For many micro and small businesses, information technology (IT) infrastructure, end-user systems, and data insights are becoming an increasingly important part of their operations. But what happens when you don’t have the access to or knowledge of tools and techniques that you need in this business environment? You may miss out on chances to develop and improve your business if you can’t close your IT Knowledge Gap.
When you operate a small business, it’s all too easy to be distracted by other tasks and forget about IT.This is where a lot of businesses fall short. They don’t have the right IT infrastructure in place to support their security and efficiency needs. This can lead to a lot of wasted time and money, as well as a lack of security for their business data.
In this article we’ll discuss some of the key IT knowledge and skills gaps that can impact smaller businesses in a big data-centric world. We’ll also give you some pointers on how to close those gaps and stay competitive in your field of business without worrying about setting up IT systems that can be difficult to understand.
Definition Time: IT Skills Gap vs IT Knowledge Gap?
IT knowledge gaps refer to the lack of understanding or awareness about a certain IT-related topic. This can be anything from not knowing how to use basic IT applications to having little understanding of complex IT systems. This might involve not understanding how certain software programs work or not being familiar with best practices for managing data.
IT skills, on the other hand, refer to the ability to use IT applications and systems effectively, specifically, this can include everything from using software programs to understanding how to troubleshoot issues with computer networks.
While IT skills can be helpful in many businesses, they are not always essential. In fact, many businesses operate fine without any IT skills. However, as technology becomes increasingly integral to the way we do business, the need for IT skills is likely to become more prevalent.
Fortunately, we are here to help you bridge the gap between your current IT knowledge and the IT skills you need to succeed in today’s business world with a few different ideas.
Current State Of The IT Gap
There are few main issues affecting the IT knowledge gap these days. For businesses, this can create a skills gap between what they need and what their employees can provide.
Rapidly Changing Technology Widens the Gap
With new technologies and paradigms emerging all the time, it can be hard for professionals to keep up. This is particularly true for those who are not already well-versed in technology.
The number of cybersecurity attacks is rising, making it essential for businesses to have employees who can protect their systems from these threats. As a result of the IT knowledge gap in most companies, many businesses are being forced to prioritize security to stay competitive.
One of the most pressing issues facing businesses today is the lack of employee education on cybersecurity. According to a study by PWC, almost 60% of businesses have experienced a data breach in the past two years, and 43% of those breaches were caused by malicious or criminal attacks. In another study, it was found that almost half of all businesses don’t have any kind of cybersecurity training program in place.
It’s the holidays, but for 300 workers of a company in the US, it’s anything but festive. That’s because the company has just shut down after being hit with ransomware, leaving its employees without jobs and facing an uncertain future.
The ransomware attack, which happened just a few days before Christmas, completely crippled the company’s systems. Not only did this mean that the employees lost their jobs, it also meant that the company was unable to provide any customer service or support during the holiday season.
This lack of cybersecurity education is a major issue, as it leaves businesses vulnerable to cyberattacks. In fact, a recent study by Verizon found that 81% of data breaches occur due to human error. This means that if employees are properly educated on cybersecurity best practices, businesses can greatly reduce their risk of being attacked.
Automation and AI is affecting the Gap
Another trend affecting the IT skills gap is the increasing use of automation and artificial intelligence. These newer and more complex technologies require updated skill sets from the IT personnel managing them. . This means that there will be even more demand for workers with higher IT skill sets in the future, as businesses will need these employees to maintain and operate their automated systems.
Pressure to innovate widens the IT knowledge gap.
As businesses increasingly rely on technology to gain a competitive edge, the pressure to innovate is higher than ever. Unfortunately, this pressure has led to a widening skills gap. While there is a growing demand for workers with cutting-edge skills, the supply of qualified workers has failed to keep pace.
The Importance of Overcoming IT Barriers To Guarantee Business Success
IT knowledge and skills gaps can put your business at a disadvantage, as you will not be able to exploit opportunities that can help you grow. As a result, you are missing out on opportunities to increase revenue, decrease costs, and improve operations.
For example, let’s say you want your current pool of clients to have a meaningful and positive experience by improving your customer service. But you don’t have the technical know-how to do so. You won’t be able to take advantage of benefits like these unless you narrow the IT knowledge and skills gaps within your business.
