Tech Budgeting
As we move into the new year, it’s a great time to examine your organization’s budget closely. Make sure your business has the financial resources it needs to keep growing and thriving in the months and years ahead.
Technology is becoming increasingly important in today’s world, so having a clear and well-defined IT budget is crucial. In addition, an unanticipated technology problem can cause severe disruptions, so it’s best to have a plan and be prepared.
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you budget for your IT needs.
Constantly assess your business needs
Assuming you’ll have the same IT budget next year is a dangerous game in today’s rapidly changing technological landscape. It’s essential to regularly reassess your company’s needs and see how upgrading or changing platforms could help you meet those goals. You’ll always stay ahead of the curve by taking the time to do this.
Just like most technology-backed businesses, you should allocate your IT budget to improve these four areas:
Projects
Many companies fail to prioritize important IT projects, such as securing their networks, leaving them vulnerable to attacks. Hackers can exploit unsecured Wi-Fi networks and easily access sensitive data. It is best to set up a secure VPN for your virtual workforce to avoid these risks.
Refreshes
As businesses increasingly rely on technology, it is critical to ensure that their IT infrastructure is up to date. Legacy systems can decrease employee productivity and leave companies vulnerable to hacking. Annual technology refreshes are essential to maintaining optimal performance and security.
Accidents or incidents
You’ll need a plan to tackle an accident or incident, such as a cybercriminal demanding a ransom. An event like this can be disastrous not only financially but also for your reputation. So, plan your technology budget, and strengthen your cybersecurity plan to manage your business risk.
Routine IT services
Hackers are always on the lookout for weaknesses in your business network. It would be best if you were proactive in identifying these weaknesses in your IT infrastructure so that your business network isn’t compromised. Ensure you continuously monitor your network with a vulnerability scanning solution to identify potential problems and develop the best preventive measures.
An IT service provider might be what you need
IT service providers can help you with a wide range of IT-related tasks, including cybersecurity, backup, compliance, budgeting, and more.
An IT service provider can help with the following:
Internal support: Internal IT department or IT team
The most common type of support is through an internal IT department or IT team. Usually, businesses with a committed IT team are enterprises, while small businesses may have only one IT staff member or none at all.
Hybrid support: A combination of internal and external IT services
If you have an existing internal IT team but have areas they cannot cover, you can outsource those areas to an external specialist.
External support: Outsourced IT service provider
An external IT service provider can support your business in multiple ways, such as assessing your IT infrastructure to formulate a plan for budgeting decisions, providing advice on the best IT solutions, and assisting with implementation and setup.
A combination of internal and external IT services
Outsourcing your IT needs or opting for hybrid support alongside your internal IT team can reduce a great deal of stress since our specialists can help lighten the load and show you the right way to prepare a budget. To get started, contact us today for a no-obligation consultation.
In addition, you can download our infographic “How to Budget for Your IT Needs,” which will walk you through the basics of IT budgeting.
