As we start 2025, it’s a good time to think about IT priorities for the first quarter. What should you focus on? What can wait? What will have the biggest impact on your business?
We’ve helped businesses plan their IT priorities, and there are some common themes that come up. Things that matter for most small businesses, regardless of industry. Here’s what we’re seeing and what you might want to focus on.
Security Should Be Top Priority
Security threats aren’t going away. Ransomware, phishing, data breaches. These are real risks that can shut down your business. If you haven’t invested in security, Q1 is a good time to start.
Start with the basics. Multi-factor authentication on all accounts. Strong password policies. Regular security updates. These don’t cost much, but they significantly improve security.
Also, review your backup strategy. Can you actually restore from backups? How long would it take? What’s the process? Test your backups and fix any problems. If you don’t have backups, set them up now.
And consider security training for your team. Phishing attacks are getting more sophisticated. Regular training helps employees recognise and avoid threats.
Review and optimise Cloud Services
Many businesses accumulated cloud subscriptions over the past year. They signed up for services, used them for a while, then stopped using them but forgot to cancel. Q1 is a good time to review and optimise.
Go through all your cloud subscriptions. Are you using everything you’re paying for? Are there unused licenses? Can you downgrade plans or cancel unused services?
Also, check if you’re on the right plans. Many cloud services have multiple tiers. You might be paying for features you don’t need, or you might need to upgrade to a plan with more features. Review your usage and adjust plans accordingly.
And consolidate where possible. If you’re using multiple services that do the same thing, consider consolidating. This simplifies management and can save money.
Plan for Equipment Replacement
If you have equipment that’s getting old or unreliable, plan replacements now. Old computers, failing hard drives, outdated network equipment. These are easier to replace when you plan ahead.
Create a replacement schedule. What equipment needs replacing? When? How much will it cost? Plan purchases so you’re not hit with unexpected expenses.
Also, consider whether you need additional equipment for growth. More computers for new staff? Additional network capacity? Plan these purchases now so they’re ready when needed.
Update and Modernize Systems
Q1 is a good time to catch up on updates. Operating systems, applications, security software. Make sure everything is current.
Also, consider whether your systems are still appropriate. Are there newer tools that would work better? Can you modernize processes? Technology changes, so what worked a few years ago might not be the best option now.
But don’t change for the sake of change. Evaluate new tools based on whether they solve real problems or improve efficiency. If current systems work well, there’s no need to change them.
Improve Remote Work Infrastructure
Remote work isn’t going away. If your remote work infrastructure isn’t working well, Q1 is a good time to fix it.
Review VPN connections, collaboration tools, device management, security policies. Are they working? Can they be improved? Make sure remote workers have what they need to be productive and secure.
Also, consider whether you need to support more remote work. If business activity increases and office space is limited, remote work might be necessary. Prepare for this possibility.
Document Everything
If you don’t have good documentation, Q1 is a good time to create it. Network diagrams, system configurations, user guides, procedures. Documentation makes everything easier to manage and troubleshoot.
Document your IT infrastructure. What equipment do you have? How is it configured? What services are you using? This makes it easier to manage and troubleshoot.
Also, document procedures. How do you do common tasks? What’s the process for adding users? Handling security incidents? Restoring backups? Having procedures documented makes everything easier.
Budget and Plan for the Year
Q1 is a good time to create an IT budget for the year. What will you need to spend? When? Plan purchases so you’re not hit with unexpected expenses.
Also, create a plan for IT projects. What needs to be done? When? Who will do it? Having a plan makes it easier to stay on track.
And set aside money for emergencies. IT equipment breaks, security incidents happen, unexpected expenses come up. Having a contingency fund prevents these from becoming crises.
Making It Work
Q1 IT priorities don’t have to be overwhelming. Focus on what matters most for your business. Security, optimisation, planning. Don’t try to do everything at once.
Start with quick wins. Things that don’t take long but make a difference. Then tackle bigger projects. And don’t forget to document what you do, so you remember it later.
If you need help planning your Q1 IT priorities, get in touch. We’ve helped businesses prioritise IT tasks and plan for the year ahead and can help you too.