What Does It Take to Design & Implement a New IT System?

How to Design & Implement a New IT System? 

The one thing that makes businesses less productive and competitive is their approach to computer systems. They think of it as merely a collection of software and hardware components. But, how should it be? Well, the right approach is to consider it as an ecosystem of hardware, software, and networking components - working in synchrony to fulfill the company's vision.

Now, add some scalability and adaptability to the occasional disruptions shaping the tech world – and you have a recipe for a new IT system that remains ever-green. House of I.T has a few tasty titbits that will help you design and implement the IT infrastructure of your dreams. Let’s byte into them!

Steps to Designing an IT System That Fits Your Business Goals 

Information technology is meant to make data processing, communications, information storage, and other associated operations easier for businesses. The following steps will help build such computer systems from the ground up. 

Focus on Your Core Business

Businesses need applications that support specific operations. For instance, a design firm needs computer systems that allow employees to collaborate on intricate projects via the cloud. Design platforms like Adobe creative cloud allow employees to pitch in on intricate projects even remotely. So, the place to start implementing such a new IT infrastructure is considering the hardware and networking requirements of such core platforms. 

Workstations to Servers Distribution Ratio

The above scenario places various on-site and off-site workstations into the picture. Managing such a network becomes difficult without linking them to a central computer via a client/server-based network. Therefore it helps to consider acquiring a server that supports the number of users in your organization. 

Network Speeds 

Network speeds come as an afterthought when businesses think of configuring a new IT infrastructure. However, slow network speeds can increase downtime, which increases operational costs. Case in point – even world-class computer systems like Dell EMC can cause losses when there’s a system outage. 

Now, imagine the havoc a slow internet connection can wreck in your organization –especially you don't have a reliable IT consultant on call. 

Rightsizing it All 

Engineering your new IT infrastructure to fit the company’s needs at both cost and scale is vital. An undersized IT infrastructure damages the performance of a large organization. Likewise, an oversized information system hurts the budget of a small company. 

Scalability also comes into play, but in business, what matters most is how your current setup helps you reach your bottom line. So, it's best to consider the company’s growth trajectory and upgrade when you hit those milestones. 

A Checklist for the Implementation Phase 

House of I.T understands that undertaking a massive transformation in your company’s information storage and data processing setup can be intimidating. That’s why we’ve developed this IT infrastructure checklist to help you through the implementation phase. 

Pre-Implementation 

• Explaining the benefits of the new IT system to the employees helps them adapt to the changes faster. 

• Establishing a project management team ensures a smooth rollout as everyone knows their role in this transformation.  

• Configuration and installation of new IT infrastructure need a little planning because it may involve many parties. At this point, it makes sense to brief the in-house IT staff and speak to vendors. 

• Managing the expectations of the company’s staff ensures they’ll be ready for shifts in workload and can adapt to the new interface without it harming their productivity. 

• Training staff on how the new system works ensures they'll feel right at home. 

• Providing user support is also essential at this point and in the future. 

Post Implementation

• Data migration can be tricky. So the company needs to help the service provider map and catalog all digital assets. 

• Creating a viable contingency plan helps ensure business continuity in case of any mishaps.  

• Planning for when the new system goes live is another tricky bit. The way to approach it is to schedule the migration during an off-peak season, the holidays. It could even work when a reasonable number of employees is out on leave. 

• Monitoring the system for any risk during implantation ensures that any observable challenges are addressed before the new IT infrastructure becomes part of its corporate culture. 

• Evaluating IT security helps spot any vulnerabilities before they cause a problem. 

• Auditing your set metrics for the migration initiative helps you see if the outcomes meet your desired goals.   

Getting the Right IT Consultant Makes Things Easier 

Few in-house IT departments can develop and implement new IT systems. While most IT hardware/software vendors are likely to recommend whatever solutions they have available. This leaves businesses that want to customize computer systems to fit their needs in a tenuous position. 

This is easier when you consult with House of I.T. We can help you review your options, choose the right vendors, design and implement an IT infrastructure that meets your company’s wildest business ambitions.