You're upgrading your IT infrastructure. How do you balance innovation and reliability?

Start with hybrid solutions, combining legacy systems with modern tools to ensure gradual adaptation. Prioritize mission-critical systems for stability, reserving new technologies for less vital areas initially. Continuously monitor system performance to quickly address any instability from new integrations. Ensure thorough testing and backup plans are in place before full implementation of new solutions.

1.Identify existing applications road map for next 2-5 years before moving to new IT infrastructure. 2.Prioritize and move each application to new infrastructure and monitor performance.

Innovation and reliability are two different independent streams. Early adapters are taking the risk of trying out new innovative products. For a product which is proven in the market, organizations are minimizing the risk as such products are proven. So in my view point, balancing between innovation and reliability is difficult. For a system to prove that its reliable, It needs time and needs adoption. Once that solution gets that matured, reliability will improve. However, That solution may not be considered as innovative as it will become just another product as the time fly. A classical example is virtualization, which is not treated as innovation now. But it was an innovative steps for the initial few years around 2010.

To balance innovation and stability in IT upgrades, I focus on a structured approach. First, I assess the risk versus reward by evaluating new technologies against the reliability of established systems, ensuring we prioritize investments that truly add value. Implementing changes in phases allows me to introduce new components gradually, monitoring their impact on existing processes to minimize disruptions. Involving my team in pilot testing is crucial; their feedback helps ensure that new technologies meet our reliability standards and usability needs. This collaborative approach fosters trust and ensures a smoother transition.

1. Make sure feasibility study on all relevant stakeholder of the project with proper piloting. 2. After getting positive report allocate the task among teams. 3. Breakdown the work with timeline & make sure that align with business continuity plan. 4. If needed downtime, make it logical & acceptable to user. 5. For In case of emergency make sure the plan has the rollback path.