Agilysys : Performing a System Health Check and Why It’s Important

Whether you run a single restaurant or a chain of resorts, your IT system is the very core of your business. Without the dependability of consistently performing technology, business can come to a screeching halt. A dependable system helps you maximize profits and reach your company's targets. Performing regular system health checks helps ensure that your IT infrastructure is stable and at minimal risk. Below are a few things to be aware of concerning the health of your IT technology systems, and steps you can take that won't leave you exposed.

IT Security

It goes without saying, but security is essential in ensuring uninterrupted performance of your systems, and protecting valuable business data. There are many aspects that go into IT security, which can make it hard to know where to start. IT security is a complex, constantly changing discipline. Managing it well all starts with preparation - taking the extra effort to set goals and prepare for it like you would any other project. Preparation is the key to IT security, since you quickly run out of options once a hacker attacks.

Hardware Performance

Another aspect that can significantly impact your business is hardware problems. System health checks can diagnose any potential issues with the current

hardware that might be affecting, or may eventually affect, your system's performance. These types of problems can be hard to detect in day-to-day operations but are important to identify and address so they don't affect business.

Crucial Updates

Keeping your IT systems - all software and hardware - updated is also critical. It's good practice to know when an important update is coming so the business can prepare appropriately.

For example, Microsoft recently announced that it will end extended support for SQL Server 2008 and Windows 2008 products and will no longer release security updates for these products after their end dates in 2019 and 2020, respectively. Businesses that don't update prior to the deadlines may be more vulnerable to cyber-attacks. If you are an Agilysys customer using InfoGenesis®, Visual One®, DataMagine™ or Eatec®, reach out to your representative for guidance on performing a system health check and keeping your system protected.

IT system health is often a shared responsibility that requires the entire organization to work together to keep the business running safely and efficiently. Businesses should aim for continuous education on the subject, championed by IT.