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Every enterprise has its approved apps, platforms, and processes. Yet, our research shows that in nearly every workplace, employees find their own ways around them. Maybe it’s a WhatsApp group for faster updates, a Google Drive instead of the corporate file system, or even a private chat thread.

This is shadow IT: staff using unauthorized tools and systems to get work done.

On the surface, it might not seem like a big deal. But shadow IT carries real risks, from data security breaches to compliance failures. It also fragments productivity, leaving employees scattered across apps that leadership can’t see or manage.

That’s why ScreenCloud and Unily partnered with Censuswide, an international market research consultancy, to study the issue in depth. The survey assessed the wants, needs, and opinions of 800 frontline workers across North America, all from organizations with 10,000+ employees and revenues of $10 billion or more. The findings reveal the hidden drivers behind shadow IT, especially among frontline and deskless workers who often feel underserved by the tools they’re given.

In this blog, we’ll explore why shadow IT happens, what it costs businesses, and what organizations can do to address it, backed by data from our study.

You can find the full study, "Disconnected and disengaged: The economic cost of frontline friction" here.

What is Shadow IT (and why it matters more now than ever)

Shadow IT is the use of software, apps, or devices that haven’t been approved by a company’s IT department. This could include everything from a private Slack channel, file sharing through Dropbox, or WhatsApp groups to coordinate shifts. 

In many cases, shadow IT helps employees solve real problems: to collaborate faster, get information in real time, or simply avoid clunky corporate tools. But, by skirting the company's secure information technology systems, it puts data and productivity at risk.

The concept of shadow IT isn't new. It has been around for as long as employees have been finding workarounds to official systems. But the rise of cloud-based apps and mobile devices has made it much easier for staff to install and use their preferred solutions.

For enterprises, the stakes are much higher today than they were even a decade ago. Large organizations face stricter compliance requirements, larger attack surfaces for cyber threats, and more complex communication challenges. 

If you add hybrid work and frontline environments where employees don’t always have access to email or corporate chat, the temptation to create shadow IT only increases.

During our study, 91% of telecommunications employees admit to using personal devices or non-company apps to share company information. 83% of manufacturing employees and 81% of aviation employees agree. In short, Shadow IT has grown beyond an IT problem into a business problem. 

It impacts how quickly employees can collaborate, how secure data remains, and how connected or disconnected workers feel within the enterprise.

1. Messaging apps like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger

Employees set up their own group chats to share updates quickly, especially in frontline or shift-based environments. These are fast and familiar, but completely invisible to IT.

2. Cloud storage tools like Dropbox or Google Drive

Staff use personal accounts to share files because they find them easier than the company’s approved system. This creates security and compliance risks if sensitive data is involved.

From project management tools to scheduling apps, employees often sign up for free trials or low-cost subscriptions on their own. While these tools solve immediate problems, they fragment workflows and bypass enterprise oversight.

Why employees turn to shadow IT (findings from our study)

Our study with Unily revealed that employees don’t turn to shadow IT because they want to break rules. They do it because the official systems provided to them aren’t meeting their needs. Here’s a chart from the study that highlights the top 5 reasons employees use personal devices or non-company apps:

Employees want to collaborate quickly and efficiently. If sending a file through the official platform takes multiple steps, while a personal app does it in seconds, most people will choose the faster option. 

Up to 48% of employees state that they’ve previously shared work information because there were no convenient IT-approved alternatives.

This isn’t about defiance; it’s about productivity. When deadlines are tight, convenience wins every time.

Another surprising insight from the study was how often employees rely on personal apps during emergencies. Whether it’s a weather warning or a sudden operational change, 45% of staff feel they get faster, clearer updates through their own channels. If the company’s official systems can’t deliver critical information in real time, employees will find their own way.

35% of employees simply said they don’t like the user experience of the tools their company provided. This could mean the apps are outdated, difficult to use, or not suited to the way frontline workers operate. If workers can’t trust official systems to do the job, they’ll default to what they know works.

