Recent tornadoes in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs have starkly highlighted the urgent need for businesses to enhance their disaster preparedness strategies. The destructive storms caused widespread power outages, significant infrastructure damage, and disrupted operations for numerous businesses. These events underscore the vulnerabilities in existing systems and the necessity for robust disaster recovery plans. Being prepared for such unforeseen events is critical to building resilience and ensuring continuity.

The recent tornadoes, which resulted in significant damage and power outages, serve as a stark reminder of the potential for natural disasters to disrupt business operations. As businesses in the affected areas work to recover, the importance of comprehensive disaster preparedness becomes evident. Ensuring that a business can withstand and quickly recover from such events is essential to maintaining operations and minimizing financial loss.

Here are some recommendations for businesses across the Midwest:

Assess and Prioritize Risks

Begin by identifying potential risks specific to the business and geographic location. The recent tornadoes, which caused extensive damage and power outages, underscore the importance of this step. Conduct a thorough risk assessment to prioritize threats based on their likelihood and potential impact on operations.

Develop a Comprehensive Disaster Recovery Plan

A robust disaster recovery plan is essential for minimizing downtime and ensuring business continuity. The plan should include:

• Data Backup and Recovery: Regularly back up critical data and ensure that backups are stored offsite or in the cloud. This prevents data loss in the event of physical damage to premises.
• Communication Strategy: Establish clear communication protocols to ensure all stakeholders are informed during a disaster. This includes updating contact information and having alternative communication channels in place.
• Operational Continuity: Identify key business functions and outline procedures for maintaining these operations during disruptions. This includes having contingency plans for IT infrastructure, supply chain management, and customer service.

Invest in Reliable IT Infrastructure

Modern businesses rely heavily on technology, making IT infrastructure a critical component of disaster preparedness. Cloud services can ensure that IT systems are resilient, scalable, and secure. Important aspects include:

• Cloud Migration: Transition critical applications and data to the cloud to enhance accessibility and reduce the risk of data loss.
• System Redundancy: Implement redundant systems to ensure that if one system fails, another can take over without disrupting operations.
• Cybersecurity Measures: Protect IT infrastructure from cyber threats with advanced security solutions, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular security audits.

Regular Testing and Training

A disaster recovery plan is only effective if it is regularly tested and updated. Conduct regular drills to ensure that all employees are familiar with their roles and responsibilities during a disaster. Comprehensive training programs can prepare the team for various disaster scenarios.

Leverage Technology for Enhanced Preparedness

Utilize advanced technologies to enhance disaster preparedness efforts. Solutions include:

• Business Intelligence and Analytics: Use data analytics to monitor risks and make informed decisions during a crisis.
• Automation Tools: Implement automation to streamline disaster recovery processes, such as automated backups and failover systems.
• Virtual Dashboards: Access real-time information and insights through virtual dashboards that help monitor the status of business operations during a disaster.

Collaborate with Experts

Partnering with experts ensures that disaster preparedness strategies are comprehensive and up-to-date. Professionals with extensive experience in business continuity planning, IT support, and cloud services can work closely with businesses to develop customized solutions that meet unique needs.

Disasters can strike at any time, but with a proactive approach, businesses can be prepared to handle any challenge. Building resilience and ensuring continuity is essential for safeguarding business operations and minimizing financial loss.

This content was originally posted on Medium.

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How do technology companies manage the continuous demand for innovation while grappling with stringent budget constraints and evolving market expectations? In 2024, firms face a relentless challenge to integrate cutting-edge technologies into new products, all while optimizing operational efficiency under financial pressures. This article explores the aspects that influence the tech world, ranging from the integration of innovative technologies to the dynamics of IT spending and consumer satisfaction. By analyzing critical statistics from industry-leading surveys and reports, we uncover the challenges and opportunities that define the landscape of technology and its impact on both companies and consumers.

Integration of Technologies and Innovation Pressure

For technology-focused businesses, innovation is not just a buzzword but a survival strategy. According to the KPMG 2023 US Technology Survey, 58% of technology sector executives report that their primary challenge is the increased pressure to create new product features by integrating multiple technologies.¹ This indicates a broader industry trend where the rapid pace of technological advancement is not just an opportunity but also a considerable strain.

Companies are compelled to explore and adopt a multitude of emerging technologies—ranging from AI to IoT—each promising to be the next big revolution. The integration of these technologies is not merely about keeping up with competitors but about redefining market standards and consumer expectations. The drive to innovate under pressure not only pushes companies towards technological breakthroughs but also demands a high level of agility and creativity from their leaders.

