A healthy network is the backbone of any modern business. Yet many organizations put off assessing their IT infrastructure until serious problems arise, by which point, the damage may already be done. If you’re noticing lagging systems, security concerns, or poor connectivity, your business could benefit from a professional network assessment.
Let’s explore five clear signs that signal it’s time to evaluate your business network, plus what a strategic assessment can reveal about your current IT health.
Frequent Downtime or Performance Lags
If your employees are constantly complaining about slow systems or dropped connections, your network may be underperforming. This kind of downtime doesn’t just frustrate users, it directly impacts productivity, customer experience, and your bottom line.
An in-depth assessment can pinpoint the source of these slowdowns, whether it’s aging equipment, misconfigured routers, or insufficient bandwidth. With Managed IT Services, performance monitoring and proactive optimization can help prevent these issues altogether.
Security Concerns or Increasing Threats
Have you experienced more frequent phishing attacks, ransomware scares, or unauthorized access attempts? This may mean your current security posture isn’t holding up. As threats grow more sophisticated, businesses need layered protection and continuous monitoring.
A network assessment includes reviewing firewall settings, patch management, access controls, and endpoint vulnerabilities. If your cybersecurity hasn’t been formally evaluated in the last year, it’s time to revisit it. Combined Technology Cybersecurity Solutions provide tailored protection strategies for businesses of all sizes.
Growth Without Infrastructure Scaling
Expanding your team, adding new locations, or transitioning to hybrid work are all signs of a growing business. But if your network hasn’t grown with you, performance and security gaps are likely to follow. Scalable infrastructure planning is key to ensuring your IT supports, not hinders, your expansion. From cloud integrations to co-managed IT, a network assessment reveals if your current setup can meet future demands.
Is Your Network Keeping Up With Your Business?
Don’t wait until a major outage or security breach to evaluate your IT systems. Consult with Combined Technology and discover how a tailored network assessment can uncover hidden risks, optimize performance, and prepare your business for growth.
Compliance or Industry-Specific Requirements
Industries like healthcare, law, and finance face strict regulatory requirements around data protection, retention, and access. If your business handles sensitive data, you need to ensure your network meets both legal and industry compliance standards.
An assessment checks for vulnerabilities that could put you at risk of penalties or data breaches. Our vCIO Services help ensure your IT aligns with HIPAA, PCI-DSS, or other frameworks relevant to your field. If you operate in regulated sectors, we also offer:
Outdated Hardware and Software
Is your team using devices or systems that are several years old? Unsupported software, legacy operating systems, and outdated hardware pose a risk to both performance and security. During a network assessment, we inventory your devices, software licenses, and warranty status to help you build a clear refresh plan. Our IT Procurement Services can also support you in replacing outdated tech with cost-effective, scalable solutions.
Whether you’re managing multiple offices or a single location, Remote IT Support can help streamline updates and resolve issues quickly.
Why Regular Network Assessments Matter
Think of a network assessment as your IT health check-up. Even if your systems seem to be working fine, hidden problems may be slowing you down, opening the door to threats, or costing you money. Regular evaluations can help:
- Uncover configuration errors or bottlenecks
- Validate backup and disaster recovery readiness
- Ensure systems align with your business objectives
- Reduce reactive maintenance and emergency IT costs
If your business is evolving but your IT hasn’t kept up, it’s time to take a closer look.
FAQs
What is included in a network assessment?
A network assessment evaluates the performance, security, and structure of your IT infrastructure. It typically includes reviewing hardware, software, bandwidth usage, security protocols, backup systems, and compliance readiness.
How often should I get a network assessment?
Annually is ideal for most businesses, though highly regulated or fast-growing organizations may benefit from quarterly evaluations.
Can a network assessment identify security risks?
Yes, a professional assessment can uncover outdated firewalls, open ports, unpatched software, and other vulnerabilities that expose your network to attacks.
What happens after the assessment?
You’ll receive a detailed report outlining risks, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement. Our team will help you prioritize next steps, whether that’s upgrading hardware, adjusting configurations, or adopting managed services.
Is a network assessment disruptive to operations?
No. Most of the process is non-invasive and can be completed with minimal impact on your day-to-day business activities.
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Safeguard Your Business with Tulsa's Top Managed IT Provider
At Combined Technology, we provide a flexible, tailored approach to meet your evolving IT needs. Safeguard your business against emerging threats with our expert-managed IT services and customized cybersecurity solutions.
