Most future of work discussions we hear of take a reactive stance: how different industries can address AI, digital transformation and other technology changes impacting the workforce. However, smart companies should focus on their own IT resources to take a proactive step toward their future. Managing data is what allows business leaders to support new ways of working, which requires a comprehensive IT strategy.
The first step in any workforce transformation should be modernising the IT environment. Today, most IT departments are a mash-up of different operating environments in different locations. Here’s how companies can solve this conundrum.
A multicloud strategy
As companies adopt different clouds with no previous planning, there is a risk of ending up in a mix of ecosystems, inclusive of partner and software stacks. And they do not communicate or integrate well with each other – turning into what we call a multicloud by “default” strategy.
Instead, we advocate for a ‘multicloud by design’ approach. Adopting what fits the business is the guiding principle of this framework, mapping the IT needs right from the start. The answer may be on-premises, public cloud, co-locations or the edge. Or maybe a combination of them.
A secure foundation
The second priority is building a foundation to safeguard against vulnerabilities that are unique to digital and hybrid work. Data and workloads continue to be top security targets as they go virtual.
To keep up with people’s changing working patterns, it is critical to map security threats that emerge with these adjustments. Once security features are part of the data and systems, the next step is applying a Zero Trust architecture across the organisation. Zero Trust is an authenticate-every-step model that verifies every interaction before proceeding. And lastly, while every precaution is necessary to protect data, a recovery plan is important.
Delightful end-user experience
With the right IT strategy and a focus on security, it is finally the time to think about devices and tools. The Dell Technologies 2023 Innovation Index report finds that only 37% of Indian ITDMs align innovation efforts based on data. Fulfilling the regular tasks and demands must be the priority for any solution that aims to empower different work models.
Once you know where you want to go, it gets easier to act at the device level. A salesperson who travels a lot may need a thin system, with AI and ML software to improve connection and audio. A retail company may adopt edge solutions to analyse real-time data and manage inventory. And for this company, the future of work can be training employees on smart devices and how to make decisions based on their data. But again, it all goes back to IT infrastructure.
The writer is vice-president, Infrastructure Solutions Group, Dell Technologies India