The following are just a few of the unforeseen business liabilities of the IT skills and knowledge gap:
Difficulty in making business decisions
When businesses don’t have access to data insights due to inadequate IT systems, they can struggle to make informed decisions. This can lead to wasted time and resources and missed opportunities.
Lower productivity
Having an IT knowledge or skills gap can also lead to lower productivity. This is because employees without the necessary skills will take longer to complete tasks or may not be able to complete them. This can be especially problematic if your business relies on outdated or inaccurate information.
Increased costs
Hiring specialists to cover IT gaps can be expensive. Not to mention the costs associated with the gaps themselves. All these costs can add up, eating into your bottom line and preventing you from investing in other areas of your business.
Let’s have a discussion about your IT Gaps and how it’s affecting your business…
Ways to Close your IT Knowledge Gaps
1. Get an Idea of the Size of the Gap
To move forward it is essential first to understand the knowledge and skills gaps that exist within your organization. Without this understanding, it would be difficult to know where to focus time and resources. There are a few different ways to get an idea of how big of an information technology knowledge gap your company has.
One way is to have all employees take a quiz or assessment to gauge their familiarity with technology and the internet. Another way is to ask employees to complete a survey about their comfort and use of various technologies.
An alternative option is to use focus groups. This technique allows for a more in-depth exploration of employee attitudes and perceptions. However, focus groups require careful planning and typically must be conducted by an experienced facilitator.
You can also review how your company’s technology stacks up against others in your industry. By identifying any gaps in knowledge, you can then create a plan for training and development to close those gaps and ensure that all employees have the necessary skills to thrive in a technology-driven world.
Another option is to analyze customer feedback data. This can give insights into areas where the customer experience could be improved through technology.
Finally, companies can also review data from previous projects to see where improvements could be made in the future. By taking some time to perform a gap analysis, companies can set themselves up for success as now is the time to close your IT knowledge gap.
2. Upskill Your Way To Success
To keep up with the competition and be successful in today’s business world, you can upskill yourself and your employees in information technology. There are many ways to do this, and the options available to you will depend on your specific circumstances.
Take online courses
A great way to upskill yourself or your employees in information technology is to take online courses. There are a variety of free and paid courses available, and each one can help you learn about a specific topic or skill. Taking online courses is a great way to learn at your own pace and in your own time.
Get Certified
One of the best ways to upskill yourself or your employees in information technology is to get certified. There are a variety of IT certification programs available, such as the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). These programs will help to ensure that you or your employees have the necessary skills to work seamlessly with technology.
Attend conferences and seminars
Attending conferences and seminars is another good way to upskill yourself or your team in information technology. These events provide an opportunity to learn from experts in the field, network with other professionals, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies.
Read industry/trade publications
A few key sources can help you stay current on the latest IT news and developments. By subscribing to industry-leading publications and following top thought leaders on social media, you can quickly and easily stay up-to-date on the latest IT trends.
By reading trade publications or blogs, attending conferences, or taking online courses, you can ensure that you are up-to-date on the latest information. Additionally, following thought leaders on social media can help you stay abreast of changes in the industry.
3. Hire Qualified IT Professionals
Did you know that every business faces awareness and skills issues? Most try to fill these gaps by hiring more staff, but this solution can be ineffective.
A company’s ability to execute its strategy hinges on many things, but one of the most important is having the right people in place with the right skills. In today’s business environment, that means having a team that is not only up-to-date on the latest technology trends but also has a deep understanding of how to apply those technologies to achieve specific business objectives.
But employers are finding it difficult to fill positions with qualified candidates, and this is especially true in the IT industry. There are several reasons for this.
As any CIO will tell you, it can be difficult to find and retain talented IT professionals with the technical know-how and business acumen needed to succeed in today’s digital economy.
The demand for IT skills is high, and as such the supply of IT professionals is limited. The United States has a shortage of workers with the necessary skills to fill these jobs. One option is to hire workers from other countries, but that comes with it’s own potential issues. In addition, hiring highly skilled knowledge workers always comes with a hefty price tag.
These challenges are compounded by the fact that the skills required for success in IT are constantly evolving as new technologies emerge and old ones become obsolete. As a result, even the most talented IT team can find itself at a disadvantage if some business isn’t proactive about keeping up with the latest trends and developments.