A clunky interface or slow performance is enough to turn employees away from official tools. Modern consumer apps set a high bar for usability, and when enterprise platforms don’t measure up, workers naturally gravitate to alternatives. For 20% of employees, shadow IT is just a way of finding a better user experience.

In some enterprises, the problem is more basic: there simply aren’t official tools for certain tasks. Without a clear channel for collaboration or communication, employees are forced to improvise. Shadow IT fills the gaps that the organization hasn’t addressed.

Shadow IT isn’t just an inconvenience for IT teams. It creates wide-reaching problems across the business.

Here are some of the biggest risks shadow IT brings:

Security threats and data breaches: Unauthorized apps often lack enterprise-grade protections, leaving sensitive data vulnerable and creating entry points for cyberattacks.

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) noncompliance: For businesses operating in or with the EU, shadow IT can easily breach GDPR requirements on how personal data is collected, stored, and shared. This can result in significant penalties and reputational damage.

Compliance failures: Using unapproved platforms can put companies in violation of industry regulations without anyone realizing it.

Fragmented productivity: Teams operating on different apps miss updates, duplicate work, and lose alignment.

Loss of visibility: IT and leadership lose oversight of where data lives and how it’s being shared, making risk management nearly impossible.

Employees rarely announce that they’ve set up their own WhatsApp groups or started using a free cloud service. Still, there are practical ways to identify shadow IT across the business. Here are 5 of them:

Network monitoring: IT teams can track unusual traffic patterns or connections to unauthorized cloud services. This helps flag tools that employees may be using without approval.

Expense audits: Small subscription charges on expense reports or corporate credit cards can point to unapproved SaaS tools being purchased by teams without the IT team’s approval.

Employee surveys: Sometimes the simplest approach is the most effective. That means asking staff what tools they use outside of the company's cloud environments.

Access reviews: Regularly reviewing login records and authentication logs helps identify accounts linked to unauthorized apps.

Usage analytics: Monitoring productivity tools and system integrations can reveal gaps where employees are turning to external solutions.

The key isn’t just detection but understanding the “why.” Once enterprises know which tools employees are using, they can dig deeper into why those tools were chosen, and use that insight to provide better, official alternatives.

Our joint study with Unily showed that shadow IT thrives when official tools don’t match what employees actually want. When asked what features they value most in an employee app, frontline workers prioritized things like access to payslips and holiday booking (32%), company news and updates (32%), and the ability to instant message co-workers (32%). Quick access to company documents and leadership communications were close behind at 28%.

These responses highlight the gap: employees aren’t looking for fringe features. They want intuitive, everyday tools that help them stay informed, connected, and productive. When those needs aren’t met, shadow IT fills the space. Tackling it means addressing these wants head-on.

Here are some practical steps enterprises can take, backed by the study’s findings:

Create a central hub: Streamline communication, collaboration, and documents into a single, accessible platform. This reduces the temptation for employees to juggle multiple unofficial apps.

Prioritize ease of use: Employees will always choose tools that are fast and intuitive. An official system should make it simple to search for information or contact colleagues, especially for frontline staff who don’t sit at a desk.

Strengthen internal brand trust: Reinforce core values through reliable communication. When employees feel informed and valued, they’re less likely to turn to personal apps for updates.

Enable real-time collaboration: Build platforms that support instant messaging, quick updates, and fast responses across locations and teams. This will immediately address one of the top reasons employees fall back on WhatsApp or Messenger.

Guarantee equal access: Select tools that are device-agnostic and available beyond a computer, so frontline and deskless employees have the same access as office-based staff.

Shadow IT can’t be eliminated by restrictions alone. It requires enterprises to meet employees where they are, with the tools and experiences they’ve already shown they want. 

The study makes it clear: employees want simple, reliable tools that help them stay connected. Shadow IT grows when those needs aren’t met. That’s where ScreenCloud steps in.

