The Old Paradigm: IT as a Service
Historically, IT departments often operated in silos, and their primary role was to provide technical solutions and support to other business units. These IT professionals were viewed as service providers, and the relationship with other departments was often transactional. While the “IT as a Service” model served its purpose, it lacked the synergy and collaboration required to unlock the true potential of a business.
At Tier Data, we believe it’s time to usher in a new era of ‘Integrated IT’. It’s a shift in mentality that we, as an outsourced IT business, have embraced, transforming our approach to IT services by assigning dedicated personnel to each of our clients, whom we proudly refer to as partners rather than clients.
Our vision is simple: we see our IT experts as more than just service providers. They are integral members of our clients’ teams, embedded within the very core of their businesses. We understand their pain points at a deeper level than traditional outsourced IT models because, for us, their success is our success.
The New Paradigm: Integrated IT
In our quest to redefine the IT landscape, we have moved beyond the service-provider mentality. We understand that businesses are no longer our customers any more than we are their order-takers. Instead, we are all part of one team, one company. We have transitioned from being service providers to becoming co-workers and partners.
By integrating our IT personnel across every business unit, we break down the silos that have traditionally separated IT from the rest of the company. This integrated approach fosters a deeper understanding of our partners’ objectives, challenges, and opportunities. We don’t just provide solutions; we actively contribute to the development and execution of strategies to drive business growth.
The Benefits of Integrated IT
- Deeper understanding – Our IT partners immerse themselves in the daily operations of our clients, gaining a profound understanding of their unique challenges and objectives.
- Proactive problem-solving –Â With integrated IT, we don’t wait for issues to arise. Instead, we actively work with our partners to anticipate and mitigate potential problems.
- Improved communication –Â Collaboration is the key to success in this new paradigm. We facilitate seamless communication between IT and other business units, fostering innovation and efficiency.Â
- Common goals – We align our IT team’s goals with the broader objectives of our partners, ensuring that IT initiatives are always in harmony with the company’s strategic direction.Â
- Holistic approach – Integrated IT allows us to create solutions that consider the entire business ecosystem, resulting in more effective and sustainable technology strategies.
Moving Forward Together
The transition from “IT as a Service” to “Integrated IT” is not just a change in terminology; it’s a shift in mindset. It’s about recognizing that success is a collective effort, and our role as IT experts is to empower our partners to achieve their business goals. We believe that, by integrating IT personnel across every business unit, we can break down the silos of IT and Business, ultimately moving forward together as one company.
In conclusion, the IT landscape is evolving, and the old “service” mentality is no longer sufficient. To thrive in today’s business world, we must shift towards a collaborative approach where IT professionals are not just service providers but genuine partners and co-workers. By adopting the Integrated IT approach, we can create a seamless, synergistic relationship that propels businesses to new heights of success.b
Jedidah Mutune
Head of Marketing and Customer Success