4. Outsource your IT Needs
The secret to success in every company is to understand your assets and use them. In today’s business world, having a firm grasp of information technology is more important than ever. However, many business owners and employees lack the technical skills to keep up with the ever-changing IT landscape.
This can lead to big problems down the road, as businesses that don’t keep up with the latest IT trends can quickly fall behind their competitors and not be able to close their IT knowledge gap.
To avoid these potential problems, businesses need to seek advice from IT experts who can help them close the IT knowledge gaps in their organizations. These experts can guide various topics, including selecting and implementing the right software and hardware, developing effective backup and disaster recovery plans, and protecting against cyber threats.
Luckily, there are plenty of experts out there who can help businesses close their IT knowledge gaps. By focusing on what they do best and leaving IT to the experts, businesses can stay ahead of the curve and competitive, ensuring that they are using technology most efficiently and effectively. This can help them save time and money while also reducing the risk of costly disruptions.
This solution can provide peace of mind and allow you to focus on what truly matters for your business – serving customers and driving growth.
Businesses need access to the right tools and techniques in order to be successful in today’s competitive environment. Unfortunately, many businesses are struggling because they don’t have the knowledge or resources they need to overcome IT barriers. Fortunately, there are ways to close the gaps and get the help you need. From upskilling to outsourcing your IT needs, it’s important to not waste time focusing on closing your IT gap.
ANAX Tech: The Ideal MSP for Micro and Small Business
As a Managed Service Provider, we take on the responsibility of managing and monitoring your IT infrastructure so that you can focus on running your business.
Every business is different and has different needs when it comes to technology. That’s why we offer a customized approach for each of our clients. We’ll work with you to understand your business goals and objectives. Accordingly, we develop a plan to help you meet those goals using the latest technology and digital transformation tools. We manage the network, infrastructure, security, support services, cloud services, and malware protection.
If you’re interested in enhancing your business by overcoming IT knowledge gaps, contact us to learn more about our MSP Services
Luckily, we live in an era where business processes can be improved with the help of technology. Adopting technology accelerates everything from internal communication to team workflows and can become a significant competitive advantage.
Numerous factors, from inflation to the tight labor market, are affecting micro and small businesses these days. These factors also play a significant role in decision making on whether and how to enhance their processes to alleviate some of the pain points. Now, emerging technologies including IT solutions are propelling the increasing connectivity between humans and technology to make businesses more efficient and productive.
There are endless possibilities for how technology can be used to improve small businesses, therefore many businesses rely heavily on the combination of technology and reliable processes to achieve their objectives. But a lot of times, that digital transformation into a streamlined process and productivity can have it’s barriers. The key is finding and implementing the right solution for your specific needs. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.
Let’s dive into the benefits and challenges of using technology for process and productivity enhancements, as well as how to clear the way for your company to realize the benefits.
Benefits of Adopting Technology for Micro and Small Businesses
Small businesses are the backbone of any thriving economy. They are the risk-takers, the job-creators, and the pioneers of new and innovative ideas. To stay competitive in today’s market, small businesses must use every tool at their disposal to improve productivity and efficiency.
Technology has changed the way businesses operate and has made a profound impact on productivity. The use of technology in business can be a game-changer, allowing small businesses to achieve goals and objectives that were once impossible.
Businesses that embrace digital transformation will be able to stay ahead of the competition and continue to grow and thrive. Some of the myriad of benefits:
Enhanced Efficiency
The use of technology can help increase the efficiency of a small or micro business in many ways. Effective use of technology can help you eliminate delays in workflows, speed up through automated tasks, gain new insights into processes through tracking and reporting, and enhance communication, among so many other efficiency boosters.
These time savings can of course be used for employees to focus on other tasks that are more important or beneficial for the business as a whole.
Cost Effective
With the right approach, you can use technology to enhance productivity while being cost-effective. Technology helps businesses save money, which can then be reinvested into growth. In addition, it has been shown that using traditional methods to cut costs (ie. layoffs) amounted to only a 2% cost reduction on average, while applying digital tools can cut costs an average of 5%. This is mainly due to the fact you can do more with less thanks to technology.
Remote Work / Cost Savings
Technology has enabled staff to be location agnostic. With the productivity and communication tools available these days, it has allowed people to be efficient and get things done no matter where they are, enhancing work life balance overall. In addition, Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies and work from home options has saved businesses an average of $3,150 per employee annually. Read more about Managed IT Services for the Remote Work World.
