Insights

The evolution of IT: From ‘Information and Technology’ to ‘Innovation and Transformation’

Traditionally, IT is regarded as the technical support function that keeps businesses running.

However, Digital Transformation seems to have somewhat stolen the limelight, jumping to the top of the agenda for many business leaders.

What is Digital Transformation?

Far from just a buzzword, Digital Transformation is the process of using digital technologies to create new — or modify existing — business processes, culture, and customer experiences to meet changing business and market requirements.

With forces such as digital, remote working, cyber threats, regulation and net-zero (to name a few) in play, Digital Transformation is more imperative than ever before.

Change is constant, and the pace continues to accelerate. Spurred on by the pandemic, the year of 2020 saw 2 years’ worth of digital transformation in the space of just 2 months.

It is no surprise that the need for agility has resulted in higher investment in IT services, and with it, an increased need for management of these services.

Which leads us to the question: Has the function of IT taken on a new role?

  1. From ‘Information and Technology’ to ‘Innovation and Transformation’

Many business leaders agree that IT is an enabler, facilitating innovation and driving the achievement of business goals.

Research has found that nearly 50% of decision-makers believe IT should be responsible for business innovation.

However, that is not to say an MSPs historic function is forgotten, with a large percentage still viewing IT as a “technical support function” that is responsible for maintaining and running business-critical systems.

Rather than taking on an entirely new approach, the traditional function of IT has not been lost, but now carries the added expectation of driving innovation and transformation.

  1. Boardroom and budgets

Since the pandemic, most companies now have an IT representative on the board and have been given more authority when it comes to approving spend on technology.

This boardroom influence and investment increases are clear signs that IT is now regarded higher than ever before. Proving that IT is a key player in influencing the direction and success of a company, rather than simply a function that helps the business run day-to-day.

At razorblue, we have seen an influx of business leaders calling upon technology to steer their business strategy – including those who were reluctant before.

Business transformation projects have become increasingly popular. Whether adopting business intelligence tools, automation, or a mixture of the two, such digitalisation is what will provide businesses the tools needed to prosper in a time of uncertainty.

  1. Rising expectations

As the importance of IT continues to grow, so too does the pressure on Managed Service Providers (MSPs). A recent study has found that most decision-makers’ expectations of IT has increased.

The evolving roles and responsibilities for modern-day MSPs are tied to the heightened demand for them to work as strategists. Many struggle to balance both support and innovation.

It is important to work with an MSP who can not only keep up with but exceed these expectations.

The balancing act

Here at razorblue, we have a perfect balance between support and innovation.

Each of our clients is supported by a Technical Account Manager. The focus remains on growth, development and business continuity, through regular strategic meetings and project planning.

As well as supporting clients with the maintenance of business-critical systems, we work with clients at every stage of their digital transformation journey.

Our in-house software division are well-accustomed to taking longer-term business objectives and creating a detailed roadmap to showcase options on how to reach these goals.

As the demand for digital transformation has increased, we have increased our employee count by 30% to ensure the technical support for our clients is kept to a five-star level of service. We have also tripled our software team.

We continue to develop our product offering, with specific focus on Power Apps such as Artificial Intelligence and Power BI, to enhance operational efficiency at a time when its most needed.

At razorblue, we are more of a partner than a provider. We execute, automate and secure scalable and sustainable solutions that compliment innovation and transformation.