IT Consultant Michael Rustom Shares How Business Owners Can Best Prepare for Unanticipated Tech Needs
It’s an age-old conundrum: how can business owners best position themselves to effectively respond to unforeseen tech challenges? Since no one can predict the future, especially when it comes to the whiplash-quick world of emergent tech and cybersecurity, accurately guessing the next IT problem your business might face is akin to accurately guessing the exact location of a lightning strike.
But these days, business owners can take some concrete steps to prepare for unforeseen technological needs. Michael Rustom, a Toronto-based information technology professional and founder of the consultancy Michael Rustom Inc., is recognized as an authority on IT preparedness. According to Rustom, the key to handling unforeseen tech challenges with a minimum of operational disruption lies in embracing adaptability and knowing where to put your resources for general preparation.
“Being prepared for unforeseen tech needs isn’t about predicting precisely what events will unfold,” he explains. “It’s all about setting up systems and processes that give you the flexibility to respond when something unexpected does occur.”
One of the most critical steps, Rustom notes, is building a scalable IT infrastructure that can easily be altered to deal with new developments and threats. “A well-designed infrastructure can grow or shift as your business’s needs evolve,” says Rustom. “This means investing in modular systems and ensuring compatibility between software and hardware, so upgrades or adjustments don’t create new complications.”
Another bit of advice from Rustom is to conduct regular and thorough IT audits using the latest industry-recommended techniques. These will help identify weaknesses in your current setup and address them before they turn into full-fledged problems. “Audits aren’t just for compliance with best practices,” he points out. “They’re one of the most effective ways to take stock of where you stand, understand where vulnerabilities exist, and make informed decisions about improvements.”
Audits can also reveal opportunities to modernize legacy systems or implement new tools that streamline operations. As Michael Rustom notes, “Businesses that don’t schedule regular audits or pay attention to the results can find themselves blindsided by problems that they could have dealt with much earlier.”
Even the most advanced IT systems won’t perform well without being operated by skilled users. That’s why Michael Rustom emphasizes the importance of training all employees—even ones whose specialties lie in areas other than technology—to handle basic troubleshooting functions and recognize red flags.
“Your team is your first line of defense. If they can address minor issues or report problems accurately, it can save you time and potentially a great deal of money, as well as prevent larger, longer-term disruptions.”
Holding regular training sessions on important hardware and often-used software can empower employees to identify potential problems, as well as help businesses stay current on the latest technology and best practices. This is especially important in the realm of cybersecurity, where threats evolve rapidly.
While in-house efforts are a vital first step, Rustom stresses that working with a trusted and experienced IT consultant can make all the difference when it comes to positioning your business to address unanticipated tech needs. The main benefit of hiring a consultant to evaluate your systems and processes is that, along with their technical expertise, they bring an outside perspective in guiding your business through complicated decisions—everything from helping you choose the right software to aiding in the creation of effective backup plans.
“Some businesses view consultants as specialists who should only be called in to fix things when they break, but that’s not really what the profession is all about,” Rustom explains. “The right consultant will help you plan for the future and avoid the kinds of issues that slow businesses down, and that includes unanticipated tech problems.”
Finally, Michael Rustom highlights the importance of having a solid recovery plan that can be applied to a wide variety of unplanned scenarios. “Every business needs a map for how to respond if the worst-case comes to pass. Whether it’s a cybersecurity breach, a hardware failure, or a natural disaster, a clear plan enables a business to recover quickly with minimal losses.”
Such a plan should include items like data backups, clear communication protocols, and a methodical, step-by-step guide for restoring normal operations. “The sooner you can get back on your feet, the less damage your business will suffer,” says Rustom, adding, “Remember: adaptability isn’t just a defensive measure—it’s a competitive advantage.”
