Information technology (IT) has become such a strategic and indispensable asset that businesses in Los Angeles rely on it to lower costs, streamline operations, and provide them a competitive advantage. That’s why it’s important to continuously assess how to further harness the power of their IT operations and optimize technology investments.
Let’s take inspiration from the best practices of tech-savvy companies in L.A.
#1. They align their IT operations with business goals
Smart companies integrate their IT management with other strategic and operational company processes such as planning, budgeting, hiring, purchasing, training, and others. Their IT staff and top management work hand in hand to develop an enterprise-wide IT strategy so that IT operations and applications infrastructure reinforce business objectives.
#2. They take a proactive, holistic approach to IT management and cyber security
Rather than wait for IT systems to crash or be hacked, smart companies implement end-to-end measures to prevent problems from even occurring, such as:
- Device management server management
- Identity and user access controls
- Strong passwords and authentication methods
- Cybe rsecurity training for employees and third-party contractors
- 24/7/365 IT systems monitoring
- Data backup and disaster recovery plan
- Regular audit and assessment of IT infrastructure
- Regular testing and evaluation of company security policies, procedures, and practices
Should they still encounter IT problems or security incidents, they have established plans for detecting, reporting, responding, evaluating, and documenting remedial action to address system deficiencies and ensure continuity of operations. These reports are then collected and categorized to help develop more effective processes and best practices.
#3. They leverage cloud computing
IT teams used to dedicate months or even years to roll out major IT projects such as setting up their own data centers. But with the cloud, smart companies are now tapping into massive amounts of computing power and storage with just a few mouse clicks. They are also able to do away with high upfront expenses, such as investments in servers and other hardware. Instead, they rent hardware and software from cloud vendors, which also means the responsibility of installing, running, managing, securing, and constantly upgrading the technology now falls on cloud vendors’ shoulders.
#4. They automate from end to end
Automation, further powered by machine learning, artificial intelligence, and natural language processing, is taking over many recurring tasks of smart companies. Examples of such tasks include:
- Customer support via chatbots
- Procurement via supply chain management systems
- Data backup via cloud technologies
- Meeting and task reminders via email and push notifications
- Machine monitoring via Internet of Things (IoT) scanners
With automation, these businesses are able to minimize costs and streamline their IT operations for greater efficiency.
#5. They partner with a reliable managed IT services provider (MSP)
Smart companies do not blow their budgets on expensive in-house IT staff. Instead, they pay managed IT service providers a fixed monthly fee to gain access to a variety of experienced IT specialists. So if you encounter an unusual IT problem, chances are an MSP has most likely seen it before and will know how to handle it.
MSPs are also always updated with the latest technologies and industry trends, so they can always recommend innovative solutions to improve your operations, proactively monitor and secure your network, ensure regular data backup, regularly test your systems, audit your regulatory compliance, and many more.
With a trusted MSP like Frontline as your partner, you can better focus on your core competencies. You take care of running your business while we take care of your IT operations.
We have helped several small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) implement best IT practices to improve service delivery while maximizing their investments.