Increased Revenue
One way that technology can help businesses is by increasing their revenue. A study by the Harvard Business Review found that companies that invested in information technology saw their revenue grow at twice the rate of companies that didn’t. This is because technology can help businesses reach new customers, streamline their operations, and improve their products and services.
Improving Communication
We’ve already stated it a couple times in this article, but with communication being the backbone of productivity, technology can greatly improve the way in which people communicate. Companies actually lose thousands annually due to inefficient communication and meetings. Using tools like Slack, Skype, and Tribe can greatly enhance communication efficiency, as long as they are implemented the right way.
Data Insights
Additionally, using IT Solutions for data analytics can help you identify trends and patterns that can guide decision-making. And with cloud-based solutions, you can access important data and applications from anywhere at any time, making it easier to collaborate on these insights with team members.
High-Level Security
In today’s digital age, data breaches, cyber-attacks, and phishing are common security concerns. Unfortunately, 61% of SMBs experienced a cyberattack in the last year. For micro and small-level businesses, the use of technology can improve security in several ways.
The use of technology can help businesses to understand, monitor, and protect themselves against the latest security threats.
Prompt Decision Making
By automating processes and utilizing tools that help manage and monitor business performance, small businesses can make quick decisions with greater accuracy and confidence. In recent years, the rise of digital transformation has further empowered small businesses to use technology to its fullest potential.
By harnessing the power of digital technologies, small businesses can gain a competitive edge and thrive in today’s fast-paced, global economy.
Challenges in Adopting Technology
By making use of the latest tools and technologies, businesses can improve their process and productivity. However, there are some challenges to overcome.
If you’re interested in process and productivity enhancements, contact us to learn more about our MSP Services
Lack of Resources and Budget
A lack of resources and budget is a challenge in adopting technology for small and micro businesses. Many small businesses don’t have the funds to invest in new technology, and they may not have the staff to support it. Moreover, hiring an in-house IT expert can be an expensive addition to the team.
Additionally, some technologies can be costly to maintain and upgrade. As a result, many small businesses struggle to keep up with the latest technology trends.
Risk of Data Privacy and Security
When you adopt new technologies, there are inevitably many risks to data privacy and security. One risk is hackers could target small businesses because they may have less secure systems than larger businesses.
Another risk is that employees could accidentally or deliberately leak data, such as customer information or trade secrets.
Finally, data could be lost or stolen if devices are lost or stolen, or if backups are not properly made.
To mitigate these risks, businesses should consider implementing strong security measures, such as the encryption and access controls offered by IT solutions.
Quality Uncertainty
One of the challenges that businesses face when adopting technology is quality uncertainty. This refers to the potential for choosing poor-quality products or services when using new technology. This can be a major concern for businesses, as they may not have the understanding or skillset to choose and implement the technology effectively.
Businesses need to do their research, or get help in tech decision making, to carefully select technology that will work for their business.
When you add new software, it doesnt sit in a silo, it needs to align and integrate with the rest of your software and organization as a whole. There can be numerous hazards to incorrect integrations that will hinder the entire goal of bringing in the new technology in the first place.
The Importance of MSPs for Realizing Tech Benefits
As we’ve showcased, being a micro or small business, you often deal with complexities of systems and processes that take up a lot of your time. To avoid such hurdles, digital transformation is the top solution. But the challenges outlined still stand in your way.
MSPs invest heavily in staying up-to-date with the latest technology so they can offer their clients the best possible service. This means that businesses that partner with an MSP can take advantage of the latest tools and platforms without having to make a significant investment themselves.
Operational Efficiency
MSPs help small businesses to manage and monitor their work process. By using IT solutions, small businesses can keep track of their performance and make necessary changes to improve their operational efficiency.
Automation
One of the main ways that MSPs help businesses improve productivity is by helping them automate repetitive tasks. This frees up employees to focus on more value-added activities, ultimately leading to improved efficiency and bottom-line results.
Cybersecurity
As we outlined, with any new technology, security can be an issue. An MSP will provide cybersecurity solutions for your business that keeps your data safe, allowing you and your clients to maintain peace of mind. Whether it’s anti-malware, anti-virus, security patches, or something else, they help keep sensitive information private and protected, and quickly restore safe and secure operations if a breach does occur.
