Interested in our Cybersecurity Framework?
Visit our article on how to organise an effective cybersecurity strategy to download a copy of our framework.
Unlock Secure AI Productivity Today
Empower your teams, streamline workflows, and drive smarter decisions with AI solutions designed for safe, scalable adoption.
Interested in a Free Phishing Security Test?
VirtueUK are partners with KnowBe4, the world's largest security awareness training and simulated phishing platform.
If you're interested in assessing the Phish-prone percentage of your users, contact us to arrange a free simulated phishing attack.
If you're interested in assessing the Phish-prone percentage of your users, contact us to arrange a free simulated phishing attack.
Many organisations encounter challenges in leveraging technology effectively. Survival alone can be demanding, and achieving sustainable growth is even more complex. Often, organisations default to a reactive approach when facing IT challenges, rather than adopting proactive planning and action. This is where an IT strategy becomes invaluable.
An effective IT strategy provides a clear vision of your organisation’s technology requirements over the next 12 months. This enables you to prioritise requirements and manage expenditures strategically, rather than allocating resources to technology without a defined plan. This step is particularly crucial for organisations with limited capital.
This article examines the importance of an IT Strategy for organisational growth and outlines how to develop an effective strategy that supports long-term objectives.
What Is an IT Strategy?
An IT strategy is a detailed plan defining how technology will be used to support and accelerate organisational objectives. It encompasses priorities, timelines, system upgrades, and cybersecurity strategies.
An IT strategy addresses the following key points:
- What technologies are currently in use?
- What advancements will be required in the future?
- When should transformation activities be undertaken?
- How can security posture be improved?
- What is the long-term digital strategy?
Without a strategy, organisations may make fragmented IT decisions, leading to increased security risks, reduced operational efficiency and additional expenditure.
Why Organisations Need an IT Strategy
Organisations between 30 and 400 users do not benefit from the extensive resources available to larger entities. Their margin for error is slimmer, and the repercussions of poor decision making are more significant. To maximise decision-making effectiveness, organisations should follow an IT strategy toprovide a structured framework for IT transformation, ongoing measurement of investment and support fororganisational growth.
Alignment With Organisational Objectives
IT investments remain aligned with the broader vision of the organisation when guided by an IT strategy. This ensures all stakeholders share a common understanding of goals and expectations.
Reduced Downtime
Implementing an IT strategy fosters a proactive approach and facilitates lifecycle management for all systems, thereby minimising the risk of outages and security incidents.
Enhanced Efficiency
Adhering to an IT strategy improves productivity by replacing obsolete systems and optimising workflows.
Enhanced Innovation
An effective IT strategy includes consideration for embracing newer, innovative technologies such as AI to improve the achievement of organisational objectives.
Developing an Effective Strategy
Creating an IT strategy involves more than compiling a list of projects and assets; it requires a dynamic strategy that evolves with the organisation. Each strategy should incorporate the following elements:
Assessment
The initial step is to assess the existing IT infrastructure, establishing a baseline for future improvements. Document the existing IT environment, including:
- Hardware and software inventory
- Network infrastructure
- Cloud and on-premises services
- Security tools and vulnerabilities
- Pain points and bottlenecks
This comprehensive assessment provides a solid foundation for informed decision-making.
Organisational Goals and Strategic Objectives
Identify the organisation’s primary objectives for the next 1–3 years, such as:
- Expanding into new markets
- Hiring remote staff
- Enhancing customer satisfaction
The IT strategy must directly support these strategic initiatives.
Transformation Schedule
Include a high level schedule of projected transformation activity within your IT strategy, identifying the support required from stakeholders and associated training for employees. Transformation projects may include:
- Cloud migrations
- CRM or ERP deployments
- Cybersecurity enhancements
- Website upgrades
- Improvements to data backup strategies
Budget Forecast
A proactive approach to IT procurement eliminates hidden costs and prevents unexpected expenses, enabling more precise budgeting for IT investments. Key expenditures include:
- Hardware/software purchases
- Licensing and subscriptions
- Professional services and consulting
- Training and support
Maintaining the Strategy
An IT strategy is not a static document; it is regularly reviewed and updated. A well-maintained strategy keeps organisational objectives at the forefront as IT infrastructure evolves.
Collaboration
Soliciting contributions from staff across the organisation enhances the effectiveness of the strategy, with input managed by the respective departmental stakeholders. It should reflect the collective requirements of the organisation.
Adaptability
As new technologies emerge, organisations should routinely assess their potential impact and update the IT strategy to remain responsive to evolving challenges and opportunities.
Engage With Experts
Engage with experienced external experts for guidance on effective transformation strategies and proven processes to ensure successful technology adoption. Roadmap to Success
Begin your journey toward more informed IT decisions. Contact our team today to discuss how our vCIO Services can help develop an IT strategy that strategically aligns technology with your organisation’s objectives.