Shadow IT—unauthorized software or systems used within an organization—has grown exponentially with the rise of SaaS solutions. While shadow IT can drive innovation and meet unique user needs, it also poses significant risks to security, compliance, and cost management. This makes the role of IT departments (DSI) crucial in addressing shadow IT challenges effectively. Tools like Sonar Clarity empower IT teams to gain visibility, reduce risks, and foster collaboration between IT and business units.

What is Shadow IT?

Shadow IT refers to the use of unapproved software, applications, or devices within an organization. Employees often turn to these solutions when they feel existing tools don’t meet their needs. While shadow IT can enhance productivity in the short term, it often leads to:

• Security Risks: Unvetted tools can create vulnerabilities.
• Compliance Issues: Data stored in unauthorized systems may violate regulations.
• Budget Inefficiencies: Duplicate or redundant SaaS subscriptions increase costs.

Sonar Clarity addresses these challenges by providing IT departments with the visibility and control they need to manage shadow IT effectively.

The Role of IT Departments in Managing Shadow IT

1. Gaining Visibility

The first step in managing shadow IT is identifying all unauthorized applications used across the organization.

How Sonar Clarity Helps:
Sonar Clarity’s comprehensive application discovery tools provide IT departments with a full view of both approved and shadow IT applications, enabling quick identification of risks and inefficiencies.

2. Strengthening Security

Unsecured shadow IT applications can act as gateways for cyber threats. IT departments must ensure all tools adhere to security policies.

How Sonar Clarity Helps:
Sonar Clarity monitors application access and permissions, providing actionable insights to mitigate risks and ensure compliance.

3. Collaborating with Business Teams

Shadow IT often emerges due to gaps between IT and business teams. To manage it effectively, IT departments must foster open communication and collaboration.

How Sonar Clarity Helps:
With tailored dashboards and reporting, Sonar Clarity bridges the gap between IT and other departments, ensuring all stakeholders align on software needs and priorities.

4. Optimizing SaaS Portfolios

By identifying redundant or underutilized applications, IT departments can streamline the SaaS portfolio and cut unnecessary costs.

How Sonar Clarity Helps:
Sonar Clarity highlights overlaps, tracks usage, and recommends opportunities for cost optimization, helping IT teams manage shadow IT while reducing waste.

Benefits of Proactively Managing Shadow IT

When IT departments take a proactive approach to shadow IT, organizations gain:

• Improved Security: Reduced vulnerabilities and enhanced data protection.
• Compliance Confidence: Adherence to legal and regulatory standards.
• Cost Savings: Elimination of redundant tools and optimized SaaS spending.
• Enhanced Productivity: Access to tools that meet business needs without compromising security.

Why Sonar Clarity is the Ideal Solution for Shadow IT

Sonar Clarity empowers IT departments to take control of shadow IT by offering:

• Real-Time Visibility: Discover unauthorized applications quickly.
• Security Insights: Identify and mitigate risks associated with shadow IT.
• Cost Optimization Tools: Reduce inefficiencies and improve ROI.
• Collaboration Features: Bridge the gap between IT and other departments effectively.

By using Sonar Clarity, organizations can transform shadow IT from a challenge into an opportunity for innovation and growth.

Ready to manage shadow IT with confidence? Request a demo today!