How to Support a Business Strategy with Technology

Scott Starost • Jan 03, 2017

There’s no denying it. We are living in the digital age, and just about every aspect of our daily lives depends on our ability to appropriately incorporate and use technology. Technology also plays many important roles in your business, from increasing customer experience to creating new business models. Here’s what you need to know about using technology to its fullest to truly drive your business strategy forward.

Don’t Just Look at the Long-Term Business Model

Once upon a time, creating a technology strategy took quite a bit of time and focused mostly on the long-term technology needs of the business. A company would consider what they would need over the next three to five years. Then, figure out what they had to do to get there. Things have changed in today’s digital world. Technology changes so quickly that it’s become almost impossible to determine what you’ll need in three to five years, because technology may be completely different by then. It is now more important and effective to consider which technology your company can benefit from right now.

Planning for Shorter-Term Goals

The length of time that your business strategy should cover depends a lot on the technology you have available to you right now. Look at your current vision and strategy, and figure out what you want and where you hope to go. Then, create a new vision that describes what you will need to support that strategy, and goes from there. You may only be able to plan for a year in advance, so in this case, think small. If you expect to gain 2,000 more clients in the next year, plan for the technologies you’ll need to handle those additional clients. Then, you can reassess in a year.

The Development of Multiple Models

Because technology changes so quickly, it’s hard for companies to even consider what they’ll need in a year or two. For this reason, it is vital that IT personnel work directly with other staff to stay in the loop. Along the way, your IT staff should be developing multiple architectural models that fit the strategy and technology vision. As they do this, other members of staff can review them, discuss them, and ensure that they can scale with business needs and priorities as they change in the future.

Don’t Discount Current Technology

All too often, companies try to move forward from their current technology before it’s truly necessary. For example, you might think that your business will need a new software platform next year due to increased load that your current software just can’t handle, but it’s possible that the current software will transform and change before then. It’s important to take these things into consideration and cover a variety of possible scenarios to make the best possible choices going forward.

Supporting your business strategy with technology can be daunting, especially when things change so much – and so fast. However, as long as your IT department works alongside your staff, they’re planning for a variety of scenarios, and they aren’t looking too far into the future, it’s possible to make the right choices at just the right times.

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The Benefits of Cybersecurity Dark Web Monitoring for Business Owners

06 Dec, 2023
In today's digital landscape, cybersecurity is paramount to protect sensitive business information from falling into the wrong hands. As a business owner, you understand the value of securing your data and safeguarding your reputation. That's where dark web monitoring comes into play. What is Dark Web Monitoring? The dark web is a hidden part of the internet where illegal activities often take place, including the buying and selling of stolen data. Dark web monitoring involves scanning the dark web to identify any instances of your business's compromised information being traded or sold. By monitoring these underground networks, you gain valuable insights and can take immediate action to mitigate potential risks. Key Features and Benefits Real-time Alerts: Dark web monitoring provides real-time alerts, notifying you the moment your business's data appears on the dark web. This allows you to respond swiftly and take the necessary steps to protect your sensitive information. Comprehensive Coverage: Dark web monitoring casts a wide net across various dark web platforms, ensuring comprehensive coverage. It searches for mentions of your business, compromised credentials, financial information, and other sensitive data that may have been exposed. Access to an Expert Support Team: With dark web monitoring, you're not alone in the fight against cyber threats. You have access to an expert support team that can guide you through the process, answer your questions, and provide recommendations to strengthen your cybersecurity posture. Addressing Misconceptions Misconception 1: Dark web monitoring is only necessary for large businesses. Cybercriminals do not discriminate based on business size. Any organization, regardless of its scale, can become a target. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable as they often lack the robust security infrastructure that larger enterprises may have. Dark web monitoring is essential for all businesses, regardless of their size, to proactively protect their data. Misconception 2: Dark web monitoring is too technical to understand. While dark web monitoring may involve technical processes, the service providers are equipped to simplify the complexities for you. They will guide you through the setup, explain the monitoring process, and provide actionable insights in a user-friendly manner. You don't need to be a cybersecurity expert to benefit from dark web monitoring. Misconception 3: Dark web monitoring is expensive. The cost of dark web monitoring is a fraction of the potential financial and reputational damage that a data breach can cause. It's an investment in the security and longevity of your business. Additionally, many service providers offer flexible pricing options to suit different business needs, making it an affordable solution for businesses of all sizes. Conclusion As a business owner, the protection of your data is essential for the continuity and success of your organization. Dark web monitoring offers a proactive approach to cybersecurity, enabling you to identify and respond to potential threats swiftly. By leveraging real-time alerts, comprehensive coverage, and the support of experts, you can safeguard your sensitive information, maintain customer trust, and protect your business from reputational damage. Don't wait until it's too late. Invest in dark web monitoring to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals and gain the peace of mind you deserve. Your business's security is worth it.
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