Comprehensive Support
MSPs provide an end-to-end service, meaning they can offer support at every stage of the digital transformation journey. This comprehensive approach ensures that businesses have all the help they need to successfully navigate this potentially disruptive process.
Unified Mobility
In relation to communication being an integral part of process enhancement, MSPs can setup unified mobility, so your people are able to work from home, take calls on the road, and connect up desktop, laptop, tablet, and mobile work.
ANAX Tech: The Ideal MSP for Micro and Small Business
As a Managed Service Provider, we take on the responsibility of managing and monitoring your IT infrastructure so that you can focus on running your business.
Every business is different and has different needs when it comes to technology. That’s why we offer a customized approach for each of our clients. We’ll work with you to understand your business goals and objectives. Accordingly, we develop a plan to help you meet those goals using the latest technology and digital transformation tools. We manage the network, infrastructure, security, support services, cloud services, and malware protection.
Would you like to learn more about the ways we can help your small business achieve your process and productivity goals? Contact us today.
As you may have already come to realize, outsourcing critical areas of your business can free up time and resources so you can focus on what you do best- actually running and growing your business. Outsourcing tech management to an MSP is no different. It can have a lot of benefits, regardless of your company size or if your company has internal IT coverage or not.
Most businesses are already realizing the benefits. A recent study by KPMG found that 84 percent of businesses are outsourcing some aspect of their technology. Looking forward, a report by Compass Datacenters found that 94 percent of businesses plan to increase or maintain their outsourcing budget in the next 12 months.
This is mostly due to the fact that when it comes to technology, things are getting more and more complex to handle. Especially when you think about cloud networks and cybersecurity and IT compliance, among so many other aspects to modern technology. There are a few problems that can arise when a company tries to handle everything themselves:
Lack of expertise – You may not have the expertise to handle all the different technologies that your company uses. This can lead to problems and disruptions down the road.
Limited resources – Whether you’re handling this yourself, or have some internal people on it, often there isn’t the bandwidth to handle all the demands of managing technology.
Increased complexity – Technology is constantly evolving and becoming more complex. Trying to keep up with the latest trends and updates can be a daunting task for any team.
Cost savings – Hiring full-time employees to manage your technology can cripple business growth. In addition, the need for expensive hardware and software licenses doesn’t help.
An MSP can help your business in many ways, so it’s important to consider all the benefits when making a decision about whether or not to outsource tech management. Let’s jump into the benefits to think about based on your company’s size.
Micro Business
A micro business is a small business that has fewer than five employees. The owner of the business is typically the only person working in the business, although there may be a few part-time or freelance employees.
Micro businesses are often started by people who have a specific skill or trade that they want to offer to the public. Many micro businesses are also home-based, which can save on overhead costs. Micro businesses are becoming more and more common as people are starting to realize the benefits of owning their own business.
Time Savings
Running a micro business can be extremely time consuming. The owner is typically doing everything from customer service to bookkeeping to marketing. Outsourcing tech management to an MSP can save the micro business a lot of time and energy.
An MSP can help with tasks such as network setup and monitoring, cybersecurity, and IT compliance. This can free up the micro business owner to focus on other areas of the business.
Cost Savings
Micro businesses often have a very tight budget. Outsourcing tech management to an MSP can save the micro business money in many ways.
An MSP can help the micro business get the most out of their technology budget. They can advise on which hardware and software to purchase based on the needs of the business.
Second, an MSP can often negotiate discounts with vendors for their clients. This can save the micro business money on things like software licenses and hardware.
Last, an MSP can often help the micro business save money by increasing efficiency and productivity. This can lead to increased revenue and profits for the micro business.
An MSP can help with tasks such as network setup and monitoring, cybersecurity, and IT compliance. When it comes to technology, micro businesses can really benefit from outsourcing to an MSP. By doing this, they can save time and resources that can be better spent on running and growing the business. In addition, they can avoid many of the problems that come with trying to handle everything themselves, such as lack of expertise, limited resources, and increased complexity.
Small Businesses without Internal IT
Small businesses are businesses that have between five and fifty employees. They often have a few full-time employees, in addition to part-time or freelance employees. They may or may not have an internal IT person already, or may be looking at options for insourcing/outsourcing tech coverage as it may fall on the owner or CEO of the company to handle all technology-related tasks.