ScreenCloud provides enterprises with an official channel that delivers the features employees are already asking for:

A central hub for updates: Company news, leadership communications, and critical alerts can be published instantly to screens across locations, so nobody is left in the dark.

Ease of use: With an intuitive interface, ScreenCloud doesn’t require training or complex onboarding. Employees get the information they need without frustration.

Equal access for all: Digital signage ensures frontline and deskless staff have the same visibility as office-based employees; no need to rely on personal devices or apps.

Real-time communication: From urgent weather alerts to live sales dashboards, ScreenCloud supports the instant, engaging updates employees said they want.

Brand reinforcement: Screens double as a channel for reinforcing culture and values, making employees feel connected to the business as a whole.

ScreenCloud is also highly compatible with Unily, the best Employee Experience Platform. This means your employees’ engagement doesn’t have to stop when they put down their devices or step away from their desks. 

Download the full study: Disconnected and disengaged: The economic cost of frontline friction and see the data behind these insights. Or, book a demo today to discover how ScreenCloud can help your enterprise replace shadow IT with communication tools your employees actually want to use.

A common example is employees using WhatsApp or Google Drive instead of approved enterprise tools. Any platform that doesn't align with company access controls and is invisible to the IT team is an example of shadow IT because it poses security risks.

Yes. Shadow IT introduces security risks because unapproved tools aren’t monitored by security teams. This makes it harder to detect vulnerabilities, implement security measures, or prevent data loss.

Absolutely. When sensitive data is shared outside the corporate network through unauthorized apps, data can fall through the company's security gaps creating compliance concerns and potential legal exposure.

Can shadow IT result in compliance issues?

They can be. Cloud storage apps like Dropbox, when used without approval lead to to security gaps and fragmented workflows if not overseen by IT.

Are cloud based services an example of shadow IT?

Shadow IT is costing businesses more than they realize. Our ScreenCloud + Unily study reveals the numbers behind why it happens, and how companies can fix it with the right tools.

How to Tackle the Problem of Shadow IT in Modern Businesses

Setting up screens around your space used to mean running both power and data cables to every single device. Not anymore.

Power over Ethernet (PoE) makes it possible to send both electricity and network data through a single cable. That one change has made it easier and cheaper to install things like digital displays, security cameras, and even smart lighting in places where regular outlets just aren’t practical.

But not all PoE setups are the same. There are different standards, each with their own limits. Use the wrong one, and your device might not turn on at all.

This guide breaks it all down, so you can pick the right type of PoE for your needs.

Power over internet standards are rules that define how much power can be delivered over an Ethernet cable. They're set by the IEEE (the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), and they help keep things consistent from one device to the next.

The original PoE standard came out in 2003. It allowed low-power devices like early VoIP phones and simple cameras to get just enough power through their data cable. Since then, newer versions have added increased power for more demanding tech.

Each PoE standard sets a limit. It tells you how many watts a device can safely receive, and how much power a switch or injector needs to provide. 

Well, too little power means the device won’t function, and too much can cause damage if things aren’t built to handle it.

You’ll find PoE powering a wide range of devices, including:

Touchscreen kiosks and self-serve terminals

PoE makes it easier to install these devices in tight spaces, high walls, or anywhere you’d rather not deal with extra outlets or power cords.

There are three main PoE standards to know: PoE, PoE+, and PoE++. Each one supports a different amount of power, which means not every standard works with every device.

This is the original PoE standard, and is also known as Type 1. It delivers a maximum power of 15.4 watts per port. After accounting for a bit of loss over the cable, the connected device usually gets around 12.95 watts.

Also known as Type 2, this version came out in 2009. It bumps things up to 30 watts of power per port, with about 25.5 watts available to the device itself.

Also known as Type 3 and Type 4 PoE, this is the latest standard, and the most powerful. It delivers between 60 watts (Type 3) and up to 100 watts (Type 4) per port, depending on your setup, and is great for devices with higher power requirements.

