2013 IT Checklist: Top 5 Must-Have Skillsets
Well I can’t believe it but ThanksHanuChristmas is upon us. It seems like just yesterday I was BBQing in the yard and lazing by the pool. Well, with three kids, it isn’t really lazing … more like dunking and throwing. Now it’s a crisp 34 degrees outside and the holiday shopping madness is kicking in and I am sure everyone is already getting spammed with pre-Black Friday deals.
In addition to being reflective and thankful this time of year, I also can’t help but try and sneak a peek into the coming year. No, no, this is not going to be a blog about predictions regarding product releases, acquisitions or executive shuffling. After the bizarre John McAfee situation unfolding before our eyes, no prediction can be outrageous.
Instead, I am going to use the rest of this space as more of a technology checklist for solution providers to emphasize areas where they need to be gaining ground or at the very least preparing to gain expertise, regardless of size or industry serving. Here are the Top 5 must have skillsets for all solution providers.
Cloud Computing
I know, saying cloud computing needs to be part of your service offerings is like saying you need air to breathe. But in all seriousness, cloud computing is the undercarriage of everything IT-related. It is the platform that everything will be built upon. What solution providers need to be aware of is where their cloud focus needs to be: storage, back-up, server virtualization, network administration, application management, etc. The point is, any service solution providers are offering need to be cloud-based or migrating there.
Mobile Device Integration
Smartphones, tablets, mini tablets … everyone’s got one or more. They are no longer the future. The future is here. The opportunity for solution providers is in device management, integration, service, product lifecycle management and, of course, security. Heck, even my wife, who I admit fights technology advancement at every turn, just got an iPhone. Between that and her iPad, she is using it in her physical therapy practice to video movement, review, write reports and bill. Again all this data created by mobile devices and the growing need for better storage and access solutions are based in the cloud.
Disaster Recovery
If businesses didn’t take it seriously before, Hurricane Sandy served as an unfortunate wake-up call that they need a comprehensive storage, backup and business continuity plan. This three-pronged approach is where solution providers have great influence. There are multiple storage solution and backup solutions that can be customized to any organization’s particular need, but the business continuity piece is critical. Emphasize it.
Enterprise Applications
Mobile computing and the cloud changed everything. The model for enterprise applications has been completely turned on its head and organizations are having trouble adjusting and managing the transition. Here is a critical area where solution providers can manage the enterprise app distribution process and put in place recurring service revenue by controlling the maintenance and upgrade cycles.
Security
Need I even say it? Nearly every survey I see from CIOs or IT directors highlights the need for more security. It is also often cited as a prohibitor, especially when it comes to mobile devices and adopting a cloud environment. Let’s face it: If data or systems are compromised, nothing else matters. As solution providers go into 2013 ready to engage in discussions around cloud, mobility, storage and enterprise applications, they must also ensure their solutions are bullet-proof.
Well that’s my list. How does it compare with yours?
Knock em alive!
