Updating your IT: Key Steps
The budget for a small business is always going to be tight, and that is especially true when it comes to your IT. With supplier demands and customer expectations, let alone marketing and staff costs, IT can often fall behind. However, by focusing on IT upgrades, you will find that they inevitably end up paying for themselves in terms of both monetary value and improved business processes. Being able to do more with less is always the main driver of small business growth, and that means integrating new technology seamlessly into your existing business model. If you want to ensure that your IT setup is as flexible and efficient as possible, here are the keys steps to look at.
Your Operating System
If you are still making use of older operating systems like Windows 7, then your business is very vulnerable. Older operating systems have inherent flaws that make them easy for hackers and cybercriminals to breach. Even if you are using some of the latest antivirus technologies, antispyware, and firewalls, your system will still be vulnerable. The latest OS offerings will be much more secure, and they also come with a future-proofed shelf-life. They will also give you access to a wider range of apps and programs that can help you to boost your productivity, all the more so thanks to their compatibility with other devices. If you’re still using an older OS, it’s time to upgrade.
Hardware Updates
Hardware can become out of date very quickly, and that means that you are not functioning at full potential. Computers themselves, any of your vital peripherals, and even printers, all too easily become ‘legacy class’ hardware that can be next to useless when it comes to running your business efficiently. You might save money by not upgrading your hardware, but if your employees don’t have enough RAM (for example), then they will not be able to manage their workloads efficiently. Newer hardware can also help to keep your maintenance costs down too, as older hardware will always need ongoing work to maintain that subpar speed. Upgrading hardware will pay for itself in terms of a smoother and more efficient workflow.
Network Upgrades
You will put much less pressure on your IT applications if your network connections are high speed. An optimized network connection will be very useful for your employees, as they will be able to complete tasks much faster and manage their workload more effectively. For online collaboration as well, a high-speed network connection can be of enormous benefit. There are some options to consider in regards to your network connection, but the most important is weighing up the pros and cons of SD Wan vs MPLS, with companies like Masergy able to help you with your ultimate decision, as well as upgrade your network connections for you. Make sure that you understand the importance of network connectivity optimization.
Your IT should be one of your main priorities when you start to look for ways to improve your business. The wide range of new technologies and upgrades can make your business more efficient than ever before. Failing to upgrade means that you will be running a business with one hand tied behind your back, and both your efficiency and your profit generation will suffer.