IT Assessments: Discover Where You Are So You Can Move Ahead

By the DynaSis Team

There’s an old adage that says, “You can’t know where you are going if you don’t know where you’ve been.” With technology, we think it’s more accurate to say, “You can’t decide where you want to go unless you know where you are, right now.” Many companies work with technology every day without any real idea where they are―how well their networks are working, whether their systems are functioning efficiently or even what IT assets they have in the building.

Not knowing this information makes it impossible to prioritize and manage technology initiatives cost effectively, and it also opens the door to downtime, security issues and other problems, big and small. A great way to address such a knowledge gap is with a variety of IT assessments. Following are a few that we recommend to our customers.

Network Assessments: This procedure incorporates network performance tests to benchmark how efficiently and securely your network is running. The test is (or should be) followed by reports that identify network issues and weak spots and provide recommendations for resolving urgent network security and performance issues. Network assessments should also include a “risk score” and recommendations for better server and device configuration and management. They should be secure and invisible to company personnel when they are running (little to no effect on network performance.)

Asset Inventories: This process gives you a clear picture of what devices are operating in your business― and what applications are running on them (which also helps you explore whether or not you are in compliance with licensing requirements). In many cases, your network assessment will include an inventory of network-connected devices such as routers, printers, PCs, servers, etc. as well as an inventory of installed applications, which is why we recommend it, first.  (DynaSis’ network assessment includes this inventory.) Depending upon how many devices you have that are not network connected (and what their condition is), a second, physical assessment might also be appropriate.

Strategic Assessment: With this process, you explore and adjust (or develop) your current IT approaches and plans to ensure they support your business objectives. Usually conducted with a “CIO” level resource (either in-house or third-party), a strategic assessment moves beyond operation conditions to such considerations as optimal replacement cycles, anticipated challenges, future business plans and other aspects of business operation that involve technology. The result should be a comprehensive IT strategy that will reduce unplanned equipment downtime and replacement, boost productivity and keep budgets in check.

Would you like to explore where your company currently is, in terms of its IT solutions? Do you need help developing a workable yet proactive vision for the future? DynaSis offers all these assessments (and more), and we’d be glad to help. To learn more, fill out our inquiry form or give us a call at (770) 569-4600.