Reasons Why A Company Needs To Have An IT Strategy In Place

By Dawson Flemming


When workplaces started using computers, there was no need for people to be too concerned about the software they were using. This was because interdepartmental communication was still being carried out by telephone, or face-to-face. However, the growth of computer networking has meant that systems have to be developed so that people can work together easily. This means that an IT strategy has to be developed in order to make each business more efficient.

The problems that most companies have when trying to develop a coherent strategy for their business is mainly historical. As departments had grown within the business, each manager was responsible for the software used within their team. They did not pay much heed to whether it was going to be compatible with any other part of the company. This problem has become exaggerated as businesses merge.

The plan that is going to be implemented requires high-level approval. The participants should include all the business managers and the IT manager. Prior to this meeting the IT managers should determine all the issues that have been raised with the equipment that is currently in use. A budget should be set by the business managers that reflects the goals of the company.

The IT manager has a responsibility to determine the equipment that can still function within the new plan, therefore reducing costs. This means that more of budget is available for upgrades. Opinions will differ on what is required, as all departments will have their own specific requirements. In order to be subjective in this, it might be wise to hire an external consultant. Their neutrality, and previous experience, could save a lot of time and money.

Once an IT strategy has been developed it is important that the plans are communicated to all the team managers. They might be able to see problems, either with a suggested software or skills available within the team, that only people in their position would be aware. Some people are always against change, whereas others will embrace it and look forward to learning new skills. This is why communication is an important part of any change.

However, it is also important to realise that external forces can have a bearing on the success of any plan. Technology is constantly changing, and you might be planning to use tools that will be outdated in the near future. In order to reduce this happening, milestones should be set and the overall strategy should be flexible within certain boundaries.

If the idea of upgrading the computer systems within your company, and making sure that they all are compatible might be very daunting, especially if you have a tight budget. It might be better to approach a consulting agency that will have seen the problems you are facing before. On the face of it, it might seem an expensive route to take; however, it could save you a lot of money and manpower in the future.

The main purpose of developing an IT strategy is to ensure that a company; however widespread, can communicate and work together efficiently. This will ensure that there is a more dependable system, and therefore, easier to support. This is the aim of every company and with careful planning and communication, it is possible to achieve this goal.




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