Datalyst Blog
IT administrators are pretty particular about what software is used on the networks that they manage. This is not because we have any vested interest in the software itself, it’s because of the inherent reliability of the software they manage. They’ve tested it, they manage it, they know it. When an organization starts dealing with employee-downloaded software--especially if there is no procedure in place to report additions to IT--they can quickly lose control over the network.
Shadow IT can be the bane of many an IT department, as unauthorized software can create gaps in security, allowing hackers opportunities to compromise your systems. There can also be an increase in incompatibilities with the system, which requires time to troubleshoot because the IT department isn’t aware of the installations. It is perfectly understandable that most CIOs and vCIOs hold a hard line towards it. Yet, when properly managed, Shadow IT can provide a boon to your organization.