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Why A Company Has To Have An IT Strategy

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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.

When the time comes to develop a plan to ensure that network users can work together, the main problems faced are historical. When technology was first introduced into most companies it was done on a departmental basis, and as things have developed the attitude has been, why change it if it works. This has meant workarounds are being used to eliminate compatibility errors. However, this becomes a problem as businesses grow.

The major players in deciding upon a strategy to take the company forward are the business managers and the IT manager. A preliminary task for the IT manager is to find out what is already being used, and compatibility issues that have been discovered. It is then time for the business managers to get together and discuss the goals and the budget.

The next task for the information technology manager is to determine how to make use of the tools already in use, and what systems need replacing. This is where budgetary constraints are extremely important. This might be a good time to get advice from an external consultant, as they would be able to understand the overall picture, and have a better insight to what is available.

A major part of implementing an IT strategy successfully is good communication with everybody who is to be affected. It could be that managers of very specialised departments can see problems that are not obvious to the strategists. Some people will go out of their way to delay any changes, however, if the reason for change is communicated correctly problems should be averted.

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 Technology is constantly changing, and you might be planning to use tools that will be outdated in the near future.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.

When you implement an IT strategy, it will be so all the departments, however widespread, can work more efficiently. It will also help the team supporting the technology infrastructure be able to solve problems quicker, therefore meaning less downtime. This can be best achieved through careful planning, and keeping communication channels open at all times.




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