IT leaders are facing a visibility crisis.
There is far too much happening beneath the surface that they simply aren’t able to see or do anything about. It’s like an iceberg.
This is a serious issue, one that leads to unmanaged costs, hidden security risks, and surprise fees. No IT department can afford to operate like this. Which is why we created Block 64.
Block 64 is a comprehensive IT asset discovery and management platform for organizations looking to gain full visibility into their IT infrastructure. It empowers IT leaders to proactively oversee IT lifecycle, ensure compliance, and tackle security vulnerabilities head-on.
In our last article, we talked a little bit about why this is happening. Read all about the Top ITAM Mistakes if you missed it.
In this article, we will go through some of our key solutions and show you how Block 64 solves the visibility crisis, transforming the way organizations manage their IT environments.
Lifecycle Management
What is Lifecycle Management?
Lifecycle Management involves overseeing the entire lifespan of IT assets—including hardware, software, and cloud infrastructure—from acquisition through to decommissioning. It’s about ensuring these assets are optimized, secure, and up-to-date throughout their use.
Why is it important?
Every IT asset has a finite lifespan. Neglecting to monitor their end-of-life (EOL) status can lead to unexpected downtimes, security vulnerabilities, and inflated maintenance costs. Operating on outdated hardware or software not only risks operational efficiency but also misses opportunities for cost-effective upgrades.
This is not a fringe concern. According to our Benchmarks for CIOs research, 37% of organizations are running unsupported SQL servers, and 52% are operating with unsupported Windows Server versions. Similarly, the report, which analyzed more than 250,000 endpoints across hundreds of North American businesses, found that 44% of IT hardware is beyond warranty. Aging, outdated and unsupported IT infrastructure is a serious, ubiquitous issue.
How Block 64 Solves It
Block 64 automates the tracking of assets across your entire IT landscape, delivering real-time insights into the age, usage, and performance of every component. For instance, the platform proactively flags systems nearing their EOL, allowing you to schedule replacements or upgrades before failures occur. This preemptive approach eliminates reactive replacements and surprise downtimes. By automating lifecycle tracking, Block 64 reduces manual effort and ensures no asset slips through the cracks.
Value Delivered
- Reduced Downtime: Prevent unexpected system failures by replacing assets before they fail.
- Cost Savings: Avoid expensive, last-minute upgrades and capitalize on cost-effective technology advancements.
- Resource Optimization: Free up IT personnel from manual tracking tasks, allowing them to focus on strategic initiatives.
- Enhanced Security: Mitigate risks associated with obsolete systems that are more susceptible to vulnerabilities.
Security & Vulnerability Management
What is Security & Vulnerability Management?
This practice involves the continuous identification, assessment, and remediation of risks within your IT environment. As new vulnerabilities emerge, IT teams must stay vigilant to prevent potential breaches.
Why is it important?
Unaddressed vulnerabilities are gateways for cyberattacks, leading to data breaches, financial losses, and damage to your organization’s reputation. In an era of sophisticated and evolving threats, proactive vulnerability management is critical to safeguarding your infrastructure.
How Block 64 Solves It
Block 64 offers continuous scanning of your IT environment, pinpointing security vulnerabilities across all endpoints. It identifies risks such as outdated software versions, missing patches, or system misconfigurations. For example, Block 64’s insights revealed that 74% of endpoints were exposed to critical vulnerabilities in a recent benchmark report. Armed with this information, IT teams can swiftly apply patches, upgrade software, or adjust security policies before these vulnerabilities are exploited.
Value Delivered
- Proactive Risk Mitigation: Address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
- Time Efficiency: Reduce the time spent manually tracking and prioritizing threats.
- Resource Allocation: Focus efforts on the most critical vulnerabilities based on severity.
- Enhanced Security Posture: Strengthen defenses against potential cyberattacks.
Compliance & License Management
What is Compliance & License Management?
Compliance management ensures your IT environment adheres to regulatory and industry standards. License management involves tracking software usage to prevent over-licensing (wasting resources) or under-licensing (risking penalties).
Why is it important?
Software audits can result in unexpected fees if licenses aren’t properly managed. Over-licensing leads to unnecessary expenses, while under-licensing exposes you to legal risks and potential fines during audits. For example, our Benchmarks research showed that 63% of businesses are running legacy versions of Java – putting them at risk of massive price increases due to changes in Java licensing.
How Block 64 Solves It
Block 64 provides real-time tracking of software usage and licensing across your organization. It delivers detailed insights into software utilization, helping you determine whether you’re compliant with licensing agreements. For instance, the platform can alert you when you’re approaching or exceeding license limits, allowing corrective action before an audit. Conversely, it highlights underused licenses, enabling you to reallocate or discontinue unused software subscriptions.
Value Delivered
- Cost Avoidance: Prevent financial penalties associated with non-compliance.
- Optimized Spending: Eliminate costs from underutilized licenses.
- Audit Preparedness: Maintain readiness for audits with accurate, up-to-date licensing information.
- Operational Efficiency: Save time by automating license tracking and compliance reporting.
Cloud & Copilot Planning
What is Cloud & Copilot Planning?
Cloud planning involves evaluating and migrating suitable IT assets to the cloud to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. Copilot planning focuses on preparing your IT environment for AI-driven tools like Microsoft Copilot, ensuring compatibility and optimal performance.
Why is it important?
Strategic cloud migration can lead to significant cost savings and operational improvements, but missteps can result in overspending and resource misalignment. Similarly, integrating AI tools requires careful preparation to avoid performance issues and security vulnerabilities.
How Block 64 Solves It
Block 64 assists in identifying which assets are prime candidates for cloud migration by analyzing resource utilization and interdependencies. For example, it can spotlight underutilized servers that, when migrated, optimize cloud expenditure and efficiency. In terms of Copilot planning, Block 64 ensures your infrastructure is secure and compatible with AI tools, facilitating a smooth and effective rollout.
Value Delivered
- Cost Optimization: Migrate only necessary assets to the cloud, avoiding unnecessary expenses.
- Efficient Migrations: Streamline the migration process with data-driven insights.
- AI Integration: Accelerate the adoption of AI tools like Copilot without compromising security.
- Future-Proofing: Prepare your IT environment for emerging technologies and innovations.
Ready to Transform Your IT Environment?
Experience the transformative power of proactive IT management with Block 64. Sign up for a free trial and gain full access to our platform—no commitments required. Devote just 30 minutes per week to your personalized dashboard, and witness the immediate value we bring.
Don’t let outdated practices hold your organization back. Embrace the future of IT management and unlock your team’s full potential with Block 64.
