Avoiding 5 Common IT Modernization Mistakes

Businesses often overlook the short lifespan of IT systems. When a system becomes outdated to the point of slowing down operations and hindering growth, it is time to consider IT modernization.

However, digital transformation is challenging, and there are common pitfalls that enterprises must account for and anticipate. Companies can increase expenses beyond what’s necessary or produce poor outcomes if they don’t address them. But, businesses can spot these errors and take preventative measures with the right approach.

Below is critical information for a successful transition from legacy to new technology.

What Is Information Technology Modernization?

IT modernization encompasses a wide range of possibilities involving various aspects of an enterprise's IT ecosystem.

Modernization can mean replacing aging technology with more efficient solutions, adding new functions to improve efficiency, consolidating all activities on one platform, or moving from an on premise solution to one in the cloud. For instance, network modernization includes upgrading infrastructure and systems for better security and faster, more stable data transmission.

Why Modernize?

Updating your current technology and processes delivers the following benefits:

• Faster Execution: Better hardware and software solutions result in a shorter time to value.
• Increased Flexibility: With new technology, your organization can scale operations and meet the rise in demand without constricting resources.
• Better Business Results: Improved systems and processes enhance productivity and efficiency, translating to growth.

Achieving these improvements has its fair share of roadblocks. Watch out for these five mistakes that can impact implementation.

1. Misaligned Strategy

Decision-makers in a business sometimes lack a clear, singular approach to IT modernization because they each want different outcomes. When expectations are aligned, technological transformation becomes easier and more affordable.

Before your organization transitions, set goals and ensure everyone is on board. From there, you can work backward to determine how to achieve them. Partnering with an IT vendor who understands your needs is also crucial.

2. Data Migration Risks

Data loss can significantly impact operations. Transferring data from one technology or environment to another increases the likelihood of some aspects of it getting lost. During the migration, you temporarily relinquish control and risk losing sensitive information.

Working with a trusted provider of data center solutions is essential to ensure your data’s integrity, quality, and security while transitioning.

3. Technology Sprawl

IT modernization efforts often involve different technologies, applications, and services. Keeping track of each becomes tedious and costly, especially in a varied environment. Moreover, it exposes your organization to vulnerabilities. Decision-makers may end up getting too many solutions to monitor and manage.

Before implementation, evaluate each solution and see how it fits with your overall strategy. It’s best to work with an experienced managed IT services provider to reduce tech sprawl.

4. Excessive Emphasis on Portability

Moving to the cloud is a great way to modernize because it makes your systems mobile and easy to access. It also allows quick response to changes, giving your business an edge over competitors. However, focusing too much on portability may limit growth when you spend time building suitable applications from scratch.

While cloud services are necessary, consider them a compliment to your on-premise installation in the short term before fully transitioning. It’s also essential to weigh the impact of doing so.

5. Lack of Routine Maintenance

Simply because you’ve completed modernization efforts doesn’t mean the work is finished. Technical risks and operational problems often arise, and the upgrades could fail if you don’t deal with them.

It’s essential to perform routine check-ins and evaluations to fix problems early on and prevent them from snowballing. Maintenance is also an excellent opportunity to identify areas for improvement. A relationship with a trusted managed IT services provider can help ensure that issues are anticipated and properly addressed before they become a problem.

Mitigate Modernization Mistakes

Don’t let these IT modernization challenges hinder your efforts. Partner with the experts at Data Networks to ensure an efficient digital transformation. Reach out to one of our team members today.