If you’re reading this article, you’re most likely looking to learn more about technology stacks or have never even heard of it. Well, you’re in the right place. As a managed service provider (MSP) we frequently receive inquiries about technology stacks from new clients.
Some common questions we receive are:
- What is a technology stack?
- How often should we pay attention to our “stack”?
- Does our stack need to be updated?
These are all excellent questions, and it's important to learn the answers as technology stacks can have a significant impact on your business.
Maintaining a well-planned-out and refreshed “stack” will help to make your environment more efficient. It will allow you to focus on your business goals while your technology runs seamlessly in the background.
To help you answer these questions for yourself, here's an overview of what a tech stack is and why it is essential to your business’s success.
What is a Tech Stack?
A technology stack is a collection of different technology that work together within your IT environment. The technology stack consists of hardware, software, applications, and tools that work together to make systems run smoothly.
Many different front-end and back-end technology go into a technology stack. It is essential that all the software, hardware, and tools you choose to configure your IT environment work in sync with each other to create a fully optimized environment.
What should a typical technology stack consist of?
Technology stacks will involve hardware, software, and applications in the server environment, infrastructure, security, user devices, and cloud. Each piece of technology must be chosen carefully so that your environment functions at the highest quality. Below is an example of what a common tech stack would look consist of.
Servers Environment:
Server: A computer or computer program that manages access to a resource or service in the network. There are several types of web servers, including:
- Print servers
- File servers
- Network servers
- Database servers
Drives: A drive stores files and programs used on your computer. Drives ensure that information is safely stored when a device is turned off.
Virtualization: A virtual machine runs on virtual hardware. Virtualization lets you create virtual hard drives, virtual switches, and several other virtual devices, all of which can be added to virtual machines.
Infrastructure:
Firewall: A firewall is a security device that helps protect your network. This is by filtering and blocking incoming or outgoing traffic that does not meet security standards.
Switching: The switching manages the flow of data across a network. IT will direct a signal or data to a particular destination. Various types of switching move data from one network to another.
Wireless Access Points: A piece of hardware that connects wireless-enabled devices to a network. They allow employees to work from anywhere in your office and remain connected.
Network Cabling: The medium through which information moves between computers, routers, switches, and storage are networks.
Power Protection - Provides backup power and surge protection to control and protect business electronics.
Security:
DNS-based Security: DNS Protection measures that involve DNS (Domain Name System) protocol. A DNS connects users to websites or internet-enabled applications.
Firewall: A security device that helps protect your network by filtering and blocking traffic. The firewall is implemented through either hardware or software.
Managed detection and response: A managed cybersecurity service that monitors and detects threats to remediate them as quickly as possible.
User authentication: This allows a device to verify the identity of someone who connects to a network resource. Any users who do not pass the authentication will not connect.
Cybersecurity training: Simulated phishing campaigns, cybersecurity awareness training campaigns
Vulnerability management: Identify, evaluate, and remediate vulnerabilities.
User devices:
Desktop: The working area of a computer display.
Laptop: A portable computer
Tablet: A mobile portable computing device designed to be held in one or two hands.
Operating System: Software that acts as an interface between computer hardware components and the user.
Microsoft Office: A suite of desktop productivity applications used specifically for office or business use.
Cloud:
Server: A virtual server running in a cloud computing environment. Cloud servers perform application and information processing storage.
Backup: A cloud backup safely stores copies of your computer files. This way, if your computer is damaged, your files are still securely stored in a remote server.
Email/Microsoft 365:Microsoft 365 provides a variety of mail accounts for different purposes. All emails in a web-based service are stored on servers.
Communications: Cloud communications include voice, email, chat, and video. It is an internet-based communication that streamlines and manages all communication channels.
How To Choose the Best Tech Stack
When choosing your technology stack, you will want to ensure that the stack can support your business infrastructure. You should consider the need for your technology in your business model.
Once this is determined, you will want to look into the best technology to fit those needs. It is safest to go with established technology. This means looking into how many years they have been providing their technology. This will help you determine that the tools have a good reputation and will be successful in your environment.
It can also be helpful to research what type of industries use certain brands and models of technology. If you find similar industries to yours, you typically use specific tools that may help you determine which will be helpful for your business.
It is essential to evaluate what type of tools you currently have via a tech stack audit. When choosing new tools, you will want to ensure that they are compatible with the ones you already have in place. This will help you avoid reworking your entire existing infrastructure.
You will want to make sure the technology stack you choose is scalable and secure. Find tools to add more processes and hardware to improve overall performance. Security should always be a concern. Ensure that the tools you are putting in your stack prevent data breaches and data loss to keep your business secure.
Why does a technology stack matter?
Utilizing a solid and customized tech stack can help your business run more efficiently. To prevent your systems from running slow or failing, you must be strategic with IT planning.
To prioritize customer success, tech stacks should seamlessly integrate with business processes with effortless user experience. Investing in the right tools can seem like a daunting and expensive process. But, if chosen thoughtfully and strategically, you will feel your technology choices benefit you in the future.
Partner with A Quality MSP With High-Performance Tech Stacks
Having a reliable technology stack is critical to your business’s success. If your mix of equipment doesn't integrate efficiently, it can cost you time and money. Learn how IT planning fosters business productivity and growth in our blog: Ask The Expert: How Technology Management Can Expedite Your Business Growth.
An insufficient technology stack can also cause equipment failure leaving your business with downtime. When you have a solid technology stack that has been tested and verified that it will complement each other, you will have an optimized environment.
Does Your MSP Measure Up?
If your MSP does not provide you with the reason for how and why they chose their technology stack, this is cause for concern. The technology stack they provide for your business should be carefully selected to ensure it has products and technology.
To take the first step towards optimizing your tech stack for maximum efficiency and integration into your business, click the button below to speak to a managed IT expert.
