How healthy is your IT infrastructure?

From smart devices and artificial intelligence, to machine learning, big data, and more, technology is evolving at an astonishing pace – meaning that the investments you put into your IT department today, may not be enough to meet the demands of tomorrow.

So, how can the sector’s professionals be sure what they’re currently working with is truly up to scratch? Jordan Gallier, Central’s technical architect and engineering team lead, explores…

Firms' tech stacks comprise various interconnected components — including hardware, software, networks, and security systems — that work together to support day-to-day operations and enable seamless communication, data management, and overall productivity. Each component plays a crucial role in ensuring the reliability, scalability, and security of the IT infrastructure.

Over time, this complex ecosystem can become susceptible to issues such as outdated technology, security vulnerabilities, and performance bottlenecks. That’s why carefully selecting and regularly maintaining each component is key. Here are just some of the ways IT infrastructure audits play a central role in evaluating the health of your systems:

• Identifying and rectifying vulnerabilities: Through assessment, you can pinpoint areas of your tech estate that might require closer attention — whether that’s fixing a broken piece of hardware, patching a flaw in your network, modernising an outdated legacy system, or anything in between — to enhance system performance, minimise downtime, and improve user productivity.
• Empowering proactive maintenance: Regular health checks allow you to proactively identify potential problems before they escalate into critical issues — preventing costly breakdowns, ensuring uninterrupted operations, and saving you from the hassle of reactive troubleshooting.
• Maximising security and compliance: Scrutinising vulnerabilities enables you to swiftly implement crucial security measures and safeguard data from bad actors. Maintaining vigilance is imperative in today's ever-growing landscape of cyber threats. Moreover, routine evaluations play a pivotal role in ensuring compliance with industry regulations and best practices.

Six tips for auditing your IT infrastructure

For organisations without a technical specialist to front the process, knowing where to start when analysing the health of your company’s IT infrastructure can be daunting. Using the following recommendations, firms can gain valuable insights, enhance system integrity, and ensure their technology backbone is in optimal shape for daily operations.

1. Perform comprehensive audits

Start by conducting thorough audits of your hardware, software, and network configurations. This process involves reviewing equipment, licences, warranties, and documentation to identify any gaps or areas needing improvement.

2. Evaluate system performance

Utilise monitoring tools to assess the performance of your servers, network, and applications. Analyse metrics such as response times, bandwidth utilisation, and resource usage to identify bottlenecks and optimise performance.

3. Review security measures

Regularly assess your security protocols — including firewalls, antivirus software, and intrusion detection systems. Stay up-to-date with the latest security patches and ensure that your data backup and disaster recovery plans are robust and tested regularly.

4. Keep software up-to-date

Outdated software can pose security risks and hinder productivity. Regularly review your software stack — including operating systems, applications, and firmware — and ensure that you have a strategy in place for timely updates and patches.

5. Consider the cloud

Cloud computing offers scalability, flexibility, and enhanced security for many organisations. Assess whether migrating some or all of your infrastructure to the cloud can help optimise your operations, reduce costs, and increase resilience. If you’re not sure, get in touch and we’d be happy to walk you through the benefits.

6. Seek professional assistance

Engaging a reliable managed IT services provider like Central can provide expert guidance and support throughout the assessment process. Our 30+ years of technical expertise can help identify areas of improvement and implement best practices tailored to your specific requirements. 

Remember, technology is constantly evolving, so regular evaluations are essential to stay ahead of the curve. At Central , we're here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today to discover how our managed IT services can help you keep your IT infrastructure in top shape.