Published 2022-11-09 by TechNet New England
End-of-year technology planning is not just about budgeting. It is about making strategic decisions that position your business for success. Whether you are replacing aging equipment, adopting new tools, or strengthening your security posture, a little planning now prevents costly surprises later.
Assess What You Have
- Hardware: Workstations, servers, network equipment, printers, phones (note the age and condition of each)
- Software: All applications and their license status, version, and renewal dates
- Cloud services: Subscriptions, license counts, and utilization
- Contracts: Internet, phone, and IT support agreements with renewal dates and terms
Identify What Needs Attention
End-of-Life Equipment
Equipment approaching end of life should be scheduled for replacement. Running outdated hardware increases the risk of failure and security vulnerabilities. Plan replacements before they become emergencies.
Security Gaps
Review your security posture against current best practices. Common gaps include missing MFA, outdated endpoint protection, untested backups, and lack of security awareness training.
Set Priorities
- Security risks: Address vulnerabilities that could lead to a breach or data loss
- Business impact: Focus on technology that directly affects revenue and productivity
- Compliance requirements: Meet regulatory obligations for your industry
- Cost of delay: Some things get more expensive the longer you wait
Build Your Budget
- Recurring costs (subscriptions, support contracts, internet)
- Planned capital expenses (hardware replacements, infrastructure upgrades)
- Project costs (migrations, implementations, security improvements)
- A contingency fund for unexpected needs (typically 10-15% of total IT budget)
Technology planning does not have to be complicated, but it does need to be intentional. If you would like help developing your technology roadmap, contact TechNet New England for a strategic planning session.