What is it, what does it involve, and what should a professionally conducted modernisation of a company’s ICT infrastructure look like? Read on and you will find out.
What is it and what elements can IT infrastructure modernisation involve?
It is usually a comprehensive process of improving, modernising and (mandatorily!) updating systems in a given organisation. Depending on the needs and current state, it may require a thorough overhaul or just a ‘gentle’ facelift.
The goal is always the same – to replace outdated, defective, inefficient and sometimes dangerous solutions with ones that are modern, efficient and, of course, secure. The scope may cover several areas – you can read about them below. It is worth noting that a truly professional IT modernisation is not just a simple ‘replacement’ of equipment.
The key components subject to modernisation are:
- Computer hardware (servers, routers, data centres, computers and other devices operating in the company network).
- Software (operating systems, business applications, content management systems and websites, etc.).
- Network infrastructure (internet connectivity, security, switches, structured cabling, etc.).
When and for what purpose is it worth doing?
Let’s be honest – there is never a good time ‘financially’. After all, there will always be other expenses. But are they more important and have a greater impact on the functioning of your company? We can argue about that. Personally, we distinguish several very specific circumstances that clearly signal that it is time for modernisation.
The first warning sign is having outdated software. If you work on systems that are not updated and adapted to current standards, you are asking for cyberattacks.
The second sign? Frequent, recurring and repeated failures (system crashes, slow device performance, etc.). Sure, you can live with them, but it is worth considering that they generate additional costs and reduce productivity.
Argument number three is, in a way, a combination of the two above and concerns rising maintenance costs. Outdated systems and equipment can consume more resources, energy and, consequently, money for repairs and servicing.
Carrying out such a modernisation is also a justified expense if you are planning to expand your company and, along with it, your business needs are changing. After all, the infrastructure must ‘somehow’ keep pace with the pace of development. Otherwise, it will slow it down.
Why all this? The main goals of modernisation:
- Increased security (an absolute priority that cannot be disputed). Modern systems simply offer better security.
- Improved performance (faster data processing, more efficient application operation, etc.). This has a direct impact on the company’s productivity.
- Flexibility and scalability (modern infrastructure allows for easy expansion as the company grows).
Some companies also point to the argument of increasing their competitiveness.
How to do it? Stages of IT modernisation – step by step.
Are you considering such a step? Here’s how to go about it:
- IT audit – conduct a thorough examination that will allow you to analyse the systems currently in use, identify any weaknesses and diagnose other areas for improvement. This is important because without it, you will not be able to determine what really needs to be modernised.
- Planning – prepare a schedule, goals (what you want to achieve) and secure the appropriate budget and human resources for this purpose.
- Technology and suppliers – consider what technological solutions will meet the current and future needs of your organisation. Remember: you are not buying hardware and software just ‘for now’, but to serve you for many years to come.
Here we would like to make a small interjection:
Keep in mind that modernisation is a complex project. It requires not only willingness and budget, but also competence, experience and knowledge – preferably in many areas. If you want it to be done well, consider using the services of a proven technology partner who will take care of everything and help you avoid costly mistakes. The scope of cooperation may vary – it may include aspects such as consulting, coordination, hardware and software delivery, as well as implementation or configuration, and even ongoing service, maintenance and post-implementation support.
- Implementation – once everything is ready and planned, take care of data migration, system configuration, solution testing and employee training.
- Monitoring and optimisation – remember to regularly ‘keep an eye’ on the infrastructure to search for potential errors, gaps and threats and, of course, to fix them. After all, work in IT never ends ;)!
Are you looking for someone to take care of your modernisation project?
If your systems and devices require intervention, do it professionally and without downtime. All you need to do is contact us. We will help you plan and carry out a successful modernisation.