The right PoE standard depends on the different devices you’re powering, and how much wattage that device needs to run reliably. Go too low, and things won’t turn on. Go too high with incompatible equipment, and you’re wasting resources (or worse, risking damage).

Here’s a quick guide to which standard fits best, based on the kind of gear you’re deploying:

This one’s ideal for low-power devices that don’t need a lot of juice to stay online.

Small-format digital signage (like tablets or shelf-edge screens)

In general, if it’s a single-function device with no video, interactivity, or wireless broadcasting, PoE usually gets the job done.

A step up in power, PoE+ opens the door for more complex devices.

PTZ security cameras with zoom and motion

Multi-band access points handling heavier traffic

All-in-one screens that combine display and computing in one device

For many digital signage projects, especially those in retail, healthcare, or education, PoE+ offers a solid balance of power and flexibility.

Read more: Benefits of digital signage in retail

When you're working with power-hungry tech, this is the standard you want.

Multi-output media players powering several screens

Thin clients or mini PCs deployed across office floors

High-performance Wi-Fi 6/6E access points

PoE++ is especially helpful for digital signage teams rolling out large-format displays, video walls, or screens in tough environments where reliability is critical.

Read more: How to roll out digital signage

Coming up next, we’ll look at how this all connects to digital signage, what kind of PoE setup works best, and what to watch out for in your rollout.

If you’ve ever run an ac power and ethernet cable separately to a screen mounted six feet up a wall, you already know the headache PoE can save.

Power over Ethernet lets you power digital signage players, and in some cases, even the display itself using a single Ethernet cable. That makes installations faster, cleaner, and easier to scale.

Here’s how Power over Ethernet fits into typical digital signage setups:

Media players: Many small-form signage players, especially Android or Linux-based devices, fall within PoE or PoE+ power limits. That makes them easy to mount behind screens or tuck inside enclosures with no nearby outlet.

All-in-one displays: Some commercial displays come with built-in media players and PoE support. These are great for lobbies, meeting rooms, or retail shelf displays.

Touch panels and kiosks: If your signage includes interactivity like wayfinding screens or check-in kiosks, PoE+ or PoE++ often delivers the wattage needed to keep them responsive and stable.

Low-profile installations: In spaces where aesthetics matter (think hospitality, healthcare, or high-end retail), PoE cuts down on visible cables and bulky power bricks.

It’s also worth thinking about infrastructure. 

A PoE switch or injector gives you central control over power and networking, which means easier maintenance and troubleshooting down the line.

And if you're rolling out dozens or hundreds of screens, centralizing power through PoE makes scaling much less painful.

Bottom line: Whether you're managing corporate digital signage displays in a retail store, or school campus, PoE gives you more options for where and how you install your screens.

Read more: How to choose energy efficient displays

PoE makes powering devices simpler by combining electricity and data in one cable. Depending on how much power your device needs, you'll choose between:

For digital signage, Type 2 is often the sweet spot for devices that support PoE, but Type 3 & 4 are quickly becoming the go-to for more advanced displays and players.

With ScreenCloud, you get a platform built to work with a wide range of networked devices, screens and digital signage players, from compact kiosks to large-format displays. Our solution is also plug and play , so setup is fast (faster still if you’re using PoE to power your devices.)

No extra wiring. No messy installs. Just one cable for power and connectivity, and you’re up and running.

Whether you're installing one screen or one hundred, our software helps you manage it all without the hassle. 

Start a 14 days free trial and see how easy digital signage can be.

The main difference is how much power each one can deliver. PoE (Type 1) delivers up to 15.4W, PoE+ (Type 2) delivers up to 30W, and PoE++ (Type 3/4) can deliver up to 60–100W. Higher-powered devices like 4K signage players or multi-screen hubs usually need PoE++.

What’s the difference between PoE, PoE+, and PoE++?

