IT modernization is an important (and inevitable) step for all businesses that wish to remain relevant in their markets. What are some tips to help with the process?
With information technology reaching a level of importance in business that has made it almost inextricable from the average organization, it may come as a surprise to many that some businesses are still resisting modernization, and continue to work with legacy IT systems. One can easily see how modern IT is driving business trends – with growing adoption rates for cloud computing, the demands for remote and hybrid working practices (and the various solutions that enable this), and a strengthening trend towards digital marketing and e-commerce as the primary channels of customer connection. We discussed this with TechQuarters, a provider of IT support North London businesses have been using since 2010. According to them, many organizations are still using legacy IT systems, but modernization projects are becoming an increasing priority among these businesses. We asked them what advice they would give to companies looking to undertake a modernization project, and this is what they said…
- Audit Your Company’s Systems and Applications
The first step when a business is looking to modernize any of its IT systems is to do a complete audit of its IT infrastructure, including all systems and applications – even the ones they aren’t planning on changing. This is all to ensure that whatever new systems they plan on integrating will fit in with their existing IT infrastructure. If they do not, then a considerably larger project (such as a digital transformation) may be required.
- Understand the End-Goal of the Project
The key to success for any type of project, let alone a complex IT modernization project, is to be crystal clear on the intended outcomes. There are a number of questions a business should ask themselves while planning a modernization project. For example, a company looking to integrate Microsoft Office 365 solutions should be asking themselves what a successful integration will look like, what factors may hinder the adoption of the solutions, etc.
- Ensure Company Executives Are Onboard
One of the biggest reasons why many businesses are still working with legacy IT systems, and resisting efforts to modernize, is that executives in the organization do not understand the key benefits of the modernization project in question. Getting the approval of executives isn’t just about initiating the project, however. Getting executives on board will be key to driving the adoption of any new system or solution that is to be implemented.
- Remain Equipped for Challenges to the Process
Oftentimes a large-scale IT project can take up much of the time and resources of an organization’s IT department. When challenges within a modernization project inevitably arise, the last thing you would want is for your IT department to be so thinly stretched that they can’t manage these challenges efficiently. For example, TechQuarters has provided IT support for Estate Agents undertaking modernization projects – that additional support to clients’ own internal teams can ensure that they are able to address issues without inhibiting the progress of the project.
- Make Time and Space for Testing
Nearly half of the entire process for many modernization projects may be testing – therefore, it is important for businesses not to overlook its importance. During the project, continual testing will be crucial to making sure that the project is progressing at the rate it was predicted to. According to TechQuarters, the most efficient way to make sure that a project is progressing effectively, and that time is not being wasted both before and after implementation, is to automate testing. With automated testing, businesses should also make sure that reporting and documentation is recorded properly.
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