IT Budgets and the New Economy

    IT budgets are being scrutinized as we speak. The current economic uncertainty means there will be tightening. That is why it is important that IT managers make a strong case for a share of the dwindling budget. Making your case to management more focused and specific rather than trying to cover every eventuality will get the attention you need.

    As we circle the wagons, security becomes important. There should already be a solid software maintenance plan and reliable backup system in every shop. However, systems may be running older versions of software that need to be upgraded. This is where a strong case must be made regarding enhanced security features designed to protect data from newly emerging threats. These should be bullet points in any IT budget proposal for newer versions of software. Automated system monitoring is another way to enhance security and save money. Alerts are automatic and system reports are easily compiled, no more hours scrolling through logs.

    For those on a tight budget open source could be a way to save money. The draw back is that open source has less support and would require more IT resources to roll out.

    It is easier for the IT manager to make the case for needed resources when specific security issues are defined and well researched solutions are presented.