Why you would benefit from a network audit

01.16.12 Posted in Hints and Tips by Mathew Taylor+

A SHIFT analysis of your small business will be quick and painless and provide you with valuable information.

Here are our top 5 reasons why your business would benefit from a technology analysis:

1.Examination of current technology – If you’re thinking of replacing your computer, a SHIFT analysis may reveal that upgrading specific components, such as memory, would give you a significant performance boost. It could also highlight incorrect system settings or poor security configurations that could easily be fixed. once we determine what technology you have, it will be easy to find some quick, inexpensive areas for improvement.

2. Long term assessment of your system requirements – A SHIFT analysis may reveal components that are out dated and should be replaced with newer, faster components. It could also highlight storage capacity issues on your system and where there is more space to be found. You can then plan and budget to address these areas in the future, without any costly interuption to your business

3. Know what software is in your system – A SHIFT analysis of the software in your system will reveal if your computers have illegal file sharing software, other programs that may be harmful to the system or just taking up valuble space. Remember if your employees are able to install software onto your computers, do you know what they have been installing?

4. Determine you have the correct software licenses – In some cases, a software manufacturer has the right to randomly check your business for the correct license number and the right kind of license for their software. If you’ve taken on more staff, or you’ve had employees installing software on your system, a SHIFT analysis can reveal where your software licensing might need to be updated.

5. Complete IT asset register – Your business will have certain assets listed for accounting purposes. If a theft or natural disaster hit your business, SHIFT can store a copy of your SHIFT analysis results, including a detailed list of your system assets, off site in case you need to refer to that list to make an insurance claim.

The outcomes of your SHIFT analysis will be a comprehensive list of your I.T. assets and recommendations for improvements (both short and long term) that fit in with your budget and your business plans.