If you work with an IT provider, you have probably heard about a Quarterly Technology Review. It sounds formal. But it is really just a smart check-in. It is a meeting where you look at what is working, what is not, and what should happen next. At IS Technology, we like these meetings because they help businesses avoid surprises. And honestly, surprises in IT are usually not the fun kind.
A good meeting does not have to feel heavy. It just needs a clear plan, a few simple reports, and time to talk like real people.
Let’s Get Started!
(888) 684-2448
What is a “Quarterly Technology Review” and why does it matter?
A Quarterly Technology Review is a scheduled meeting that happens every three months. It is not just a “how are things” chat. It is a real review of your systems, support, security, and plans.
It matters because small issues can turn into big problems when nobody is watching. Maybe your laptops are getting old. Maybe backups are failing quietly. Or maybe everyone is using the same weak password, which feels scary when you say it out loud.
This review helps you catch stuff early.
What should a quarterly business review IT meeting actually cover?
In a Quarterly Technology Review, you want to cover the big picture and the day-to-day.
Here’s what most teams need to see:
- What support tickets happened and why
- Whether response times are meeting expectations
- Any security risks that popped up
- Changes in the business, like new hires or new tools
- A short plan for the next 90 days
This is also the moment to ask honest questions. Like, “Are we paying for tools we do not use?” Or, “Why do we keep having the same issue?”
Not every quarter is dramatic. Some quarters are quiet. That is okay too.
What is a good QBR agenda template for managed services?
A solid QBR agenda template keeps the meeting focused. It stops you from jumping around. Because IT conversations can get messy fast, I think.
Here is a simple flow that works well for a Quarterly Technology Review:
- Quick goals for the meeting (5 minutes)
- Business updates (10 minutes)
- Support review and trends (15 minutes)
- Security review (15 minutes)
- System health and key risks (10 minutes)
- Roadmap and next steps (15 minutes)
- Decisions and action items (10 minutes)
That is the core. You can adjust the timing. Some teams need more security time. Others want more planning time.
How do you run an IT service review meeting without wasting time?
An IT service review meeting should feel useful, not like homework.
A few simple tricks help a lot:
- Send the agenda before the call
- Share reports in plain language, not just charts
- Stick to the top issues, not every tiny detail
- Leave time for questions, even if they are basic
During a Quarterly Technology Review, it is also helpful to talk about patterns. Not just individual tickets. Like, “We saw repeated Wi-Fi complaints in the back office.” That is more useful than reading 40 ticket titles out loud.
And if something is confusing, say that. It is better than nodding and pretending.
Let’s Get Started!
(888) 684-2448
What should be included in an IT performance metrics report?
An IT performance metrics report is basically a report card. But it should not feel like someone is getting in trouble. It is just data to guide decisions.
For a Quarterly Technology Review, these metrics are usually helpful:
- Number of tickets opened and closed
- Top 3 recurring problems
- Average response time
- Average time to resolution
- SLA results, if you use SLAs
- Any major outages or critical incidents
If the numbers look worse than last quarter, it does not always mean someone failed. Sometimes the business grew. Sometimes you onboarded new tools. Sometimes it was just a rough season.
Still, the goal is progress. Even small progress.
What does a cybersecurity review checklist look like in a QBR?
A cybersecurity review checklist does not need to be scary. It should be clear and practical.
In a Quarterly Technology Review, you can ask and review things like:
- Are backups working and tested?
- Are we patching systems on schedule?
- Do we have multi-factor authentication turned on?
- Any risky login attempts or alerts?
- Any employees need security training refreshers?
- Are admin accounts limited and tracked?
Some people hate talking about security because it feels negative. I get it. But ignoring it is worse. A calm, regular review makes it feel normal, not panicky.
How do you handle ticket and SLA review without getting stuck?
A ticket and SLA review should be short and honest.
Instead of listing everything, focus on:
- The biggest blockers users had
- Any ticket types that keep repeating
- SLA misses and why they happened
- What will change to prevent repeats
During a Quarterly Technology Review, this part helps you spot issues that are really process problems. For example, maybe password resets are eating up time. That could mean it is time for a better password tool or stronger self-service options.
Not every fix is technical. Sometimes the fix is just a better habit.
What is technology lifecycle planning and why should you talk about it now?
Technology lifecycle planning is a fancy way to say: “When do we replace old stuff?”
This matters because waiting too long costs more. Old laptops get slow. Old servers get risky. Old software stops getting updates. Then you end up rushing, and rushed IT is expensive.
In a Quarterly Technology Review, you can map out:
- Devices nearing end of life
- Warranty expirations
- Software versions that need upgrades
- Budget estimates for replacements
It does not have to be perfect. Even a rough plan is better than none.
How does IT roadmap planning fit into a managed services QBR?
IT roadmap planning is the part where you decide what to do next. This is where the meeting becomes forward-looking, not just a review of the past.
In a Quarterly Technology Review, a simple roadmap could include:
- Projects for the next 30 days
- Bigger goals for the next 90 days
- Security upgrades that are becoming urgent
- User experience improvements, like faster onboarding
- Small wins that reduce support tickets
This is also where IS Technology helps teams connect IT work to business goals. Like growth, hiring, opening a new location, or just staying stable.
Sometimes the best roadmap is boring, by the way. Boring can mean reliable.
What is an IT strategy meeting agenda and how is it different?
An IT strategy meeting agenda is similar to a QBR, but it leans more into long-term thinking. The QBR is the regular rhythm. Strategy is where you zoom out further.
Still, a Quarterly Technology Review can include light strategy items, like:
- What tools are we standardizing?
- What risks are we accepting, and why?
- What should we invest in this year?
- What is slowing the team down the most?
If you only talk strategy once a year, it is easy to drift. A small strategy moment each quarter keeps the direction clear.
A simple sample agenda you can copy
Here is a quick copy-and-paste style agenda that works for most teams:
- Welcome + goals
- Business changes since last quarter
- Support highlights and pain points
- Metrics and SLA summary
- Security checklist and key risks
- System health and aging equipment
- Next-quarter roadmap and budget notes
- Decisions, owners, and due dates
That is it. Simple, but complete.
Final thoughts
A strong Quarterly Technology Review is not about sounding fancy. It is about staying ahead. When you use a clear agenda, review the right reports, and make a few real decisions, the business runs smoother.
If you want help building a meeting flow that actually feels useful, IS Technology can guide the process and keep your Quarterly Technology Review focused, human, and easy to repeat every quarter.
