Disasters can be unexpected and come in all shapes and sizes, from a power outage to an earthquake – make sure your business isn’t put at risk due to a lack of planning. So if you don’t already have a disaster recovery plan in place, add it to your list of immediate priorities in 2016. Watch this short video to know more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrmMxRSZpCI