5 IT Challenges 2018 Threw at Us and How We Responded

Data breaches are not going away. In just the United States alone, from 2005 to 2018, data hacks exposed around 179 million data records.

Those responsible for sorting out these security issues are also the same ones working to help fix minor day-to-day computer tech concerns. This reality means helping office guy Larry who cannot decrypt an email while monitoring every office device.

The tech world is ever-evolving, and it never gets easy. Curious about some of the biggest IT challenges this year has seen? Keep reading below to find out the top five and how to handle them!

1. Upgrading Legacy Systems

A legacy system is a program or software that is outdated and typically not supported by the creator anymore. Many businesses and offices hold on to outdated programs because, “If it is not broken, why fix it?”

Unfortunately, this attitude leads to issues. Continuing to use an out of date program means when something goes wrong, it goes horribly wrong. When a legacy system goes down, you risk losing important data, and your business could grind to a halt. Looking for a new system, however, means mapping out your needs and then assessing the options available.

Moving data out of legacy systems is not an overnight process. Partnering with a professional IT service can help you identify your exact needs and how best to implement a new IT structure.

2, Big IT Challenges: Keeping Staff Knowledge Up to Date

The technology field is never static. Too often, employers do not invest in continuing education for their IT staff. Taking this route means that even the most qualified staff may have outdated knowledge after a year or two.

To be successful, employers cannot assume employees will keep up with the times on their own. A good idea is to set aside time each month from employees’ regular schedule to take classes or to host continuing education events. Doing so will benefit your employees, but also serve to protect your systems.

3. Shrinking Budgets

Bottom lines are important for businesses, small and big. Investing in new software and hardware is something that can get offered up to the chopping block during tough times.

Keeping a level head during budget issues is important. With how technology has advanced, it is crucial to have systems that work and serve customers.

4. Skills Gap

IT jobs are increasingly available. So much so that there are not enough qualified people to fill them.

One way to handle potential shortages is to cross-train interested employees. Finding ways to incentivize lower level employees to get more education/experience to take higher positions is important.

5. Outsourcing

Many businesses seek to outsource some of their IT services and support in response to budget issues and to address the above-mentioned skill gaps.

While it can save money, outsourcing can lead to questions about service quality and security threats. It is important for businesses to be aware of insider threats too.

Mitigating risks associated with outsourcing requires complete vetting of the third party vendor and implementing quality assurance checks. Doing so allows you to benefit from the latest technical knowledge and experience while sticking to your budget.

Maintaining Top-Notch IT Services

As you can see, 2018 has brought with it many IT challenges.

Interested in assessing the quality of your IT infrastructure? Curious if you have any big security risks? Please feel free to reach out for a free 1-hour consultation!

Sagacent Technologies offers technology management and support, including proactive/preventative maintenance, onsite and offsite data back-ups, network and security audits, mobility solutions, disaster planning, and emergency business resumption services. The company serves clients of 10 to 150 employees within the Silicon Valley region.