Budget Constraints and Productivity

The pressure to innovate is juxtaposed with stringent budget constraints. The KPMG 2023 Global Tech Report highlights that 65% of tech companies are expected to do more with less, with reduced budgets compared to the previous year.² Meanwhile, the Deloitte Tech Trends 2023 report indicates that 72% of digital leaders have witnessed improvements in employee productivity due to digital transformation.³

These insights underscore a critical balance that companies must achieve—enhancing productivity without proportional increases in budgets. Leveraging technology for digital transformation presents a solution, allowing businesses to automate processes, enhance decision-making, and optimize resource allocation. The key challenge lies in strategically investing in technologies that yield the highest return on investment in terms of productivity.

Future Trends in IT Investment and AI Adoption

Despite the economic uncertainties, the technology sector continues to see optimistic investment forecasts. In its 2024 Outlook Technology Report, Deloitte predicts an 8% growth in global IT spending,⁴ suggesting a strong confidence in tech development’s ROI. Concurrently, Horton’s anticipates that 75% of software engineers will use AI coding assistants by 2028 in its 2024 Tech Trends report,⁵ signifying a shift towards more automated and sophisticated tools in software development.

This indicates not only a robust investment climate but also a transformative shift in how technology is being developed and utilized. The integration of AI tools in software engineering is set to redefine the traditional methodologies, leading to faster, more efficient, and potentially more innovative development cycles. Such trends are pivotal for tech companies aiming to lead in innovation and efficiency.

Executive Confidence and Technological Adequacy

Confidence among executives regarding their technological capabilities remains high, with 70% expressing confidence in achieving their goals using existing technologies,¹ reveals a significant alignment between strategic goals and technological capabilities within organizations.

This confidence likely stems from successful past integrations of technology that have led to measurable benefits, such as increased market reach or improved operational efficiency. It also points to a maturity in the technology lifecycle where existing tools can still provide competitive advantages without immediate upgrades or overhauls. For tech leaders, maintaining this confidence requires ongoing evaluation of tech capabilities against strategic objectives to ensure they continue to align effectively.

Consumer Experience and Market Expectations

A staggering 94% of consumers report frustration with disjointed experiences when interacting with organizations.⁶ This statistic highlights a significant gap between technological advancements and their implementation in user-friendly ways.

Improving consumer experience is crucial, as it directly influences satisfaction and loyalty. Tech companies must therefore focus not only on the backend integration of new technologies but also on how these technologies are experienced at the consumer level. Ensuring seamless, intuitive, and cohesive interactions across various platforms and touchpoints can substantially enhance consumer perceptions and foster stronger brand connections.

The technology sector’s landscape is complex and challenging, yet ripe with opportunities for those who can skillfully navigate the pressures of innovation, budget constraints, and consumer expectations. Understanding the nuances of this dynamic—through the lens of key industry statistics—provides valuable insights into strategic decision-making. For tech leaders and companies, the goal is clear: innovate effectively, manage resources wisely, and always keep the consumer experience at the forefront of technological integration. By doing so, they can not only survive but thrive in this competitive industry.

Sources:

1. “KPMG 2023 US Technology Survey.” KPMG, 2023,
   kpmg.com/kpmg-us/content/dam/kpmg/pdf/2023/2023-kpmg-us-tech-survey.pdf
2. “KPMG 2023 Global Tech Report.” KMPG, 2023,
   assets.kpmg.com/content/dam/kpmg/xx/pdf/2023/09/kpmg-global-tech-report.pdf
3. “Tech Trends 2023: Life Sciences perspective.” Deloitte, 2023,
   www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/us/Documents/life-sciences-health-care/us-tech-trends-2023.pdf
4. “2024 Outlook Technology Report.” Deloitte, 2024,
   www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/us/Documents/technology-media-telecommunications/2024-tmt-outlook-technology.pdf
5. “Tech Trend 2024 Report.” Horton, 2024,
   hortoninternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Tech_Trend_2024_Report-2.pdf
6. “2023 Digital Trends: Financial Services in Focus.” Adobe, 2023,
   business.adobe.com/content/dam/dx/us/en/resources/digital-trends-financial-services-2023/adobe-digital-trends-2023-fsi.pdf

This content was originally posted on Medium.

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GIAC Security Leadership (GSLC) was issued by Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) to Wylie Blanchard on February 14, 2024.

The GIAC Security Leadership (GSLC) certification validates a practitioner’s understanding of governance and technical controls focused on protecting, detecting, and responding to security issues. GSLC certification holders have demonstrated knowledge of data, network, host, application, and user controls along with key management topics that address the overall security lifecycle.

