5 Ways to Optimize Your Business IT Infrastructure 

cybersecurity, energy efficient, IT Network, Ophtek, scalability, workflow_automation, , , , ,
28
Nov 2023

Businesses should always be trying to optimize their IT infrastructure. After all, not only will this improve efficiency, but it will also cut costs. 

In the dynamic and competitive landscape of business, a highly tuned IT infrastructure can be the difference between success and mediocrity. Therefore, if you truly want an infrastructure which fosters both smooth daily operations and capacity for growth, you need to start optimizing your operations. This may sound like a monumental task, but luckily Ophtek are here to help make this job easier with 5 ways to optimize your business IT infrastructure.  

1. Strengthen Your Cybersecurity 

In a world of ever evolving cyber threats, it’s crucial that your IT infrastructure is secure. Therefore, you need to start by strengthening your existing cybersecurity protocols. Begin by conducting regular security audits to ensure that you can monitor your defenses in real time. This means that, for example, if your firewall is no longer adequate against contemporary threats, you will know that it needs replacing with a more suitable solution. Additionally, never underestimate the impact of employee training programs to teach them the best security practices. 

2. Calibrate Your Network Configuration 

Maintaining a smooth flow of data across an organization’s network is essential. Accordingly, you should be mindful of fine tuning your network settings to achieve this. Optimizing your bandwidth usage and reducing latency are two of the most important steps you can take to improve performance. Sometimes, this will be as simple as simply adjusting network settings to cope with demand, but if a prolonged and heavy demand is forecast, investing in more sophisticated hardware may be required. 

3. Be Energy Efficient 

IT infrastructures use a lot of energy, and this can lead to significant outgoings in energy costs. Therefore, researching and investing in energy efficient hardware is one of the best practices you can implement. So, for example, if you invest in more energy efficient data centers, not only will you benefit from lower running costs, you will also be spending less on cooling the data centers. And, best of all, as well as helping your finances, it also enhances your green credentials and benefits the environment. 

4. Automate Routine Tasks 

One of the best ways to optimize your IT operations is by automating repetitive and routine tasks. This approach can be applied to numerous tasks such as software updates, network monitoring and security tasks. As well as saving time, automation eliminates the risk of human error. This means that your IT demands are completed more efficiently and your human resources can be allocated to more complex activities which cannot be automated. 

5. Never Forget Scalability 

Finally, it’s vital that you design your IT infrastructure with scalability in mind. Business requirements can change rapidly, and your IT operations need to keep pace with them. This can cover increased demand for user numbers, application changes, or data volume. Whatever the requirements, your IT architecture needs to be able to adapt to these changes if you want your business to grow. So, make sure you thoroughly assess your existing and future needs, embrace cloud computing, and monitor your infrastructure’s performance. 

For more ways to secure and optimize your business technology, contact your local IT professionals

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How to Reduce Network Downtime in your Business

backup power, IT Network, network outages, Ophtek, Spare network connection, , , ,
15
Jun 2021

When your IT network goes down it’s usually associated with a sudden drop in productivity. But it doesn’t have to be this way. You can reduce your downtime.

A well-designed IT network should run smoothly and maintain your productivity. No IT network, however, is perfect. And this means that your network is always at risk of running into problems. It’s a scenario that no organization wants to face, but the reality is that it can and will happen. Planning for potential problems, though, is the perfect way to tackle them. If you can prepare for these bumps in the road, then you stand a better chance of avoiding them.

Let’s explore what you can do to maintain your IT network and keep your productivity high.

Maintaining Your IT Network

There are numerous strategies you can employ to safeguard the health of your network connection:

  • Install a Backup Power Solution: A sudden power outage is two things in business: unpredictable and disastrous. Losing power in the modern business world means an instant loss in IT capabilities. And this can seriously damage productivity. But by installing an uninterruptable power supply, you can achieve peace of mind that your IT infrastructure will remain online.
  • Evaluate Your Network Connection: It’s crucial that you don’t take your network connection for granted. A poorly maintained or outdated network can quickly and regularly cause your business numerous headaches. Therefore, at least once a year, take the time to evaluate your network to understand where its weaknesses lie. This could be outdated hardware or even a susceptibility to cyber-crime. Either way, understanding these problems will allow you to fix them before cause trouble.
  • Don’t Cut Costs: IT technology can be costly, but these costs often underline the quality and reliability of the product. Accordingly, it makes long term sense to invest in an IT network which can call upon quality hardware and internet connections. This type of setup may seem expensive at first, but it will ensure that your network is resilient. And, in turn, this allows you to minimize network downtime and keep your employees productive.

For more ways to secure and optimize your business technology, contact your local IT professionals.

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