It depends on the hardware. Many media players work well with PoE+ or PoE++. Some smaller displays with built-in players can also run on PoE. But full-size commercial screens, and some smaller digital signage players often still need separate power.

Can PoE power a digital signage display and media player?

Cat5e is the most basic option, and will work for standard PoE and PoE+. For PoE++ or longer cable runs, it’s safer to use Cat6 or higher to reduce power loss and keep things stable.

What type of Ethernet cable should I use for PoE?

No. Passive PoE doesn’t follow IEEE standards and can deliver unpredictable voltages. It works in some niche setups, but for most digital signage deployments, stick with standard (active) PoE for safety and compatibility.

There’s no difference. PoE+ and IEEE 802.3at are two names for the same thing. PoE+ is the common term, while 802.3at is the official standard name. Both deliver up to 30W of power per port.

What’s the difference between PoE+ and AT?

here’s no “one best” class; it’s about matching power output to what your device needs. Class 0–3 (PoE) is best for low-power devices like phones or small cameras. Class 4 (PoE+) works for mid-range devices like touch panels or media players. Class 5–8 (PoE++) is best for high-power devices like 4K displays, video walls, or advanced Wi-Fi gear. T

Learn the key differences between PoE, PoE+, and PoE++ (IEEE 802.3af/at/bt). Find out which PoE standard is best for your devices.

PoE Standards Explained: PoE vs PoE+ vs PoE++ for IT and Signage

PoE Standards Explained: Which One Should You Use?

Technology is a core part of almost every business today, whether it’s managing payment portals and software systems or networking infrastructure and cybersecurity measures. And more than ever, the IT team is an essential component of the modern business.

ScreenCloud’s latest campaign celebrates the heroes of the IT department in businesses around the world. 

IT Hero is our homage to every man and woman working to keep their organization running—whether it’s simply keeping the Wi-Fi lights blinking, or making sure the complex infrastructures continue to run smoothly.

But why IT Hero? As Mark McDermott, CEO of ScreenCloud points out, “The IT department is often the unsung heroes of the workplace. It’s usually IT that finds new solutions to problems, or who get new systems up and running, troubleshooting every hiccup with remote diagnostics”.

Wielding their IT superpowers, the IT department is often in the thick of it when it comes to spotting or avoiding issues, or fixing problems before they snowball. 

We’ve picked out just a few things that make the IT department true heroes of the modern business world…

Perhaps the most important thing your IT Hero does is that they keep everything running smoothly. They’re always there in the background, updating software, helping set up devices or networks, and generally doing the technical work critical to smooth operations for your team and workforce. 

Cybersecurity has become one of the most important elements of any business operating online. And having a team prepared to defeat those cyber threats before they turn into cyber disasters is critical to safe and smooth running in the modern digital world. By keeping those firewalls up to date, monitoring your network for security flaws or breaches, and managing employee training—this is one critical IT superpower that is more important than ever.

Don’t underestimate the power of the human touch when it comes to IT. While AI is creeping into every part of our lives, especially in business, the men and women of the IT department are on (human) hand to spot and fix issues, or simply explain the problem in plain language. For now, at least, the human touch in the world of IT is something that can’t be replaced…

4. Preventing problems becoming disasters

Network outage? Security breach? Hardware failure? Your IT Heroes swoop in just in time, solving problems, preventing disasters and making sure that everything keeps on running. Many IT Heroes are on call to fix problems around the clock, and will pre-emptively spot and prevent flaws before they even become an issue—often without anyone even noticing. True Heroes in every sense of the word. 

A well managed IT strategy can help your entire workforce run smarter. It might be helping to automate repetitive tasks, upgrading slow systems, or optimizing network performance or communications tools. When you have an IT Hero who can use their powers for good inside your organization, your teams can focus on doing their jobs properly. Not handling glitchy systems or slow processes! A win for everyone. 