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Skills:

Access Control, Change Management, Cyber Defense, Incident Handling, Information Security, IT Business Management, Leadership, Network Security, Project Management, Risk Management, Security Operations, Security Policy, Software Security, and Vulnerability Management.

Earning Criteria:

• Accept GIAC’s Code of Ethics.
• Acquire skills via industry experience or from a training course.
• Achieve a passing score on the GSLC exam.

Analyst Number:
13012

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ITIL® LEADER Digital and IT Strategy (DITS) was issued by AXELOS to Wylie Blanchard on January 28, 2024.

ITIL 4® Leader Digital and IT Strategy (DITS) demonstrates the individual has the practical understanding and application of crafting a digital vision and strategy, shaping and integrating IT and business strategies aligned with the wider organizational goals to enable success of the business. They develop cross-functional digital strategy, elevate discussions to strategic levels, drive operational excellence, analyze and respond effectively to VUCA factors.

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Skills:

Adaptability, Agile Ways Of Working, Business Case Development, Business Change Management, Business Plan Development, Collaboration And Teamwork, Communication, Creation and Implementation of Target Operating Models, Creativity, Customer Service Management, Data Management, DevOps Methodology Knowledge, Digital Design (including UX and UI), Digital Technology Architecture, Driving Company Culture Change, Education and Training Provision, Emerging Technology Monitoring, Emotional and Social Intelligence, Enterprise Architecture, Financial Management, Information Analysis, Information Security Management, Information Security Strategy Development, Information Systems Governance, Innovation, Knowledge Management, Leadership Development, Negotiation, Planning And Organisation, Problem Solving, Product Development, Product Management, Project – Programme and Portfolio Management, Risk Management, Robotics and Automation Engineering, Service Delivery and Management, Software Development And Management, Stakeholder Management, Strategic Planning, Supplier Management, Sustainable Management, Systems Development and Management, Systems Engineering, UX Design, Experience and Support.

Earning Criteria:

• Obtained the ITIL 4 Foundation certification designation prior to studying for ITIL LEADER Digital and IT Strategy.
• Meet the managerial experience requirement.
• Complete required training.
• Complete and receive a passing score on four case study assignments.
• Passed the ITIL 4 ® LEADER Digital and IT Strategy (DITS) exam.

Evidence:

Certification Number
GR679004963WB

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Qualified Technology Expert (Board Certified QTE) was issued by Digital Directors Network to Wylie Blanchard on June 5th, 2023.

DDN Certified Qualified Technology Experts (QTEs) are boardroom qualified technology executives who have the education, applied experience, and/or formal education necessary to work in the corporate boardroom and oversee risk in complex digital business systems.

QTE certification is earned by members of Digital Directors Network (DDN) by completing the DDN QTE 501 Boardroom Readiness Masterclass for Technology Executives and successfully passing examination. The DDN QTE 501 Masterclass is a Certified Professional Development executive education learning program as certified by the CPD Certification Service. DDN is the world’s leading boardroom network focused exclusively on governing systemic risk and overseeing digital and cybersecurity in the corporate boardroom.

QTE certification holders have corporate governance training or experience and executive management experience overseeing one or multiple domains of complex digital business systems including data, information architecture, risk communications, emerging technology, cybersecurity, third-party and systemic risk, IT operations and digital/cyber regulation. Earning QTE certification required attendance at an online or offline QTE 501 boardroom readiness masterclass where participants received thirteen hours of instructor led learning and successfully completed examination.

QTE 501 is designed and delivered by business school professors, experienced technology executives, corporate lawyers and corporate governance experts. QTE certification earners have been trained on the DiRECTOR(TM) framework for overseeing systemic risk in complex digital business systems. They have also been trained on the role of the corporate director in creating and protecting shareholder and stakeholder value.

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Skills:

Corporate Governance, and Systemic Risk Oversight of Complex Digital Systems.

Earning Criteria:

• QTE certificate holders have taken and passed the QTE 501 certification exam with a minimum score of 70%.
• QTE certificate holders maintain their certification by completing ten hours of relevant instructor led learning on corporate governance and digital and systemic cyber risk oversight every 2 years.

Evidence:

Certification Number
74950824

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Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) was issued by ISC2 to Wylie Blanchard on April 27, 2023.

The vendor-neutral CISSP credential confirms technical knowledge and experience to design, engineer, implement, and manage the overall security posture of an organization. Required by the world’s most security-conscious organizations, CISSP is the gold-standard information security certification that assures information security leaders possess the breadth and depth of knowledge to establish holistic security programs that protect against threats in an increasingly complex cyber world.

