IT Lifecycle Management

The lifecycle of everything is limited. This includes the hardware, software and basic infrastructure that comprise IT systems. IT Lifecycle Management is an organized plan for installing IT systems, monitoring them, keeping up with recommended updates and maintenance. When maintenance no longer optimizes performance, those in charge of IT Lifecycle management determine whether it is most cost-effective to replace components or to install entirely new infrastructure.

At CTI Technology, we offer the essential service of IT Lifecycle Management, to help clients choose the best system for their specific business and/or help keep a new or existing system operating as efficiently as possible throughout its expected lifespan. IT Lifecycle Management is every bit as important for small to mid-size community-based businesses as it is for multi-national corporations. Efficient management of IT assets throughout their lifecycles supports business success and benefits overall community interests. 

How can IT Lifecycle Management Affect Your Organization or Business?

Less than optimal IT performance results in frustrated customers and staff members. Actual breakdowns or malfunctions due to lack of lifecycle management have a crippling effect on profits. They create downtime for automated customer service systems and for staff members, who depend upon these tools for conducting business operations. IT Lifecycle Management is essential for optimization of IT system performance and to prevent interruption of service.

IT Lifecycle Management helps prevent budget issues that arise due to the surprise of replacement costs when IT equipment unexpectedly fails. Managing your IT system’s equipment, being aware of the timeline when changes or replacement will likely be needed, can help make certain your computer system can rely upon 24/7 – 365 days of the year.

When IT systems function efficiently, day after day, staff members are more likely to remain productive and engaged. Your business will garner respect as a preferred workplace – a definite advantage in times of labor shortages – and remain popular with customers due to reliability of service.

What Equipment and Processes are Covered by IT Lifecycle Management?

PCs, laptops, servers, operating systems, software, applications and all types of mobile devices should be monitored by IT Lifecycle Management. A list of expected end dates, derived from materials provided at purchase, should be maintained to help predict when each component of your IT system may need to be replaced.

Other factors, in addition to expected end dates, affect the lifespan of key pieces of IT equipment. The parameters of your IT system and your routine maintenance schedule contribute to the useful lifespan of IT equipment. When IT equipment performance can no longer be optimized, the equipment or perhaps the entire IT system must be replaced.

Effective IT Lifecycle Management tracks the health of your entire IT system, heals functional issues, optimizes the system’s operation until the time when replacement seems the best, most cost-effective option.

The Four Stages of IT Lifecycle Management

These steps describe the process of a long-term IT Lifecycle Management Program. Our skilled and experienced technology professionals can help with the process. We can offer complete IT Lifecycle Management Services or consultation during various phases.

Procurement

This stage begins with establishing goals in keeping with company objectives, and evaluating options. Financing is arranged, equipment purchased, received and installed. Management goals are established.

Deployment

A timeframe is scheduled. Testing is conducted. The system is set up and personalized for the user’s needs.

Management

This is the ongoing phase of monitoring your IT system to keep it functioning optimally and receiving the latest updates and modifications. Compliance with changing regulations is maintained, backup of data is thorough and continuous.

De-commissioning

There will come a time when it’s advisable to replace certain pieces of equipment and, eventually, every type of IT system. This process includes sanitization. Asset removal and disposal must be efficiently addressed for security purposes. Lease management returns are arranged. Unless your IT department is highly experienced in these processes, it’s best to hire expert assistance.

An Overview of Benefits Provided by IT Lifecycle Management

Forecasting Abilities

Lifecycle Management includes forecasting your future hardware and software needs. Knowing what types of equipment must be replaced and when makes budgeting and financial management easier. You won’t be caught by surprise when the need to purchase a piece of IT equipment arises.

Connectivity 

Interrupted connections and downtime due to technology insufficiency or equipment failure rarely occur when IT Lifecycle Management is implemented. Keeping your system connected and functioning depends upon consistent monitoring and updating.

Security and Compliance

Improved security and regulatory compliance helps prevent unauthorized access. Failing technology can invite data breaches. Protecting your sensitive information with IT Lifecycle Management is a wise choice.

Support for Decision-Making 

IT Lifecycle Management helps you know when updates or replacements will become necessary for various components of IT equipment. You won’t face many unexpected and unwanted surprise expenses when you stay informed about upcoming decisions before technology fails and affects your business.

Risks of Neglecting Lifecycle Management for Your IT Equipment

It can’t be stressed enough. If IT equipment isn’t performing as it should, it can cause disruption and frustration for customers and staff members. Productivity and sales may be negatively affected by lackluster performance. Actual downtime can have a drastic effect.

Security breaches can also result if software, hardware, and infrastructure isn’t updated or replaced on an as-needed basis. IT Lifecycle Management, conducted on a regular basis, costs less than the lost sales, additional expenses or potential data breaches that result when IT equipment isn’t updated or replaced before it ceases to function effectively.

Replacing aging technology may seem like a major expense, but the improved performance of an updated system pays off in data security, stellar customer experience, improved employee morale and productivity, and your organization’s reputation. Each of these factors can positively impact your business’ bottom line.

The Challenge of Initiating and Organizing IT Lifecycle Management for Your Business

If you’re inexperienced in the complete process of IT Lifecycle Management, you may need some guidance. Organizing a comprehensive monitoring system and creating checklists for updating or replacing software, hardware and infrastructure can be challenging.

Hiring an outsourced, Managed IT Service Provider to oversee an IT Lifecycle Management Program for your business will pay off in continuous, uninterrupted, up-to-date service. Great IT performance accomplished supports long-term business success.

From purchase to maintenance, to eventual disposal of technological components, our experienced IT Lifecycle Management team can continually assess and optimize your infrastructure, hardware and software. Our skilled professionals will do their best to make certain your IT system continues to support your business needs as conditions change, while keeping costs within your budget.

Looking for a skilled and experienced team of experts to install, maintain or update your company’s IT system? Contact us to discuss IT Lifecycle Management.