Integrating new technology into your business involves more than just plugging things in. It can be complicated, and if not done right, it might even create new problems for your business.
Your IT provider does more than fix computer issues; they also help set up new technology. This is called "Technology Deployment."
WEBIT Services has been helping Chicagoland businesses with their IT needs for over 25 years.
By reading this article, you will learn what technology deployment is and how to know if it could benefit your business.
Defining Technology
Technology deployment is the process of adding or updating software or hardware for one or more users or systems in an organization. It also includes connecting things like docking stations, printers, and monitors.
When new technology is deployed, the goal is to make it work smoothly with the existing systems. New computers don't come ready for your office and employees. But if you get your hardware through an IT provider, they set up the new computers to fit the needs of your employees.
6 Steps of Technology Deployment
1. Creating or Reviewing the "IT Roadmap"
Before suggesting any new technology, your IT provider looks at what you already have, the age of each IT asset, how you use it, and your goals for your technology and business. All of this is recorded in your "IT Roadmap."
2. Proposal
Your IT provider gives you a detailed plan for any new technology your business may need. This technology may replace outdated or non-functioning assets or meet a unique need.
Your IT provider will discuss all recommendations to ensure they fit your business needs, existing IT system, and IT budget. Once an agreement is reached, your IT provider will present a formal proposal.
3. Procurement
Once the proposal is approved, your IT provider orders everything you need.
New hardware is delivered to the provider's office first so they can verify that the equipment is in working order. All items will be inspected and prepared for deployment.
4. Inspection
Your IT provider inspects the new hardware to ensure it's not broken and works properly. If there are any problems, they contact the vendor for replacements.
Once the technology passes inspection, they move to the next step.
5. Equipment Preparation
After inspection, your IT provider sets up the equipment. They connect it to your company's network, add access to the correct computer files, and move any needed data from old systems. They also add programs and make sure everything is safe and secure.
The goal is for the new technology to seamlessly integrate into your organization and be ready to use immediately post-deployment.
6. Delivery and Final Setup
The IT provider brings everything to your office once everything is set up and working. They ensure the technology is functional before they leave. If anything is missing or working incorrectly, your IT provider will fix it in real-time.
Technology Deployment for Remote Workers
Yes, IT providers can help set up technology for employees who work from home.
They will procure and program any hardware for a remote employee using the same process as on-site employees. However, IT providers may not have the resources to set up every remote employee's home office, so they have two delivery alternatives.
For local remote workers, the IT provider might meet them at the office to deliver and test the new equipment. For workers who are far away, the provider sends the new technology to them and helps them get started over the phone.
Why Use Technology Deployment Services?
Using your IT provider for Technology Deployment can save you time and minimize frustration. It removes complex tasks and gives you ready-to-use solutions. The idea is to bring in new technology without causing problems for your work.
How Much Does it Cost?
Yes, these services have a cost, but it varies between IT providers. Some might charge you for the time and work they put into finding the right solutions for you. Others might set a fixed fee for the whole project.
IT providers may also alter their deployment service fees over time, so ask about the current price when discussing new technology purchases and setups.
Is Technology Deployment Right for Your Business?
Technology deployment can be helpful if your company has unique or complicated data handling methods or if you use special software. Even if your business primarily uses cloud systems, technology deployment services ensure everything works well and is safe. In addition, it removes the stress of setting up new technology so their clients can enjoy the benefits of it being deployed the first time correctly.
However, if your business already has an IT team that knows how to set up new technology, you might not need these services.
Next Steps When Considering Technology Deployment Services
Technology deployment describes the process of researching, acquiring, programming, and setting up new hardware or software for IT systems. It follows these six steps:
- Creating or reviewing the IT Roadmap to meet business needs.
- Creating a proposal for new technology to be purchased.
- Procuring the technology.
- Inspecting the technology for functionality and quality.
- Preparing the technology for deployment.
- Delivery and final setup.
Essentially, technology deployment services are helpful to organizations that have advanced networks and permissions structures or no in-house expertise to handle all of the complexities and security requirements involved in setting up new technology.
However, businesses may not require technology deployment services if they have a less complex IT system or a knowledgeable internal IT team.
For over 25 years, WEBIT Services has served hundreds of satisfied clients in the greater Chicago area.
If you are looking for a new IT provider, schedule a free 30-minute consultation to see how WEBIT Services can help.
If you aren't ready to make a commitment but would like to learn more about IT assets, we recommend the following articles:
- 5 Signs your IT provider is selling instead of helping
- Should I buy or lease my technology or use hardware-as-a-service?
- Business-grade vs. consumer-grade technology: Which is better for your business?
- Technology "End of Life" and “End of Support” | What it means and why it matters
