Courtesy StoredTech
By Mark Shaw
Over the past few years, we have discussed several different yearly topics on what to watch. In 2018 we discussed everything as a service. Servers, email, everything heading to the cloud. This was a long discussion on how to change your current hardware and software spend from a capital expense to a monthly service model.
In 2019 we talked about security. Why it’s so important and why doing the basics is the most critical thing you can do for your business. Employees are firm’s biggest asset and weakest link. Starting with a plan that allows you to help educate and train your team is the first step in Cyber Security 101.
And finally, last year in 2020, we discussed how your cyber security company should NOT be your internal or external IT resources. They hold different functions, require different skills, and much like in accounting – one person should not have all the keys to the financial kingdom. This is not dissimilar from your technology.
Now in 2021, everything is coming together. All the technology changes that we have been preaching since 2018 are culminating into this great “work-from-home” event called COVID-19. The slow pace of migrating your environment to the cloud and educating on security separating business functions in technology, have been thrust into the spotlight of the current pandemic environment.
If your business has not been following the technology path as quickly as you would have liked and you are stuck with the pain of servers in an office, an office you might not need anymore, then now is the time to consider the move to the cloud. This guidance in 2018 is still a path that is viable today.
Imagine having a workplace that doesn’t need an office space, whose entire set of business applications are accessible from anywhere at any time. Imagine allowing your employees to take home their cloud-based physical phones or use their mobile devices securely as their work phones. Imagine that you have well-trained and cyber security educated staff who are safely protecting you and your company from wherever they are working from.
Imagine that you have a cyber security firm that is watching your IT and working together with your technology provider. You don’t need to imagine any of that; this is the world so many are already living in. Technology has been there, and it’s been a topic-for-discussion in this very paper since 2018. In today’s world a rapid upheaval increased the pace in which all of this happened for most of us.
In 2021 the culmination, either forced through business necessity or planned and implemented for years, is here.
Businesses deserve to reap the benefits from the WFH (Work-from-Home) model, and you should be protecting yourself and your business from cyber security threats. The technology and know-how are there, and many great firms can provide you the guidance you need in these times of turmoil. 2021 is when it all comes together.
Your business technology is a puzzle. Make sure all your pieces fit so that you can come out of this period stronger than ever.