Ever notice how your IT department seem to speak a different language? This tech speak, or jargon, often means that IT Heroes can spot issues before anyone even notices them. Because they often see different news sources, read reports from the tech world, and move in mysterious tech circles, your IT Hero has an uncanny ability to understand what’s going on in the world of IT. Which means you don’t have to learn all of the jargon.

With so much technology at our disposal, it can be a challenge to know how to use it best. And that’s where your IT Hero comes in. Again. When it comes to new technology or using existing tech in the best way possible, your IT department are there to help people get setup, trained and using the available tools for maximum effect. A good IT Hero lifts the whole team up!

IT Heroes are more than just tech experts—they’re connectors. They bridge the gap between departments, ensuring communication tools and platforms work seamlessly. Whether it’s integrating new collaboration tools or ensuring smooth remote access for hybrid teams, IT Heroes bring everyone together in a world that’s more connected than ever.

Data is the lifeblood of modern businesses, and your IT Heroes are the ones keeping it safe, accessible, and well-organized. From implementing backups and recovery plans to managing secure storage and ensuring compliance with data regulations, these protectors make sure your most valuable asset—your data—is always in good hands.

ScreenCloud is the IT pros choice when it comes to corporate digital signage. Offering unrivalled professional support, best in class security and a software experience that is designed to make your IT Hero’s job easier—not just another tech issue to solve.

In fact, anyone can be an IT Hero with ScreenCloud.

Easily connect screens across departments or locations, integrate popular apps and create your own feeds and connections with no hassle. ScreenCloud is designed to be your content display hub—streaming live data to the office and logistics center, displaying safety information in the manufacturing hub, important updates and employee information in the break room and promotional content in your customer facing locations.

It’s no wonder more IT teams prefer ScreenCloud!

Find out for yourself and book a demo - or get your FREE 14 day free trial. 

From powering operations to thwarting cyber threats, IT Heroes keep your business running smoothly. Discover why IT departments are the backbone of a successful modern business

Why Every Business Team Needs an IT Hero!

When it comes to remaining competitive in business, maintaining efficiency, and cost-effectiveness is not just about strategizing for the present but also about preparing for the future. As technology continues to improve at a rapid pace alongside rapidly changing business demands, organizations need to keep their finger on the pulse with tech upgrades.

Increasingly a big focus for large companies is IT modernization.

IT modernization refers to the process of updating a company’s technology systems, processes, and strategies to improve efficiency, resilience, and competitive advantage. This often involves replacing outdated software, migrating services to the cloud, enhancing cybersecurity measures, and adopting new technologies that promote agility and innovation.

Upgrading legacy systems to newer, more efficient technologies is vital for businesses to keep pace with the demands of today’s corporate environment.

Modernization is not merely an upgrade; it’s a reimagining of an organization’s IT ecosystem to align with current business goals and technological advances. This process ensures that a business can meet current and future demands, reduce operational costs, and mitigate risks associated with legacy systems.

Is IT Modernization the same as Digital Transformation?

While both concepts aim at leveraging technology to improve business operations, they are not identical.

IT modernization is often a critical component of digital transformation but focuses more on the technological infrastructure of a company. Digital transformation, on the other hand, is a broader initiative encompassing changes in culture, operations, and customer engagement through the integration of digital technology in all areas of a business.

So, while digital transformation can demand IT modernization, the latter can occur without a company undergoing a full-scale digital transformation. IT modernization targets the “how” of technology improvement, while digital transformation addresses the “what” and “why” behind integrating digital technology into every aspect of the business.

Read more: What is a digital transformation strategy?

When it comes to planning and strategizing upgrades to IT systems, this usually incorporates five different areas. These are:

Cloud migration: Moving services and data from on-premises servers to cloud-based solutions to improve scalability, flexibility, and disaster recovery capabilities. Many organizations also rely on cloud migration and engineering services to ensure that performance, security, and long-term efficiency are fully optimized during this transition.

System upgrades: Updating software and hardware components to newer versions or alternatives that offer enhanced performance and security.

