First, let us state some facts. 1) Fast-growing companies tend to experience more frequent employee additions and churn than do stable companies. 2) For growing companies, managing SaaS subscriptions is tedious and time-consuming. It is also not part of anyone’s job description. This leads to unused licenses, underused products, and overpayment. 3) When companies are in growth mode, ongoing maintenance, proper configuration and administration tend to fall to the wayside. In the following discussion, we highlight 3 ways startups & growth-minded companies waste money in IT & CyberSecurity:
Getting lost of the “Unused SaaS License Jungle”
To start, let us state some facts about managing SaaS licenses. First, startups experience significant churn in their workforce. Second, visibility across SaaS platforms is difficult and time-consuming. Next, growing companies tend to try lots of different strategies and SaaS products. Blissfully reports that the average company uses 130+ SaaS apps. Lastly, knowing when to de-provision SaaS accounts and when to leave them active can be confusing.
Oftentimes, when Team Interlaced.io onboards a new client, we find dozens and dozens of unused SaaS licenses. CFOs, controllers and accounting managers know it is a problem, but they do not see an easy solution. Integrating SaaS administration procedures with HR procedures is critical to avoid amassing unused SaaS licenses.
Pile-Ups on the “Architecture Highway”
A well-architected IT stack should support business goals. Additionally, a proper access control schema should be in service of a company’s org chart. However, when most companies engage Interlaced, we find IT stacks and architectures that have been cobbled together over time. There is no clear logic between how systems work together, and more importantly, who has access to what data. Clearly defining business and organization objectives, is crucial to ensure that technology supports the company’s mission and structure. Additionally, starting with business and its people in mind will reduce the need for rework and reinvestment in IT systems.
Navigating IT & Cybersecurity “Product Minefields”
Cybersecurity is scary for several reasons. First, the perception is that good cybersecurity must be expensive. Second, cybersecurity product literature is complex and riddled with jargon. Third, cybersecurity marketing tends to play on fears, rather than clearly defining capability. Lastly, the preponderance of security products and features makes it difficult to select the right product.
Selecting a partner who understands your infrastructure, as well as your business goals, is critical for security success. Making sound product choices doesn’t have to be difficult or scary, you just need to start with the end in mind. Working with a diligent and thoughtful security partner will ensure that you select the right level of protection for your business. Additionally, a good partner will help you balance security and user experience.
“… but all this IT and Cybersecurity is going to be costly and time-consuming.”
In summary, Cybersecurity and Managed IT Services do not have to be difficult and time-consuming. In fact, not having cybersecurity and formal IT in place can lead to overspending, rework, and reinvestment. Worse still, not having cyber protections can lead expose your business to risk. Working with a good partner, who is able to simplify IT and Security is crucial. Getting started can be easy. Doing nothing is not a good option for your teams, for your business, and for your stakeholders.
To learn more about how Interlaced can help your business with simplified security, scalable architecture, and easy user management, visit www.interlaced.io/contact, or email us at business@interlaced.io today!
