2023 has flown by, and its time for businesses to wrap up this year and look forward to their goals and objectives for 2024. IT departments in particular face the vital task of preparing for the new year. The next few weeks represent the perfect time to reflect, evaluate and plan for the internet infrastructure, collaboration tools and communications network that will carry the organization forward. Today’s digitally connected workplace requires efficiency and innovation in all these areas. With that in mind, IT departments should target some key objectives as the year ends. Here is an IT checklist to ensure your department is ready.

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IT Checklist: Year-End Evaluation, Review and Strategy

  • Assessing Current Systems: Evaluating the reliability and functionality of the voice, internet, and collaboration tools that ae currently installed provides the baseline. You’ll want to look at uptime statistics, user feedback, and any ongoing issues.
  • Analysis of Future Needs: IT personnel can anticipate needs for the coming year based on organizational growth projections or shifts in work patterns and structure, such as remote work or hybrid work.
  • Financial Planning: Management should review how the spending for the last year was allocated, and set aside the necessary funds for upgrades, tools, or new resources needed for the coming year.

Security and Compliance Compliance Updates

  • Data Security: The IT management team should confirm that all communication protocols are compliant with security standards and that data encryption is operational and effective.
  • Software Updates: IT personnel will need to schedule necessary updates or patches to enhance security and functionality, including deciding on how to ensure engagement from all users.
  • Review Current Compliance and Regulatory Standards: Management should review compliance with all necessary regulations regarding communication and the collection and storage of data.

Upgrades to Hardware, Infrastructure and Technology

  • Evaluate Current Hardware: IT technicians should assess new hardware requirements for improved voice and internet connectivity in the new year.
  • Consider Software Upgrades: The team needs to decide if upgrading or changing collaboration tools is needed to better reflect the needs of the team and the organization.
  • Potential Integration Opportunities: Now is the time to look into integrating various resources and tools (such as Microsoft Teams) to create a more seamless user experience in the coming months and years.

Necessary Changes to Training and Support

  • Training and Educational Programs: The team should identify any necessary employee training on any new tools or features, either as an end-of-year initiative or schedule for the coming months.
  • Contemplate a Revised Support Structure: Now is the perfect time to think about current IT support structure, and brainstorm ways to streamline the resolution of issues in the new year.

Review Disaster Recovery/Business Continuity Plans

  • Evaluate Disaster Recovery Plans: Management should make sure that the plans are up-to-date and still represent the best protection of all crucial communication tools and resources.
  • Test Backups and Procedures: The team should make sure there is a plan in place to regularly test all backups of mission-critical data, infrastructure and systems.

Vendor and Relationship Assessment

  • Evaluate Vendor Performance: The IT staff should assess the past-year’s performance by current vendors and partners. If changes need to be made before the new year, consider your options.
  • Review Standing Contracts: The end of the year is an opprtune time to check contracts and make sure they are up to date, and still offer the company the most competitive rates or services. You may be able to renegotiate for the 2024 budget.

IT Checklist: Looking Forward to 2024

Over the next few weeks, IT teams should make sure they are knowledgeable about any new voice, internet, and collaboration trends that may benefit the company in the new year. Understanding
and identifying the unique challenges of each department can help ensure that the company’s infrastructure is robust, compliant, protected and ready for the upcoming year.

Alliance IT offers the expertise and knowledge you need to assess the past year – and create an IT checklist to be ready for what is to come. If you are a small to medium sized business in need of professional, consulatative help or assessment, call Alliance IT today.