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The Changing Role of IT: From Support to Strategic Partner

Published Date
Author Ryan Pollyniak

In the past, IT teams were isolated, relegated to the server room. There, they spent their days with servers and networks, coming out occasionally to fix a computer or install software. But that’s all changed: for most companies, cloud solutions have made the need for a server room, with its redundant disk arrays, fire suppression, and failover capabilities, a thing of the past. 

The role of IT has moved beyond support functions, becoming more integrated into the company's business strategy and operations.  

Drivers of Change 

Several areas are the focus of technology-driven innovation:  

  • Digital transformation: Businesses are transforming to enhance operational efficiency, improve customer experiences, and create new revenue streams. IT is pivotal in driving this transformation by implementing advanced technologies. 

  • Data-driven decision-making: The explosion of data has given rise to the importance of data analytics in decision-making. IT is now tasked with designing and managing data systems that enable the extraction of actionable insights for data-driven strategies. 

  • Cybersecurity: With the increasing reliance on digital technologies, cybersecurity has become a top priority. IT must do more than secure networks; they must develop strategies that protect data, ensure regulatory compliance, and protect the company’s reputation. 

Applying Technology to Meet Strategic Goals 

IT leaders are now involved in high-level decision-making, advocating for technology that supports company strategy:  

  • Enabling productivity tools: IT implements tools and solutions that streamline workflows and automate routine tasks, freeing employees to focus on high-value activities.  

  • Facilitating innovation: With platforms for rapid prototyping, development, and deployment, IT empowers employees to experiment innovate faster and stay ahead of the competition. 

  • Enabling remote work: IT is instrumental in business continuity and flexibility, managing secure remote access, virtual private networks (VPNs), and cloud-based solutions that enable employees to work from anywhere. 

  • Training and development: IT is increasingly tasked with fostering a culture of constant learning, training employees on new tools, systems, and best practices, helping them stay up to date with and able to leverage the latest technological advancements. 

An Evolving List of Skills 

IT leaders must have a combination of technical and business skills. They must keep up with the latest technology and also have the ability to explain the benefits to non-technical decision makers in order to recommend what to implement to support strategic goals.  

Technical Skills 

IT is being asked to master a wide range of emerging technologies that are often beyond the scope of one person:  

  • Cloud computing: IT must understand cloud architecture, services, platforms, and best practices for deploying and managing applications in the cloud. 

  • Identity management: Managing roles, privileges, and potential threats is a significant part of securing a company's most valuable assets: its data and intellectual property. 

  • Data analytics and big data: IT should have the ability to work with large datasets and be able to support data-driven decision-making and business intelligence initiatives. 

  • Artificial intelligence and machine learning: Understanding AI and ML concepts, algorithms, and tools is increasingly important as businesses leverage these technologies. 

  • Software development and DevOps: Skills in software development languages, version control systems, and DevOps practices are vital for maintaining modern applications. 

  • Networking and infrastructure: Knowledge of networking concepts, protocols, hardware, and virtualization technologies is necessary for maintaining the IT infrastructure. 

Business Skills 

In addition to technical capabilities, IT personnel are becoming more involved in business activities and decisions. As a result, they are expected to possess business skills, including written and verbal communication skills, project management, and critical thinking.  

The New Role of IT: Guardians of the Data Galaxy  

Information Technology drives productivity and innovation with advanced tools, data-driven insights, and innovative solutions. IT acts as an advocate for technical solutions and the guardian of the company's data. 

The role of IT professionals has expanded to include a combination of technical expertise and business knowledge. By developing these competencies, IT professionals can effectively support their organization's strategic objectives, drive innovation, and navigate the complexities of the digital age. 

How Western Computer's Managed Support Services Can Help 

Since it is nearly impossible for one IT person to know everything, IT departments typically have specialists for each area. Even then, IT leaders must understand the limitations of their departments and outsource what they cannot do. 

Western Computer's Managed Support Services (MSS) provides expert help managing your Microsoft Azure cloud applications. We assign a solution architect, account coordinator, and break/fix team to help you orchestrate your Microsoft Azure environment, tools, and applications. We work with you to optimize your deployments, resolve issues around updates, take advantage of new features, and more.  

Contact Western Computer today to learn how our Managed Support Services can help you take the stress out of managing your Microsoft cloud applications so you and your IT team can focus on more important things, like your business.