Last week, the federal government announced a $3.1 billion IT Modernization Fund, intended to further beef up the United States’ cybersecurity by retiring, replacing, and modernizing many legacy systems. These systems have become increasingly expensive to maintain and secure, especially as the landscape of digital security continues to shift.
How expensive? A comprehensive 2015 review found that civilian agencies were spending 71% of their IT budgets on maintaining legacy investments, which limits those departments’ ability to invest in more efficient and secure solutions. U.S. Chief Information Officer Tony Scott estimates that more than $36 billion will be spent trying to shore up older systems, an effort he equated to “trying to put airbags into an old car.”
Major pluses lauded by President Obama’s Cybersecurity National Action Plan include the ability to move multiple legacy systems onto common platforms, the opportunity to prioritize critical IT needs, and the development of a self-sustaining account to fund ongoing upgrades. Of course, since this is the federal government we’re talking about, there are billions and billions of dollars available to pay for such measures. But what do you do if you are a small to medium-sized business considering a technology upgrade without endless capital at your disposal?
The Most Important Thing? Developing Long-Term Plans of Action for Hardware, Software, and Support Upgrades with a Trusted IT Provider
That may or may not mean purchasing new computers, operating systems, and applications right now. Maybe you won’t need them for a few more years—and maybe legacy systems are critical for your day-to-day business operations. That’s why it’s so important to find a business partner who can understand your immediate technology needs, formulate a long-term strategy, and focus on ways to improve your productivity and profitability.
We also understand the intricacies of IRS Section 179, which allows businesses to take up to $25,000 in an accelerated depreciation deduction on technology investments made in 2016. Taking advantage of perks like that requires foresight, planning, and expertise—and just like you rely on an accountant or lawyer for sound financial or legal advice, a trusted IT provider can provide a perspective that can pay big dividends for your business.
At CMIT Solutions, we never recommend services or upgrades that you do not need. Our main commitment is to our clients—we aim to provide customized service that can boost productivity and efficiency for your business. If you’re ready to consider any kind of hardware or software upgrade, contact us today. We are here to help you add value to your business and give you and your employees the competitive advantage you deserve.