AI-assisted: This article was first written in it’s entirety by me, then I asked ChatGPT to Factcheck it for me, and the resulting changes with reference to sourves where then reevaltuated and modified before posting. If you like to see the text in it’s various stages, please tell me.

This is a short version of a Norwegian article I’m writing where I focused on the lack of IT competense in SMB. The core issues might scale to enterprise, so please join the discussion with reflections from your experience.

Historical Context

During the 90s and early 2000s, many companies built their own IT infrastructure, often with in-house IT departments managing servers and business-critical applications. However, as the MSP model gained traction, companies began outsourcing their IT needs to reduce costs and improve efficiency. By the early 2000s, MSPs became a popular solution for businesses of all sizes, offering services such as remote monitoring, management of servers and networks, and later expanding into areas like managed security and cloud services​ (Fast IT Support Calif/Hawaii)​​ (The AME Group)​.

Present Issues

Today, many companies, especially SMBs, have significantly downsized their internal IT departments, if they exist at all. The role of CTO has often become more of a titular position, with many strategic IT decisions falling to CFOs or even general administrative staff. This shift has led to a lack of strategic IT leadership, making companies more reactive than proactive in their technology adoption​ (Fast IT Support Calif/Hawaii)​.

Even larger companies with dedicated IT groups often struggle with limited budgets, leading to a focus on immediate issues (“firefighting”) rather than long-term IT strategy and infrastructure improvements​.

Pressing Issues and Resulting Problems

One of the main issues arising from this lack of in-house IT competence is that tool and software decisions are frequently made based on sales pitches rather than strategic alignment with the company’s needs. This often results in a fragmented IT architecture, where information is scattered across multiple systems, and legacy systems remain in use because their data hasn’t been migrated properly​ (The AME Group)​​ (Mindsight)​.

SMBs also tend to look to enterprise-level best practices, which aren’t always feasible due to resource constraints. This mismatch can further complicate their IT environments, leading to inefficiencies and increased administrative burden.

AI and Copilot

Introducing advanced tools like AI and Copilot into this chaotic environment can indeed be challenging. While these technologies hold significant promise, they are not a panacea for deep-rooted structural and organizational issues. A foundational restructuring of IT systems and processes might be necessary to fully leverage these innovations​ (Mindsight)​.

The discussion

Did I hit close to home or miss the field? What are your reflections on the challenges we meet when introducing a new tool? Is this limited to small companies in a small country called Norway?

Thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts and reflections!

​AI-assisted: This article was first written in it’s entirety by me, then I asked ChatGPT to Factcheck it for me, and the resulting changes with reference to sourves where then reevaltuated and modified before posting. If you like to see the text in it’s various stages, please tell me.This is a short version of a Norwegian article I’m writing where I focused on the lack of IT competense in SMB. The core issues might scale to enterprise, so please join the discussion with reflections from your experience. Historical ContextDuring the 90s and early 2000s, many companies built their own IT infrastructure, often with in-house IT departments managing servers and business-critical applications. However, as the MSP model gained traction, companies began outsourcing their IT needs to reduce costs and improve efficiency. By the early 2000s, MSPs became a popular solution for businesses of all sizes, offering services such as remote monitoring, management of servers and networks, and later expanding into areas like managed security and cloud services​ (Fast IT Support Calif/Hawaii)​​ (The AME Group)​. Present IssuesToday, many companies, especially SMBs, have significantly downsized their internal IT departments, if they exist at all. The role of CTO has often become more of a titular position, with many strategic IT decisions falling to CFOs or even general administrative staff. This shift has led to a lack of strategic IT leadership, making companies more reactive than proactive in their technology adoption​ (Fast IT Support Calif/Hawaii)​.Even larger companies with dedicated IT groups often struggle with limited budgets, leading to a focus on immediate issues (“firefighting”) rather than long-term IT strategy and infrastructure improvements​. Pressing Issues and Resulting ProblemsOne of the main issues arising from this lack of in-house IT competence is that tool and software decisions are frequently made based on sales pitches rather than strategic alignment with the company’s needs. This often results in a fragmented IT architecture, where information is scattered across multiple systems, and legacy systems remain in use because their data hasn’t been migrated properly​ (The AME Group)​​ (Mindsight)​. SMBs also tend to look to enterprise-level best practices, which aren’t always feasible due to resource constraints. This mismatch can further complicate their IT environments, leading to inefficiencies and increased administrative burden. AI and CopilotIntroducing advanced tools like AI and Copilot into this chaotic environment can indeed be challenging. While these technologies hold significant promise, they are not a panacea for deep-rooted structural and organizational issues. A foundational restructuring of IT systems and processes might be necessary to fully leverage these innovations​ (Mindsight)​. The discussionDid I hit close to home or miss the field? What are your reflections on the challenges we meet when introducing a new tool? Is this limited to small companies in a small country called Norway?Thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts and reflections!  Read More

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