April 20, 2021
Fifteen years ago the first iPhone still hadn’t been introduced, Facebook had just opened its pages to the world, and Internet Explorer was the most used web-browser.
Technology has come a long way since then, and will continue to make massive strides forward in the future. One thing any Magic 8 Ball will guarantee is that new burgeoning technology will continue to be a major part of our lives.
Businesses must rely on Information Technology (IT) in order to stay competitive and current.
But managing IT comes with unwanted (and sometimes unexpected) challenges and issues. So to help you out, here are the 15 most common IT issues that your business is likely to encounter.
1. Security
Cyber security is hands-down the biggest problem with technology. Hackers are perpetually drooling over identities and personal information.
It seems that no one is immune, including large enterprises like Marriott or our own government agencies.
But you can still sleep at night if you set up policies that maintain the safety of your personal information.
2. Data Protection
A close cousin to security; the large amounts of data stored, sent and retrieved need protection too.
Data breaches and other threats are becoming more sophisticated and can be absolutely devastating to any company.
Customers don’t want their data at risk, so if a breach does happen, rebuilding their trust is equally as challenging.
3. Workload
Here’s a riddle: What robs all things and can fly without wings?
The answer is time, and it’s something you and your staff can never get enough of.
Often IT staff lack the skills to efficiently complete certain tasks, and yet the time consumed to complete this growing workload, means there’s less time for skill building and training. It’s a true double-edged sword.
4. Innovation
Undergoing the proper digital transformation in order to stay competitive is an IT challenge that will never go away.
The adage, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” cannot apply to you. You have to continually innovate, adjust your business, reorganize and find new revenue streams.
5. Accessibility
Another common IT problem is data accessibility and availability. You have some options on where to store and access your data, but none are perfect.
Cloud computing is the hottest thing since sliced bread, yet it’s continually evolving and has limitations. While, storing and accessing data from on premise servers can become expensive to upgrade, maintain and keep secure.
6. System Integration
Have you ever traveled to a foreign country and were forced to communicate with someone, but could barely understand his or her pidgin?
Well, technology deals with that same sort of thing.
The systems and services written in different technologies and languages often struggle to integrate correctly.
7. Cost Reduction
The most prosperous businesses know the importance of reducing costs to maintain a budget, but that doesn’t mean it’s not an IT challenge.
Technological advancements require continual upgrades for your business, including training, new hires and other expenses.
8. Workforce Hiring
Advancements in technology have created tech-savvy consumers, but filling IT positions is actually proving difficult.
While you’d think this field would focus more on skills than an interviewee having a four-year college degree, it doesn’t. Those with computer science and electrical engineering degrees often do have the necessary skills, but having that diploma isn’t an indicator of IT abilities.
9. Outsourcing/Automation
Large workloads and difficulty finding qualified new employees can lead to the cumbersome alternatives of seeking additional help.
Outsourcing can be a welcome solution but also comes with undesired risks; the quality of the outsourced products is out of your control, and security risks duplicate.
Automation is often difficult to implement, but definitely deserves a promotion. Normally just used for humdrum tasks, you can find ways to automate important technologies like cloud migration and cyber threat detection.
10. Privacy
A major ethical problem is maintaining data privacy and integrity. Your company transfers large amounts of information on a daily basis, which can easily lead to the possibility of disclosing personal information that violates the privacy of individuals or groups.
11. Piracy
No need to insert any pirate jokes. Software piracy is a serious tech challenge.
Unauthorized duplication of software is often hard to detect, but the penalties can be severe. Some of the software you work with might allow backup copies to be made, where others might not.
12. Free Access To Information
The access rights you have for information varies, which provides a unique ethical challenge.
Sure, the Freedom of Information Act allows free access to publish and consume information. But seeking and receiving certain information closely conflicts with the right to privacy.
13. Copyright/Patent
While copyrights and patents are vastly different, their issues in information technology are analogous.
Both are in place to preserve and protect, so the misuse of data, programs or software for existing copyrights and patents can be devastating.
Also, obtaining them for your own ideas and designs is not always a simple process.
14. Trade Secrets
Wouldn’t it be nice if there were a law that protected your secrets? Well, there is…
The law protects valuable assets like your marketing plans or source code—the things only you and your confidants should know.
Trade secrets rely on confidentiality, and can be protected so a competitor or ex-employee is not running off with your secrets.
15. Liability
Another IT challenge is taking the time to read through those verbose warranty, user and license agreements.
Hardware and software developers use specific language that defines the quality and capabilities of their product, and any restrictions for their use or misuse. Pay attention to these agreements, and know that they must be in writing to protect against liability.
Fifteen Years From Now
As your business adapts to the ever-evolving technological advancements, you’ll discover these and multitudes more issues regarding information technology.
The good news is Managed IT service providers like Marco have the resources and experience to help you avoid or ease through these difficulties and challenges.
Let us deal with the IT challenges; you have enough to focus on.
