Identifying and implementing new cutting edge IT solutions is a double-edged sword for IT decision makers whose companies are trying hard to excel. If they take a chance on a new technology that ends up failing, they could be held responsible for any or all of the problems it caused. On the other hand, if they miss an opportunity to become an early adaptor on a game-changing technology, they put their company at a competitive risk.

Decisions, decisions

Historically speaking, chief IT officers have been able to avoid getting fired by simply keeping a company’s systems running. This isn’t really enough anymore, and CIOs can be too timid about deploying new technology and looking into different solutions. If a competitor takes the plunge and gains a strategic advantage, you may have to answer some very difficult questions.

IT solutions picking up traction

Data center virtualization and various cloud computing solutions are some of those technologies that began life with questionable benefits are now being integrated into a wide range of industries.

Server virtualization, for example, is an effective way for a company to deploy the necessary services without installing the normal physical hardware. The necessary applications, though, will still run as if they were really hosted on a traditional machine. The benefits of switching from physical to virtual systems weren’t immediately accepted, but then companies began to realize exactly how much money they were wasting on physical servers that were rarely utilized to their full capacity. Creating multiple servers on the same host allows companies to save a lot of money and work more efficiently and there has been a large migration toward this technology.

Cloud technology, on the other hand, represents another cutting edge solution that many IT professionals are embracing with enthusiasm. The cloud can connect users to a range of applications from any location. There are options for cloud storage that let companies back up important data, but it also allows employees to take advantage of higher processing power instead of relying on the limitations of the software deployed locally on a computer’s hard drive.

Currently, there are several innovative commercial software applications being deployed on cloud platforms. The cloud presents a better, faster, and cheaper method of software deployment and data storage than many traditional solutions. Of course, as more and more companies take their processes to the cloud, security and management are going to become even bigger issues. Companies need to know that the things they store off site will be safe but still immediately accessible. As these applications continue to develop, cloud computing will simply become the default productivity method.

Staying on top of emerging technologies

With new cutting edge technologies being developed and deployed in a wide range of industries and organizations there will also be a need to develop effective methods for staying informed about upcoming offerings. The IT department is going to face a lot of decisions about new and emerging technologies, and they will need to have a lot of information before they can make a final choice.

While it can seem like a full-time job just to keep up with the new IT solutions on the market and how they could be employed within a company, it is still important to make every effort to stay on top of recent developments. As new things are discovered, and new processes proposed, try to look at it from every angle to determine whether or not it will really be beneficial to your company.

You may be hesitant when these new technologies hit the market, but you can’t afford to wait too long. Take the time to weigh all of your options and discuss the new technology with others in the department. If you feel there is a measurable benefit to adopting the technology, make the decision quickly and commit to seeing it through to the end.

Author Bio: Brian Jensen works with Dell. In his spare time he enjoys traveling, cooking and spending time with his family. He has a passion for learning and writing about all things technology. He is currently researching IT solutions and would recommend visiting dell.com for more information.