Can you believe it’s 2022?? I can’t. When it comes to technology in business we’re long past the age of if being something that we have to learn to adjust to. If you’re not keeping up with the tech necessary to run your business effectively and efficiently, then you’re at serious risk of falling behind. To make sure that’s not happening, here are some of the updates you should think of making to your own IT setup, even if you are working from home. And if you are still working from home… I’m jealous!
Unified Communications
While mobile has transformed businesses in a wide variety of ways, most of us still rely on technologies such as desk phones, computers, and laptops to carry out our work. However, digital communication calls for a greater need for integration than ever before. Being able to transmit communications between devices, to capture data, and to be able to respond with whatever device is most convenient can help you ensure you’re always on the ball, especially when it comes to customer support and service. For that reason, using something like Teams can help you unify your communications is something you should seriously think about doing.
Get a Business Phone Number
It used to be that we had to sign up for expensive services to have a phone number dedicated to your business. Now, we are lucky in that services like Google Voice exist. You can get a free or low cost phone number that can ring your home or mobile wherever you are.
Use the Cloud
The Cloud isn’t new, by any means, but it is being used in broader and more exciting ways than ever before. Aside from Cloud storage, enabling businesses to back up and more easily share files and assets, Cloud software is a solution worth looking into. Especially in this time of remote working, allowing your workers to access the tools they need to carry out their work, no matter where they might be and no matter what device they are using, can allow for a much more flexible and efficient workforce. I have been touted the use of Google Drive and similar services for year. I absolutely love being able to go from my home computer to my tablet to my phone or to my work computer knowing that I can access updated versions of all my files at any times. It is a must if you are running any type of business, or even if you want your personal data on hand and backed up.
Upgrade Your Network
The technologies mentioned above, as well as those that we haven’t mentioned, require you to be able to rely on your network. The network at my job was recently upgraded and it made a world of difference. Before, I had to encounter random disconnects and slowness. No one wants to deal with that. However, the network isn’t something invisible and unalterable, its dictated by physical equipment that ages and gets outdated and outmoded. As such, you should look at your options when it comes to network cabling services and see if there are those in your area who can help. The right network cabling service can make sure that your cable systems not only support your existing hardware and communications but can expand to suit those installed in the future, as well.
At home, you may need to contact your ISP to make sure that you have the latest equipment to get the best speeds. Outdated cable modems and routers cannot take advantage of todays technologies.
The need to invest in security
Advances in tech have led to not only a new wave of productivity and efficiency in business but a new wave of threats, as well. Viruses, ransomware, spyware, phishing scams, and more are just some of the cyber threats on the rise. This demands further investment in the security and protection of your tech, from security installations like firewalls and anti-malware devices to services such as managed IT that can monitor your systems and respond to the sign of threats more quickly and decisively than ever.
It’s not enough to invest in tech once and call it a day. Every year, you should be considering what updates or upgrades you need to make to help you more efficiently and cost-effectively run your business.
It’s been a minute, Kris! Good to see you in my RSS feed reader.