The I.T. Support Checklist for Growing Firms – Are You Covered?

Are your systems designed to grow with your organization?

• Evaluate whether your current infrastructure can handle increased data, users, and applications as your organization expands. 
• Cloud-based solutions can offer flexibility and scalability for growing firms. Are you utilizing the cloud today?

Is your hardware lifecycle managed effectively?

• Are your workstations, servers, and other equipment updated and replaced on a regular schedule? Are devices and critical services kept under active support agreements to ensure continuity in the event of a failure or outage?

Do you have a robust cybersecurity plan?

• Have you implemented firewalls, next-generation antivirus software, and endpoint protection across all devices?
• Have you implemented encryption for data both in transit and at rest?

Are you prepared for ransomware attacks?

• Are regular backups in place with safeguards against ransomware attacks?
• Do you have a written incident response plan with current contacts and procedures?

Do you train your team on cybersecurity best practices?

• Is your team regularly trained on how to identify and report the latest types of phishing attempts, malware, and other security concerns?

Are you meeting industry-specific compliance requirements?

• Regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, or CMMC may apply depending on your organization's location and industry. Are you fully compliant with these frameworks?

Do you conduct regular compliance audits?

• Do you proactively identify and address compliance gaps before they become liabilities? 
• Do you have a process in place for regular and thorough compliance assessments? 

Is your network designed for reliability, performance, and security?

• Is your network regularly optimized for uptime and speed, particularly for remote or hybrid teams? 
• Is your network regularly assessed for potential improvements in performance and security? 

Do you have a redundant internet connection?

• If the Internet is out, does that mean your organization ceases to be productive during the outage, or do you have a redundant provider in place (such as a cellular backup or secondary ISP)?

Is your I.T. support proactive or reactive?

• Does your service provider simply respond when you reach out and help with your issues, or do they proactively monitor your systems 24/7, identify issues early, and work with you to minimize downtime and interruptions. 

Do you have a clear escalation process?

• Does your team know how to get help quickly when critical systems are impacted?
• For co-managed I.T. arrangements where your internal team works alongside an external provider, is there a clear delineation of responsibilities and escalation matrix?

Do you have an I.T. Roadmap and Budget?

• Not just an idea of one, but do you have a written and constantly-updated roadmap and budget?
• Does this roadmap align with your organization's goals and anticipate future business needs and investments?

Are you researching and leveraging the latest technologies?

• Does your organization or service provider have a clear process to assess new tools, such as automation or AI, that can potentially improve efficiency and reduce costs?
• When such tools are identified, is there a process available to work them into the budget when not initially planned?