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Skills:

Access Management, Asset Security, Communications Security, Identity Management, Network Security, Risk Management, Security Assessment, Security Engineering, Security Management, Security Operations, Security Testing, and Software Development Security.

Earning Criteria:

• Obtain the required experience.
• Achieve a passing score on the CISSP exam.
• Obtain an endorsement from an existing ISC2 member.
• Subscribe to the Code of Ethics.
• Complete continuing professional education requirements.

Evidence:

Certification Number
1469327

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Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) was issued by ISC2 to Wylie Blanchard on February 11, 2023.

The vendor-neutral CC credential starts newcomers on their path to advanced cybersecurity certifications and future leadership roles. It proves to organizations that newly certified team members understand fundamental security principles and operations, network security and access controls and that they have the skills to meet and exceed performance standards in their beginning roles. All this allows organizations to build a stronger line of defense.

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Skills:

Access Controls Concepts, Business Continuity (BC) Concepts, Disaster Recovery (DR) Concepts, Incident Response Concepts, Network Security, Security Operations, and Security Principles.

Earning Criteria:

• Achieve a passing score on the CC exam.
• Subscribe to the Code of Ethics.
• Complete continuing professional education requirements.

Evidence:

Certification Number
1469327

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ITIL® Foundation Certificate in IT Service Management (ITIL 4 Edition) was issued by AXELOS to Wylie Blanchard on December 25, 2022.

ITIL® 4 Foundation demonstrates this individual understands the key concepts of IT and digital service delivery including the key concepts, guiding principles and practices of ITIL® 4 for service management. They have a fundamental understanding of the modern organization’s end-to-end operating model for the creation, delivery and continual improvement of technology-enabled products and services. They have an awareness of how cultural or behavioral principles benefit the wider organization.

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Skills:

Adaptability, Availability Management, Business Change Management, Business Relationship Management, Capacity Management, Communication Incident Management, Information Security Management, IT Systems Governance, Problem Management, Release And Deployment, Risk Management, Service Delivery Management, Service Desk, Stakeholder Management, UX Design, Experience and Support.

Earning Criteria:

The individual has passed the ITIL 4 ® Foundation exam.

Evidence:

Certification Number
GR671468197WB

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Project Management Professional (PMP)® was issued by Project Management Institute to Wylie Blanchard on November 24, 2022.

Earners of the globally-recognized Project Management Professional (PMP) have demonstrated their extensive knowledge and mastery of project management concepts, tasks, and techniques that are applicable across virtually any industry and methodology. Earners are able to speak and understand the global language of project management. Individuals that earn this certification have demonstrated the knowledge and skills needed to initiate, plan, execute, monitor and control, and close a project.

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Skills:

Benefit Analysis, Communications Management, Human Resource Management, PMP, Project Assessment, Project Management, Project Management Professional, Project Plan, Quality Assurance, Quality Management
Risk Management, Scope Management.

Earning Criteria:

• Must have at least 3-5 years of experience leading and directing cross-functional project teams and responsibility for project delivery.
• Earner must have a minimum of 35 hours of formal project management education
  Successfully complete the 200 multiple-choice questions, 4-hour PMP® certification exam.
• Earn 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three years to maintain the PMP certification. Education PDUs earned focus on the areas of the PMI Talent Triangle – technical project management, leadership, and business and strategic management.

Standards:

PMBOK® Guide
The PMP certification aligns to A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide), which is the preeminent global standard for project management and provides the fundamental practices of the profession.

ISO 17024
The PMP certification maintains ISO 17024 accreditation, which outlines industry standards and best practices for certification bodies.

ISO 9001
PMI’s certification program maintains ISO 9001 accreditation, which focuses on quality management and ensuring that products and services consistently meet customers’ requirements and that quality is consistently improved.

Evidence:

Certification Number
3377366

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Back in 2013, I participated in a professional speaker training/workshop offered by the National Speakers Association – Illinois Chapter. I enjoyed the training so much that I returned in 2014, as an alumni, to ensure that the lessons taught by their amazing trainers were scribed into by mind.

After one of the workshops I shared my thoughts/feedback regarding the value of the program and it looks like my feedback was mentioned in the recent flyer for the upcoming training/workshop.

Here’s what I stated:

What I really liked about the course was that it forced me to really fine tune a niche that I was credible, confident and passionate about. It was a challenging exercise (course work), that took me a while to complete but it was so very worth it. If you’re interested in learning about the business of professional speaking and live in the Chicago area, then I highly advise that you look into NSA Illinois Speakers Academy.

Wylie Blanchard, Lead IT Consultant – Great Tech Pros

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