A remote IT infrastructure setup is beneficial for a business in many ways, especially when compared with on-site IT infrastructure. Some of the benefits include reduced costs, improved productivity, flexibility, and scalability. However, you need to ensure the stability of your IT infrastructure to avoid failures when you go remote. Ultimately, you should be able to manage your IT infrastructure remotely. Furthermore, it can be helpful during situations like the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic when going remote is the most appropriate option. And here are the things to consider when setting up a remote IT infrastructure.
List Out All Existing Components
The first thing to do is to make a list of all your existing business components. It can be hardware, software, servers, network applications, HR, customer support, and so on. You may not have a technical support team if you have already outsourced technical support. Similarly, you may or may not have certain components. Listing out helps in making the steps towards setting up a remote IT infrastructure less complicated. Also, you will have to consider how you intend to provide hardware for your workers if the current workstation becomes inaccessible all of a sudden.
Identify Components That Can Be Virtualized
Once you listed out your existing components, identify the ones that can be managed remotely or virtualized. For example, if you own an on-site server, you can shift to a virtual server. Besides, you can easily hire a server management company in India and avoid concerns regarding managing your servers on your own. You can also implement new technologies that support remote IT infrastructure management, such as artificial intelligence and automation.
Ensure Business Continuity
The business needs to be running without any issues when you go remote. So take adequate measures accordingly. Things to consider might include the distribution of equipment to workers in case of an office closure, backup plans for services that require a backup, possibility of delays in delivering a service, storage of equipment, and so on. Also, if there are any concerns in providing round-the-clock support, hire a 24x7 technical support company.
Change in Talent Requirements
Talent requirements might change when you switch to a remote IT infrastructure setup. For instance, certain operations might get automated, or you may have to hire remote IT workers. Still, productivity needs to be improved. Hence, change in talent requirements is to be addressed efficiently.
Vulnerability Assessment
Though remote IT infrastructure has a lot of benefits, the chances of risks and vulnerabilities are higher. And so tests and vulnerability assessments need to be performed to minimize the risks that could happen. After all, it is better to prevent attacks than to fix them after they occurred.
Security
Finally, secure the systems. Implementing an IAM or identify and access management system can improve security. Moreover, it is a common best practice for remote IT infrastructures. Further, permissions are to be limited and multi-factor authentication is to be included. It can help keep information safe and secure.
In short, setting up a remote IT infrastructure can give your business the advantage it needs. Yet, you need to ensure security while doing it. And consulting an IT expert can get you the assistance you need throughout the process.
