In an increasingly dynamic and competitive business environment, the optimization of IT costs has become essential to ensure efficiency and financial sustainability. According to the 33rd survey on the use of IT in companies, carried out by the Center for Applied Information Technology of the São Paulo School of Business Administration of the Getúlio Vargas Foundation (FGV EAESP), spending and investments in technology in Brazil reached, on average, 8,7% of companies' revenue in 2021. This percentage has grown by 6% per year over the last 34 years and highlights the importance of effective strategies to optimize IT costs and ensure operational efficiency and competitiveness of companies
The first step to optimize costs is to map all expenses in the IT area, both recurring and occasional. It is essential to understand where the money is going to create a strategic plan that includes consumption, unforeseen events, tools, technology and allocation of professionals, highlights Adriano Ignatti, account executive of the technology and innovation company Gateware
According to the professional, the most common mistake companies make is not anticipating changes in the budget, what can generate significant financial impacts. Many entrepreneurs only calculate the exact value of the project and do not set aside a margin for unforeseen events. Continuous monitoring and time management are critical factors to avoid unwanted surprises
Outsourcing as a strategy for optimization
The allocation of IT professionals (outsourcing) emerges as a strategic solution for companies that need specialists, but without the costs and challenges of maintaining a highly skilled internal team. In many cases, it is more worthwhile to hire a temporary specialist than to invest in training an internal professional just for a specific project, explain Ignatti. "Furthermore, outsourcing allows scalability and flexibility, enabling adjustments to the team according to demand, since it works as an outsourcing
A Gateware, offers a complete professional placement service, ensuring that clients have access to qualified talent updated with the latest technological trends. "Our differential lies in the rigorous curation of talent and in the post-hiring follow-up", ensuring that the allocated professionals are aligned with the client's expectations, emphasizes the executive
Advantages of the Cloud
Another essential point for cost reduction in IT is the intelligent use of technology. Cloud migration, for example, can be a viable alternative for companies seeking scalability and agility. The cloud brings flexibility, but requires strict control to avoid waste from excessive storage and lack of monitoring, alert Adriano
A Netflix, one of the pioneers in video streaming service, for example, managed to reduce about 60% of its infrastructure costs by transferring its operations to the Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud platform, in 2016. This change not only allowed Netflix to expand its capacity, but also improved its availability and security
However, the rapid technological evolution also imposes challenges for companies, that often cannot keep their internal teams always updated. "Outsourcing specialists allows companies to keep up with changes without having to constantly invest in internal training", reinforces
With cost optimization in IT, the company can reduce its expenses, increase your efficiency and boost your growth, generating more value for the business. The secret to optimizing these costs lies in well-structured planning, with efficient control tools. Continuous monitoring prevents waste and ensures that investments are directed towards what truly adds value to the business, finalizes Adriano Ignatti
