Businesses today face a critical decision: whether to evolve with the technological trends of the time or be left behind. In fact, as per Gartner’s research, there is a growing demand for IT modernization. As high as 76% of CIOs have reported an increased demand for new digital products or services during the pandemic. Also, 83% of CIOs expect this demand to increase further in the upcoming years. Modernizing an organization’s infrastructure. including databases, applications, and even network endpoint devices take strategy, resources, time, and budget, but not investing in things such as upgrading legacy systems, moving to cloudlike environments, and establishing zero trust on networks can easily date your business and cause challenges in future growth plans. Redeveloping IT technology systems and processes methodically by employing things like computing, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity helps an organization stay ahead of the curve.
Whether you are an experienced IT professional, or a business leader looking for additional education on rapid digital transformation trends, this blog will help you understand how many organizations are seeing results through modernization and showcase some of the results Buchanan’s customers are seeing through the journey.
What is IT Modernization?
IT modernization is the comprehensive and strategic restructuring of an organization’s technology backbone. It can range from implementing new software or hardware to incorporating cloud-based solutions and data analysis processes. It is more than a periodic update; this process reflects a fundamental rethinking of technology per the changing business goals and requirements. This all-embracing focus guarantees that the enveloping IT ecosystem of a company is characterized by agility, scalability, and security and will always keep up with and be ahead in a competitive sector.
Why is IT Modernization Crucial?
Enhanced Efficiency and Productivity
Modern IT systems streamline business processes by automating routine tasks and optimizing workflow. For example, workflow automation solutions significantly reduce project turnaround times. A notable case of workflow automation through IT modernization is the integration of AI, chatbot technology, and robotic process automation at Humber College. This solution optimized the college’s service desk operations for its 60,000 students and staff. The result was a remarkable 67% savings per ticket and a 35% resolution rate through the chatbot, leading to a 25% reduction in total costs in the first month.
Improved Cybersecurity
Outdated IT systems are often vulnerable to cyber threats due to obsolete security protocols. IT Modernization introduces robust security measures like secure cloud migration, advanced encryption, multi-factor authentication, and continuous monitoring, significantly reducing the risk of data breaches. For example, as a part of their IT modernization effort, a non-profit radio broadcaster migrated their file and storage solutions to a cloud-based environment. This transition ensured enhanced security through encryption of files at rest and controlled access via permissions. Additionally, the client gained the ability to monitor and audit file access, significantly increasing the overall security and control of their data.
Cost Savings
Modern IT systems, while requiring upfront investment, lead to substantial long-term savings. They reduce the need for frequent repairs and upgrades, lower energy consumption, and minimize downtime. A cost-benefit analysis of a global leader in travel retail who moved their entire infrastructure to the Cloud showed that after shifting to an automated, cloud-based system, they reduced 10% in hardware costs with a 30% increase in productivity. Not only did they save and increase productivity, but they were also able to more quickly scale store openings and closings, and data consumption, and only pay for the consumption they used.
Scalability and Flexibility
Modern IT systems offer scalability and flexibility, essential for growth and adaptation. Organizations such as retailers, manufacturers, logistics, or mortgage companies, among others, benefit from operational efficiency when they can quickly adapt to their expansion or downturns in brick-and-mortar stores.
Enhanced Customer Experience
IT modernization is important in boosting customer service and satisfaction. In a case involving a global energy company, the implementation of advanced IT solutions and extensive service desk support resulted in effectively managing a 20% increase in call volumes year-over-year. This approach also led to a significant 21% reduction in abandoned calls and a 26% increase in calls answered. This demonstrates the profound influence of IT modernization on improving customer support efficiency, adeptly catering to a company’s expanding needs and significantly elevating customer satisfaction levels.
Regulatory Compliance
Outdated systems often struggle to meet evolving regulatory standards, posing compliance risks. Modern IT infrastructures, however, are designed to ensure compliance with laws like GDPR or HIPAA through secure data handling and privacy controls. Additionally, a study revealed that 73% of Americans favor secure digital methods for their healthcare interactions. This clearly shows that IT modernization has evolved beyond a mere trend and is now necessary for crafting a successful customer experience and complying with regulations in healthcare.
Competitive Advantage
Modern IT infrastructure is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge in business. For example, On-Demand IT field services play a crucial role in this context, equipping retailers with the agility and technological sophistication needed to stay ahead. These services provide scalable and tailored IT support, vital for implementing cutting-edge technologies, managing real-time inventory, and enhancing customer experiences. From ensuring robust cybersecurity with advanced networking solutions to facilitating seamless omnichannel strategies, On-Demand IT services enable retailers to adapt quickly to market changes, optimize operations, and deliver exceptional customer service, all of which are key to sustaining competitiveness in a dynamic retail environment.
Support for Remote Work
Given that 28.2% of the workforce is navigating the hybrid work model, and another 12.7% are fully remote, the shift to modern IT infrastructures supporting remote work is implicit. Cloud-based platforms and collaboration tools enable teams to work seamlessly from various locations, ensuring business continuity.
Our Approach to IT Modernization
Buchanan Technologies stands as a premier partner for IT modernization, offering a comprehensive suite of services that include performance tuning and system optimization, seamless migration to cloud solutions for enhanced scalability and efficiency, cutting-edge upgrades for future-ready systems, and robust, accessible cybersecurity measures.
Our approach is grounded in a deep understanding of current technological trends, ensuring an upgrade and a strategic leap toward operational excellence and sustainable growth for businesses across various sectors. As leaders in the MSP space, we are committed to driving efficiency, productivity, and security in the digital age, making us the go-to choice for businesses aiming to modernize their IT infrastructure.
IT modernization is an indispensable strategy for businesses aiming to thrive in a digital-first world. This comprehensive transformation, extending beyond mere updates, enhances efficiency, bolsters security, offers cost savings and provides scalability and Flexibility. Modern IT systems also elevate customer experiences, ensure regulatory compliance, give a competitive edge, and support remote work. At Buchanan Technologies, our holistic approach to IT modernization addresses these aspects with customized solutions, ensuring your business is up-to-date and future ready.
Contact us to explore how we can modernize your IT infrastructure.
