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Cloud gives on-premises a run for its money

By Suzanne Franco, Surveys Editorial Project Manager at ITWeb.
Johannesburg, 21 Jul 2017
Philip Slimowitz, CEO of ITR Technology.
Philip Slimowitz, CEO of ITR Technology.

IT management is the backbone of an organisation and as such, effective IT management can contribute to its success or failure.

IT management also provides an essential link between business objectives and IT priorities.

ITWeb, in collaboration with ITR Technology, conducted a Simplifying IT Management survey during May and June to gain insight into the IT management strategies ofSouth African organisations.

The survey set out to determine answers to questions, which include the current state of IT management systems implementation in local businesses; if, and how, organisations are using help-desk ticketing systems; and the level of awareness about data protection tools.

An overwhelming majority of 74% stated they do use a help-desk ticketing system.

"It is critical for any process-based business to have a ticketing and tracking system within their business," says Philip Slimowitz, CEO of ITR Technology.

Slimowitz adds the two downfalls or 'roadblocks' associated with this subject are traditionally cost and change or establishment of processes within a business.

It emerged from the survey that almost all (94%) of respondents confirmed they are aware of ways to ensure data is not lost within their organisation. Obviously, if an organisation is unaware of these systems, there could be dire consequences.

"There are various systems from cloud to on-premises systems available," says Slimowitz. "Businesses are made up of data, which is acquired over time with specific expertise."

He goes on to say that if this data is lost, there is a huge hole left in a business which, in some instances, could cripple an organisation and force it into closure.

The survey results were pretty much evenly split when respondents were asked if they have systems in place to avoid employees stealing or working on 'hobby'-related tasks during working hours, with 51% stating they do not have systems in place and 49% indicating they do.

"As business becomes tougher, we need to be able to monitor, as business owners, that we are getting the value we are paying for staff. There also needs to be a level of trust within your business and staff. To prevent any liabilities within your business, process and software can allow you to limit the risk of staff stealing valuable information, IP or clients," Slimowitz explains.

On-premises vs cloud

When respondents were asked if they are interested in a cloud-based solution, 66% said yes and 34% said they prefer on-premises.

Slimowitz elaborates on this finding: "Cloud costs are becoming cheaper versus having an onsite system with regards to hardware, licensing and maintenance."

He also says some critics have mentioned data security and the loss of some functionality between cloud and onsite.

Just over half (53%) of the survey respondents indicated ITIL does play a big role in their IT environment.

Slimowitz agrees with this finding and says that for any sustainable business, process is key to its longevity and is vital.

Of the 55% of respondents who said their organisation has implemented an IT service management system, 89% state the main reason was to improve quality and efficiency of IT services. The second most important reason (63%) was to comply with business requirements.

"Compliance, auditing and business overview are some of the additional benefits that we can mention on the flip-side, with no process within a business. The organisation will be unable to understand the shortcomings of the business and thus be unable to plan for the future."

Slimowitz says this will have financial implications, as a business will not be able to isolate problem areas.

Some 57% of respondents said their organisation has automated the process for organising the response to IT incidents; 36% cited they have not.

"Choosing the correct service desk is critical. Questions such as does the service desk of choice meet your current needs and future growth plans? Is there constant development of the product? Is there local support of the product? What awards has the product won locally and internationally? Is it within your budget?"

He adds that once a product has been selected, the vendor should either assist with implementation or provide proper training on the service desk, understanding how it will fit within your business.

"Education is key for all your critical staff members that will be using the product and there would need to be 'buy in' from every department that will be connected to the service desk," Slimowitz concludes.

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