How do I ensure my IT infrastructure is not only up to date but also future-proof?
As a partner at a managed service provider, I hear this question and others like it often. It makes sense that leaders in the personal injury industry are looking for answers. So let’s steer you in the right direction when it comes to IT, AI and more.
What is IT roadmapping?
At its core, IT roadmapping is a strategic plan that guides you through your IT journey. It communicates your organization’s technology needs and makes sure the solutions are aligned with your business goals. Typically, IT roadmapping begins with a thorough assessment of your current IT infrastructure, identifying strengths and weaknesses. The roadmap then outlines the necessary steps and investments to achieve those objectives. Roadmapping is dynamic, not something you set and forget. It should be revisited periodically to adapt to changing needs and technologies. For example, you shouldn’t simply replace hardware for hardware when something breaks or ages out. You have to ask, Are we doing what we’ve done before? Is our infrastructure the same as it has been in the past?’ When you make an investment, you want to future-proof it if possible. That’s the IT roadmap’s role.
How can technology help us to prep for and deal with unforeseen circumstances?
There are two approaches to fortifying your PI practice: You can adopt the cloud as your ideal infrastructure. For instance, using Azure, allows you to upgrade servers, capacity, disk storage and replication to make backups easy. Or, if you’re not in the cloud, your organization should reinforce existing infrastructure. Even with a robust IT roadmap, you can only project so much, and sometimes budget constraints limit projected actions. The bottom line? Cloud-based backups and disaster recovery plans can be lifesavers in case of data loss if they fit your budget.
Al is a hot tech topic: Should Al write legal briefs? Should lawyers use AI?
AI should be seen as a tool, not a replacement, for unique and original content. We see Al gaining traction in a lot of industries. But, if someone in the legal field leverages or uses an AI, they have to state that use. You can use ChatGPT to create content, but it may not be fresh, well-researched or factual. We suggest using AI as an assistant or a helper, but if proper vetting of information or data control is not done, you could put yourself in a precarious situation. Never assume the tool’s output is 100 percent accurate.
What else should we know about IT roadmapping?
For PI professionals delving into IT roadmapping, the biggest gap is often addressing the issue of people being a weak link from a cybersecurity standpoint. Cybersecurity awareness training must be part of your IT planning. Keeping your staff aware of and trained on the latest threats is critical. In fact, the most leveraged of these threats lurks in something your team members use every day: email. BEC, or business email compromise, is a constant problem and there’s only so much technology can do to prevent social engineering scams like phishing.
Roadmapping is dynamic, not something you set and forget. It should be revisited periodically to adapt to changing needs and technologies.
Your IT Takeaway
IT roadmapping is not just about keeping up; it’s about thriving no matter where technology is headed. At Internos, we know that with the right strategy and foresight, PI professionals can navigate an interconnected world with confidence, ensuring they are well-prepared for whatever lies ahead.
Jairo Avila
PARTNER AT INTERNOS
