Taking stock every now and then is important for performing better in the future. Problem is, there never seems to be the time! Whether your firm is small with no dedicated IT director or a large firm with many on-going projects, many don’t stop to check to what technology path they are on and where it is leading. The difference is anticipating demands in IT and proactively addressing them or simply reacting under tight time pressure.

As part of our OnSight service, we conduct quarterly technology reviews with our clients. This is invaluable for them since many don’t have personnel focused on strategic IT issues. However, a periodic technology review is good for organizations of any size. Our OnSight technology reviews cover four areas:

Feedback on current service. How are users needs being met? What areas need improvement? How stable is the network? What are users requesting?

Business issues impacting technology needs and infrastructure. How will the firms growth (whether organic or through a M&A) affect IT needs? If not growth, is the mix within the firm changing that could affect where and what IT resources are available? When are leases on equipment coming due? Are their tax implications about equipment purchases that need to be considered?

Project management requirements for upcoming technology projects. For upcoming IT projects, do you have the staff and are they qualified to perform the project correctly and on-time? If you need help, is there money in the budget and extra help scheduled?

Survey of technologies that could have positive impact. What technologies are out there that can benefit the firm, such as VOIP, document management, or server virtualization? What alternatives do you have to your current technology and infrastructure.

Technology reviews are integral part of developing a technology plan that keeps firms ahead of their technology needs rather than always putting out fires and playing catch-up. How many firms out there perform periodic technology reviews and what do you look at?