As budgeting season approaches, it’s essential to focus on a frequently overlooked but crucial element of the IT budget: how well it aligns with the overall IT Vision. In 2024, many small and medium-sized businesses either don’t have a clear IT Vision, or if they do, it’s outdated—often a remnant of pre-COVID cybersecurity concerns or reactive work-from-home initiatives. Now, with 2025 on the horizon, it’s time to update that vision with a focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities.
What an AI-Ready IT Vision Means for Your Budget
Building an AI-capable organization involves more than just upgrading software; it requires a strategic shift in how IT resources are allocated. A significant portion of your IT budget should be dedicated to initiatives, tools, and subscriptions that support making the business AI-ready. If the majority of your budget is currently used for hardware replacements and legacy system maintenance, it may be time to reconsider your priorities—or increase the budget to prepare for upcoming AI demands.
Key Projects for Building AI Capabilities
What kind of projects should make up an AI-focused IT budget? Here are essential areas to consider:
Cloud-Native Data Storage
Moving data to a cloud-native platform is essential. The era of file servers is ending, and transitioning to the cloud brings enhanced cybersecurity, better data accessibility, and future-readiness. However, this transition requires thoughtful planning and may involve significant user training.
Single-Ecosystem Platforms
For AI-readiness, services should ideally reside within a single, cohesive ecosystem, like Google or Microsoft. While some businesses rely on a mix of platforms like Slack, Zoom, and Dropbox, it’s worth considering how well these systems will integrate with evolving AI capabilities in the coming years.
Best-of-Breed Solutions for Specific Data Needs
While Google Docs or SharePoint are powerful, they may not be optimal for specialized needs, such as engineering files or high-resolution images. Ensure that your platform can handle your specific data needs efficiently, without compromising on quality or functionality.
AI-Ready Business Applications
Check whether your core business applications, like accounting software or management tools, are cloud-native and have a robust AI roadmap. If their AI strategy seems lacking, you may need to start evaluating alternatives to keep your business competitive.
Zero Trust Security Model
As AI brings new opportunities, it also introduces potential risks. Adopting a Zero Trust security model ensures that access to data and systems is tightly controlled, helping safeguard your organization against emerging cybersecurity threats.
Starting with Infrastructure
Many organizations still operate with a pre-COVID and even pre-cloud mindset. Adopting an AI-capable IT Vision may initially feel daunting, but a structured approach, starting with cloud-native and cybersecure platforms, will set a strong foundation. These infrastructure changes are durable, meaning they’ll stand the test of time, likely remaining relevant for 5–7 years while reducing overall costs in the long run.
As AI technology advances, it’s clear that a robust, AI-focused IT Vision is essential for small and medium-sized businesses aiming to stay competitive. By prioritizing cloud-native infrastructure, single-ecosystem platforms, and robust security measures, you’re not just budgeting for today’s needs—you’re positioning your organization for tomorrow’s opportunities. An AI-ready environment can be transformative, delivering operational efficiency, cost savings, and an adaptable workforce ready to leverage future innovations.
