A Refresher on Tech Sprawl

Over time, you may add new technology solutions to your infrastructure to solve specific issues. Before you know it, you might have an overwhelming amount of technology that keeps your business operational. This problem, called tech sprawl, can hold your business back from efficient operations. What can you do about Tech Sprawl?

What is Tech Sprawl?

Tech sprawl is basically the uncontrolled growth of technology within your business, and it happens when you add new solutions to your infrastructure without considering the bigger picture of your IT landscape.

Sometimes you might have multiple applications that do the same thing, such as project management tools or cloud storage solutions. You might even have underutilized software licenses, too, where you’re paying for something you don’t even use or need. Often times you’ll have solutions that don’t work well or communicate with each other, which can impact the efficiency of workflows and slow your business down.

And then you have shadow IT, which is when an employee will use an unapproved or unmanaged solution for work purposes, which is a problem in and of itself.

Why Is Tech Sprawl a Problem?

How exactly do all of the above actually create problems for your business?

You could see decreased productivity and efficiency because your employees aren’t using the same applications, or you might see more user error due to poor communication and project management. You’ll also experience more security vulnerabilities, especially since your threat surface level increases. Additionally, integration could be difficult and data visibility could decrease, leading to more challenging decision-making as a whole.

We haven’t even mentioned costs associated with tech sprawl, which can quickly balloon your operational costs due to redundant subscriptions, unused licenses, and even extra IT support for your confusing infrastructure.

How to Manage Tech Sprawl

Want to get your tech sprawl under control? You can start with the following:

• Create a clear IT strategy.
• Implement standardized platforms whenever possible.
• Prioritize integration and compatibility with any new tech implementations.
• Make sure you have policies in place to limit the impact of shadow IT and device usage.
• Audit your existing technology infrastructure for redundant systems and underutilized software.

We Can Help Your Business Thrive

Macro Systems can assist your business with a network audit to determine where you should focus your efforts. To learn more, call us today at 703-359-9211.