7 key IT issues you may face in 2008

7 key IT issues you may face in 2008
By Victor Ng
30 Jan 2008
For SMBs, IT is largely about solving problems and keeping the business running, but it can also lead to new problems. Basing on developments in 2007, we've drawn up a list of the 7 biggest problems that SMBs might face when dealing with IT in 2008.
1. Getting or keeping IT mindshare in top management
IT is a key business enabler and part of much innovation carried out in organizations. Therefore, it makes sense to have a boardroom representative to champion the cause of IT for business innovation. In the past, the HR buzz was about hiring a CIO or IT manager. However, some IT departments are now being classified under "Operations" and report up through the COO or Director for Operations. No matter how you structure your organization, businesses need to figure out how to get a competent IT champion at high-level strategy meetings.
2. IT-business alignment
This is somewhat related to the first issue. Good IT managers are always looking out for new and enhanced technologies to help improve their companies' business. However, business goals and objectives often change, and top management may do so without informing IT in a timely manner. This can lead to inefficiencies and wasted resources. How do you fix that without being accused of over-communicating or allowing IT to hog strategy meetings?
3. Invasion of consumer technology
It is easier than ever for employees to get their hands on technologies to help them do their jobs without ever consulting management or the IT department. The problem is that many of these technologies can lead to security and compliance risks. Workers turn to these consumer devices because they are faster and easier to get, without the hassle of management approvals; users simply pay for these devices out of their own pockets (since these devices can also be used personally at home or at play).
4. Risk assessment for information security
Too many SMBs look at security as a technology issue that can be solved with the right hardware or software. Not enough organizations focus their security efforts around what really matters - business and company information. Those who have gone through the whole security and compliance smorgasbord would have realized that the way to start doing it right is with a risk assessment that looks at what data is most valuable (and therefore most costly to lose), the likelihood of it being leaked or stolen, and the cost of securing it.
5. Centralized vs. decentralized IT
Many businesses struggle with whether to centralize or decentralize their IT deployment. Centralization allows pooled resources and more specialization among your staff, while decentralization allows IT to be more closely tied to each business unit. In some organizations, the pendulum swings back and forth between being more centralized or decentralized. In 2007, decentralization was the more popular approach, but the internal debates continue to rage and some organizations are even opting for a hybrid approach.
6. To adopt Windows Vista or not
SMBs are usually slow adopters of new operating systems. And that's even when the new OS offers clear benefits, which many IT managers would say isn't the case with Windows Vista. Some businesses are purchasing Vista licenses as part of their PC and server purchases, but are actually downgrading to XP. Despite some creative marketing from Microsoft, businesses are still searching for something that makes upgrading to Vista worth the while.
7. Growing storage needs
The digital information load is growing at an exponential rate, with multimedia and online communication/transactions becoming larger parts of the data load. Storage needs are exploding for lots of SMBs. Some have designed their data systems for scalability, but even these are being stressed much earlier than expected. The storage crunch is expected to escalate.