Legacy system modernization: Refactoring, re-platforming, or replacing outdated systems that are costly to maintain and do not meet current business needs.

Cybersecurity enhancement: Implementing advanced security protocols and tools to protect data and systems from cyber threats.

Communication and collaboration tools upgrade: Adopting modern communication tools such as corporate digital signage, VoIP, and collaboration platforms to enhance operational efficiency.

How to plan your IT Modernization Strategy

Upgrading IT systems can be both technical and expensive, so it needs proper planning and preparation. To ensure your IT modernization is a success, and with the least amount of teething problems, you'll need to map out your strategy in advance.

The first thing is to run an audit of your current IT infrastructure to identify areas that need updating. You may already know what needs replacing or updating, but your audit will likely flag up other areas.

Is there a cloud based operating model available? And does it offer better value or operability?

Are there cost savings that can be made by changing to a different process or model?

Are there methods which are more user-friendly?

Is this a process that is essential or required for business operations?

Most likely, you'll need to liaise with other departments to identify opportunities and challenges with regards to your current IT systems.

As a result, you'll need to set clear, actionable goals for what you aim to achieve with modernization.

Based on your initial audit and assessment, take time to identify priorities with your modernization strategy. This might be cost or security dependent, or simply based on ease of roll-outs.

Of course, some updates take longer, require more cross-departmental support or even the use of an external agency. Weigh up what each process requires and then factor that into the prioritization. This will likely require discussion across the organization to identify what can be done easily and what will need budget sign-off or input from other parties.

This might also require re-assessment of some initial findings from the audit. For example, you might find that updating some overly complex systems might be more challenging than necessary.

This will be one of the most important steps for many. While you will obviously want the best solutions for the job, you'll also want to find those with the best value for your investment. In many cases organizations might also want to see immediate cost savings or a solution which results in better business intelligence.

This might mean creating a shortlist of the best tools for the market and analysing their benefits.

Create a shortlist of the best tools. Review sites such as G2 or Capterra can help.

If possible trial each tool, or choose the best solution based on your requirements/reviews etc

As part of your strategy, you'll need to plan out a detailed implementation roadmap with timelines and milestones. A phased approach allows for manageable upgrades and minimizes disruption to business operations.

This also allows for the fact that some upgrades might depend on others, or that certain upgrades might fall under a different financial quarter.

One of the most important parts of any IT modernization plan is to include training for your team. In order to get the best value from your upgraded tools or solutions, your workforce needs to know how to use the solutions effectively.

Most software or hardware will include detailed instructions or onboarding to get you up to speed. This will vary between suppliers, with some offering hands on and bespoke onboarding, while others offer a more general do-it-yourself approach with some support.

Make sure to factor this into your overall modernization efforts as this is a step that will make a big difference between successful IT modernization and failure.

It might also be worth checking the quality of things like onboarding during the procurement stage.

Like everything, there will be an adjustment period, and this goes double for your modernization efforts. Post-implementation, be sure to measure the outcomes against your initial objectives. Be prepared to make adjustments to optimize performance and value.

Cloud Computing Platforms: AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure offer comprehensive services for organizations looking to migrate to the cloud.

Virtualization Technologies: VMware and Microsoft Hyper-V can help in creating virtual versions of IT resources, reducing physical infrastructure costs and improving efficiency.

Cybersecurity Solutions: Tools like Cisco, Palo Alto Networks, and Symantec provide robust security frameworks to protect against cyber threats.

Collaboration Tools: Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom are essential for enhancing communication and collaboration among teams. Digital signage tools such as ScreenCloud can be used to unify your communications and improve both your internal and external comms.

Modernizing a business IT network can be a challenge. We look at what is IT modernization and how to plan your strategy to update business tech.

I.T.

How to Tackle the Problem of Shadow IT in Modern Businesses

PoE Standards Explained: Which One Should You Use?

Why Every Business Team Needs an IT Hero!

What is an IT Modernization Strategy - The Complete Guide

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