How to review your organisation’s IT services for 2024

As the year 2023 comes to a close, it is a good time to review your business’ IT services and IT roadmap for 2024. IT services are essential for the smooth operation and success of any organisation, especially in the digital age. However, IT services can also become outdated, inefficient, or incompatible with your current and future needs. That is why it is important to conduct a regular review of your IT services and make sure they are aligned with your goals, budget, and expectations. 

In this blog post, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to review your IT services for 2024 and ensure that your current IT is working for you. We will also share some tips and best practices on how to choose the right IT service provider for your organisation.

Step 1: Assess your current IT situation 

The first step in reviewing your IT services is to assess your current IT situation. This involves evaluating the performance, reliability, security, and scalability of your existing IT infrastructure, systems, applications, and devices. You should also consider the feedback and satisfaction of your staff, customers and stakeholders regarding your IT services.

Some questions to consider are: 

• How well are your IT services meeting your current needs and expectations?
• How secure are your IT services from cyber threats, data breaches, or natural disasters?
• How often do you experience IT issues, downtime, or disruptions?
• How easy are your IT services to use, manage, and maintain?
• How well can your IT services adapt to changing demands or circumstances?
• How cost-effective are your IT services in terms of return on investment, operational expenses, and maintenance costs?

You can use various tools and methods to assess your current IT situation, such as surveys, interviews, audits, reports, analytics, benchmarks, or ratings. You can also consult with an external IT expert or service provider, like New Era to get an objective and professional opinion on your current IT situation. 

Step 2: Identify your IT goals and requirements for 2024   

The second step in reviewing your IT services is to identify your IT goals and requirements for 2024. This involves setting clear and realistic objectives for what you want to achieve with your IT services in the next year and beyond. You should also define the specific criteria and standards for measuring the success and quality of your IT services.  

Some questions to consider are: 

• What are the main challenges or opportunities that you expect to face with your IT services in 2024?
• What are the key outcomes or benefits that you want to achieve with your IT services in 2024?
• What are the essential features or functions that you need from your IT services in 2024?
• What are the minimum or maximum levels of performance, reliability, security, and scalability that you expect from your IT services in 2024?
• What are the optimal or acceptable levels of cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and user-friendliness that you expect from your IT services in 2024?

You can use various tools and methods to identify your IT goals and requirements for 2024, such as brainstorming, prioritising, mapping, modelling, or testing.

Step 3: Compare your current IT situation with your IT goals and priorities

The third step is to compare your current IT situation with your IT goals and priorities and identify the gaps or discrepancies between them. You can do this by using a SWOT analysis, which stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. A SWOT analysis can help you evaluate the internal and external factors that affect your IT performance and potential.

You can use a table like this to organise your findings: 

Additional tools such as reviews, ratings, testimonials, demos, trials, and quotes can help you evaluate different IT service options. Consulting with an external IT expert or service provider, like New Era Technology, ensures a comparative and objective analysis of potential IT service options. 

Step 4: Choose and implement the best IT service option for 2024 

The fourth and final step in reviewing your IT services is to choose and implement the best IT service option for 2024. This involves making a final decision based on your assessment, identification, and evaluation of different IT service options. You should also plan and execute a smooth and successful transition to your new IT service provider or solution.

Some questions to consider are: 

• What are the main reasons or factors that influenced your choice of IT service option for 2024?
• What are the expected benefits or outcomes of your chosen IT service option for 2024?
• What are the potential risks or challenges of your chosen IT service option for 2024?
• How will you monitor and measure the performance, quality, and satisfaction of your chosen IT service option for 2024?
• How will you communicate and collaborate with your new IT service provider or solution?

Your final decision should be guided by a clear understanding of the reasons and factors that drove your choice. It’s essential to keep an eye out on the anticipated benefits and outcomes, while also being prepared to address potential risks and challenges that may arise during the transition. To ensure ongoing success, establish clear performance and quality metrics, and regularly assess user satisfaction with your chosen IT service option. Effective communication and collaboration with your new IT service provider or solution are vital for a seamless transition and long-term partnership.

Conclusion 

Reviewing your IT services for 2024 is a crucial and beneficial process that can help you improve your organisation’s performance, efficiency, security, and satisfaction. By following the four steps outlined in this blog post, you can conduct a comprehensive and effective review of your IT services and choose the best IT service option for 2024.

If you need any help or advice on reviewing your IT services for 2024 please contact us. New Era Technology is a leading provider of IT solutions and services across Australia. We can help you assess your current IT situation, identify your IT goals and requirements, compare and evaluate different IT service options, and choose and implement the best IT service option for your needs.