IT Assessment: What It Entails
If you’re considering managed IT services—or simply want to know whether your current setup is secure and reliable—an IT assessment gives you a clear, practical snapshot of your environment.
Cloud Cover’s IT assessment is designed for businesses across Central Ohio that want fewer surprises, stronger security, and a clear plan for improvement (without the fluff).
Related: Managed IT Services FAQs
➡️ /faq-managed-it-services-ohio
What Is an IT Assessment?
An IT assessment is a structured review of your technology environment that identifies:
- Security gaps (what could put you at risk)
- Reliability issues (what could cause downtime)
- Performance bottlenecks (what slows people down)
- Operational risks (what’s undocumented, outdated, or fragile)
The outcome is a prioritized action plan—so you know what to fix first, what can wait, and what’s costing you money or risk today.
Who an IT Assessment Is For
This assessment is especially helpful if you’re:
- Frustrated with slow response times or recurring issues
- Unsure whether your cybersecurity protections are “enough”
- Planning a Microsoft 365 / cloud migration
- Preparing for cyber insurance requirements
- Switching IT providers or comparing MSPs
- Growing your team, adding locations, or going hybrid/remote
What We Review During an IT Assessment
Below is what a typical Cloud Cover assessment includes. (The exact scope can vary depending on your environment.)
1) Network & Infrastructure Health
- Network layout and core equipment review (firewall, switches, Wi-Fi)
- ISP reliability and failover options
- Performance indicators and common bottlenecks
- Remote access methods and security
2) Endpoint Security & Device Management
- Workstation/server health and patching status
- Anti-malware / EDR coverage and configuration
- Local admin accounts, access controls, encryption status
- Device lifecycle and warranty/age concerns
3) Microsoft 365 & Email Security
- Tenant security posture review (baseline configuration checks)
- MFA / conditional access status
- Email filtering and phishing protections
- SharePoint/Teams access posture and oversharing risks
Related: Copilot readiness (if applicable)
➡️ /copilot-readiness-assessment
4) Backup & Disaster Recovery
- Backup coverage (what is backed up—and what is not)
- Backup frequency, retention, and recovery testing approach
- Ransomware resilience considerations (immutable/offline options)
- Business continuity risks and recovery priorities
5) Cybersecurity & Risk Exposure
- Identity and access risks (password, MFA, privileged accounts)
- Common attack paths (phishing, RDP exposure, weak policies)
- Logging/visibility gaps (what you can’t currently see)
- High-impact recommendations to reduce real-world risk
6) Vendor, Licensing & Documentation Review
- Key vendor dependencies and renewal risk areas
- Licensing checks (especially Microsoft 365 alignment)
- Documentation status (network diagrams, admin accounts, inventory)
- Single points of failure (people + systems)
What You’ll Receive (Deliverables)
At the end of the assessment, you’ll receive:
✅ An Executive Summary (Plain English)
A clear overview of what’s working, what isn’t, and what matters most.
✅ Findings + Risk Priorities
A prioritized list of issues (critical → low), with impact explained in business terms.
✅ Recommended Action Plan
Specific next steps with practical options—quick wins first, longer projects second.
✅ A Roadmap You Can Use
Whether you work with Cloud Cover or not, you’ll have a plan you can execute.
What the Process Looks Like
Step 1: Discovery Call (15–30 minutes)
We learn your goals, pain points, and what systems matter most.
Step 2: Data Collection (Remote + Light On-Site if Needed)
We collect information safely and efficiently (inventory, configuration checks, and security posture review).
Step 3: Analysis & Review
We identify risks, improvements, and the “why” behind recurring issues.
Step 4: Findings Presentation
We walk you through results and answer questions—no jargon, no scare tactics.
How Long Does an IT Assessment Take?
Most assessments take 1–2 weeks, depending on:
- Number of users/devices/locations
- Complexity (servers, special apps, compliance)
- Access to documentation and stakeholders
If you have a tight deadline (insurance renewal, audit, breach response), we can prioritize accordingly.
What We Need From You
To complete an assessment efficiently, we typically ask for:
- A point of contact for IT decisions
- A list of key systems and business-critical apps
- Existing documentation (if available)
- Admin access as needed (handled securely)
- A list of current vendors (ISP, phone, security, software)
No documentation? That’s common—we can still proceed.
What Happens After the Assessment?
You choose the next step:
- Use the roadmap internally
- Ask Cloud Cover to help implement improvements
- Compare providers with a clearer “apples-to-apples” view
If you’re evaluating managed services, this assessment also helps confirm fit.
Next: Managed IT Services FAQs
➡️ /faq-managed-it-services-ohio
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an IT assessment the same as a penetration test?
Not exactly. An IT assessment is broader (health + security + reliability + operations). A penetration test is a specialized security test designed to exploit vulnerabilities.
Will this disrupt our business?
Our goal is minimal disruption. Most work is done remotely and scheduled thoughtfully. If on-site time is needed, we’ll coordinate.
Do you provide a quote for managed services afterward?
If you want one—yes. If you’re only looking for clarity and a plan, that’s fine too.
Want a clear picture of where your IT stands—and what to do next?
Schedule an IT assessment with Cloud Cover.
➡️ /free-it-assessment
