When someone receives a medical diagnosis, seeking a second opinion is very common. Understandable: you want to make sure you get the right treatment. But remarkably, this rarely happens with IT issues or investments. There, we often blindly trust the opinion of our IT partner or vendor. Why?
Confidence or laziness?
The difference is partly in emotion: IT does not affect us physically. But it is still striking that we question a doctor, who has spent years studying one specialty, and at the same time believe an IT salesman or partner immediately.
Nevertheless, practice shows that a second opinion in IT can add great value. As a consultant, I regularly encounter companies that think they need new software or hardware, while the desired functionality is already in house. Sometimes a license extension is sufficient, much more efficient and cheaper than buying new tools or systems. I have previously written an article about this on how to get the most out of your Citrix Licenses(Maximum Return on Citrix Licenses)
When do you request an IT second opinion?
Consider independent advice in these situations:
- When making large investments in software or hardware
- For recurring IT problems with no lasting solution
- When you doubt the independence of the advice
- If a decision is rushed without a clear plan
- When your architecture or strategy changes soon
- In case of ambiguity about existing licenses or functionalities
Not sure which IT course to take?
You can also come to us if your organization does not know exactly which IT direction you want to take, or if you need a sparring partner to review ideas and strategic choices. Regular sparring with an independent expert helps to develop vision, set priorities and align IT decisions with your business goals.
We are happy to think with you, whether it’s a one-time second opinion or periodic consultations.
Is a second opinion free?
Usually not, but it doesn’t have to be. Because a well-founded second opinion can prevent unnecessary costs, licenses and management expenses. Even if your current advice turns out to be correct, at least you have certainty. And that’s valuable, too.
Conclusion
A second opinion in IT is not an unnecessary luxury. It offers you security, prevents unnecessary expenses and provides insight into the best choices for your organization. Just like a doctor: dare to ask, dare to check.