An investment of any kind should always include the process of evaluating the opportunity cost. This economic theory helps to show the loss or potential gain from other alternatives when one of those alternatives are chosen. When it comes to investing in technology, the benefit of investing typically outweighs the cost. A cost-benefit analysis is extremely useful in evaluating technology.

Modernizing technology can seem like a daunting task for most local governments, as they can be hamstringed by a lack of resources and knowledge about the latest technology trends. While this can make the decision-making process difficult, weighing the opportunity cost can help to create insightful visibility of your available options.

Investing in modern technology is the best way to ensure the delivery and security of critical services to constituents in today’s modern world. Many municipalities have already made this assessment and chose to invest in bolstering their cybersecurity efforts along with updating their technology infrastructure. This has provided them with a wide array of benefits that include long term cost savings, growth, highly enhanced security, and reliable service for their citizens.

So how can you start your own evaluation process?

Many organizations chose to utilize an IT provider’s free assessment service to help understand what vulnerabilities exist in their IT infrastructure. These services can help to uncover unknown threats that need to be addressed and counsel is then provided on what solutions are available.

Trusted technology partners who offer these types of services, like Edmunds GovTech, have assisted many local governments by helping them realize and achieve their IT goals through a wide range of modernized solutions. A good managed service provider will not only serve as an advisor that helps with your immediate decision-making process for IT initiatives, but also provides details about your unique IT infrastructure to support your long-term business decisions.

These solutions may consist of, but are not limited to:

  • Network Administration
  • IT Help Desk and Asset Management
  • Routine Network Maintenance and Patch Management
  • Infrastructure Refresh and Planning
  • Cyber Security Management (Anti-Virus, Anti-Malware, and Anti-Ransomware)
  • Business Continuity Disaster Recovery (BCDR)
  • Web Design and Content Management
  • Cloud Hosting

During your evaluation process, be sure to also inquire about special services such as 24/7/365 server management. Even a one-time IT project, such as replacing aging IT hardware or setting up a secure WiFi network at the community center, can benefit from having a managed service provider’s insight. While there are many more beneficial returns that stem from investing in modern technology for your local government, partnering with an experienced IT service provider who can become strategically aligned with your organization’s goals could be the most compelling reason to make the expenditure.

Ultimately, having an experienced IT team to handle some or all of your organization’s infrastructure endeavors can only help to ensure the continued success of your local government’s operations. To learn more about Managed IT Services and how investing in modern technology can enhance your organization’s infrastructure, feel free to contact us to schedule a free cyber assessment.