The sudden shift in how we work has been challenging for many businesses. For some it validated their technology platforms, and for others exposed their limitations. Regardless of the outcome, it is important to take these experiences and update your technology roadmap.
When thinking about IT, it's helpful to look at each piece separately....
The first part is all about INFORMATION, and this is key to running your business. Businesses that have an IT department should be staffing functions that add value to the business.
Subscriptions have been around forever.
Columbia House Music, wine-of-the-month, magazines, and now all our favorite streaming music and TV services. As we move to a service-based economy this the subscription trend will continue, especially for consumption based services, like technology!
Businesses need to re-think how they are purchasing their IT software and hardware.
Cash is King.
Cash is king and anyone that tells you otherwise hasn't run out of it! Cash flow is how much money is either produced or used by a business. This should not be confused with the "bottom line" number of your Profit & Loss statement.
Businesses Accept Technical Risks Without Knowing It.. Stringfellow Can Help.
There are various ways you can address risks in a business environment. A quick web search will show the same iteration of four options: accept, avoid, reduce, transfer. Technology risks in a business should be clearly understood due to their impact across all business operations.
Not Surprising....
Another article about the significant shift in the MSP industry towards the cloud. It surprises me that this is surprising! We have been recommending cloud services to our Clients since we started in 2005. The model of making money off installing servers and reselling equipment is done.
Phones Occupy a Special Place In the Technology World.
They are one of the few devices that haven't changed since Alexander Graham Bell's first call. Their purpose is simple, to connect people together over audio. Sure we can text, Snapchat, Twitter, and Facebook…but to hear someone's voice is still a very human connection, that we all want to ability to make.
Digital Haves and Have Not's
The debate about whether the future is analog or digital ended in the 80's. Once a PC was put on every desktop there was no stopping the digital revolution. Today's debate is now around what LEVEL of participation you will have in the revolution! As the economy becomes more and more digital, it will directly impact your business's performance.
Don't Get Caught in Your Vendor's Business Model Transition
You cannot serve two masters. Some would say it's Biblical, I also think it is good business sense. I am seeing a LOT of companies jump on the "managed" bandwagon. Whether it's managed IT, security, phones, lawn care….okay maybe not lawn care as much!
What is concerning is the "me-too" providers, attempting to transition to the managed service delivery model without the prerequisite experience and commitment to it.
"What is Managed IT Services?"
Does anyone really know what Managed IT Services are anymore? They have certainly evolved over time, but let's clear up what they are and are NOT.
First, slapping a bunch of monitoring agents on your computers and then charging hourly to resolve issues that pop up is NOT managed services.