If you can relate to any of these issues, contact us to learn more about our MSP Services
The Barriers to Hiring Internal IT
Hiring an in-house IT person can be problematic for a small business for many reasons.
First, the cost of hiring an IT person can be prohibitive for a small business. Often, an IT person requires a salary, benefits, and equipment. This can be a lot of money for a small business to spend, especially if they are just starting out. Here’s some average wages to consider:
When outsourcing to an MSP, it’s important to remember that you’re not just getting one IT person, you’re getting a team of IT experts.
Second, a small business may not have the space to accommodate an IT person. They may not have an office for them to work in or the proper equipment and software needed for them to do their job at an optimal level.
Lastly, a small business may not need full-time IT support. They may only need someone to handle occasional tasks or problems. Outsourcing IT to an MSP can be a much better solution for a small business, so they’re not wasting precious resources on extraneous IT.
Small Businesses Need IT Expertise
Once you’re to the small business stage, elevated coverage is needed. As a company grows, it faces different challenges and needs when it comes to technology. The larger the business, the more they have complex IT systems, and an increased need for more expertise and IT support.
An MSP generally has a lot of experience when it comes to technology. They have years of experience in providing tech support, installing networks, and dealing with cybersecurity threats. They also have experience working with businesses of all sizes, so they know how to tailor their services to meet the needs of each individual client.
When it comes to fixing IT issues, having access to experienced IT technicians is definitely a plus. Experienced IT professionals have seen and dealt with just about every type of issue there is. They know how to fix things quickly and efficiently, which can save you a lot of time and headache.
ANAX, for example, has been around for over a decade and has over 110 years of total technical experience across our technicians. Couple that with a process of internal chat, to combine minds around any client problem, and you have quite a resource that is not available when hiring internal IT.
MSPs Compete, so They’re Up on the Latest Tech
In order to remain competitive, MSPs need to be on the cutting edge of technology. They need to know about the latest and greatest software, devices, and tools. When it comes to technology, things are always changing and evolving. If an MSP isn’t keeping up with the latest trends, they run the risk of becoming irrelevant and being passed up by their competitors.
Being on the cutting edge of technology is also important from a security standpoint. As new threats emerge, MSPs need to be aware of them and know how to protect their clients from them. They need to have the latest and greatest security tools and protocols in place in order to keep their clients’ data and networks safe.
As a business owner, it can be difficult to keep up with all the latest trends in technology. There are always new devices, software, and tools being released, and it can be hard to know which ones are worth investing in. On top of that, you need to worry about keeping your business’s data and networks safe from cyber threats. Outsourcing IT to an MSP can take a lot of the burden off of your shoulders.
When you partner with an MSP, they will be able to install the latest software and hardware for you and keep your systems updated with the latest security patches. Just think about the breadth of upkeep and latest tech that goes into your:
Operating Systems
Software Updates
Security Patches
Hardware Upgrades
Network Infrastructure
Outsourcing to an MSP can give you peace of mind knowing that your IT is being handled by a team of experts who are always up-to-date on the latest technology. You won’t have to worry about whether or not your IT is keeping up with the times because you’ll know it is.
One of the biggest benefits of outsourcing IT to an MSP is that it can help to improve your company’s security. MSPs have the tools and resources to provide a higher level of security than most businesses could afford on their own. They also have the expertise to implement security measures that will protect your data from being compromised.
MSPs can help to improve your company’s security by:
Implementing security measures that will protect your data from being compromised.
Providing a higher level of security than most businesses could afford on their own.
Monitoring your systems 24/seven to identify and resolve any potential threats.
Small Businesses with Internal IT
MSPs can partner with internal IT to provide a more holistic solution for a company’s IT needs. By working together, MSPs and internal IT can provide a more comprehensive level of service. Outsourcing IT to an MSP can help take a lot of the burden off of your internal IT team, while elevating your company’s tech.
Enable More IT Resources
MSPs can help internal IT departments by providing them with additional resources. They can provide experienced IT technicians who can help with projects, troubleshooting, and providing support. They can also provide access to the latest tools and technologies.
If you don’t have the internal resources to handle a certain task or project, an MSP can step in and fill that gap for you. Also, what happens when your internal IT person needs to go on vacation, or has a sick day? The MSP is there as backup.
In addition, MSPs can help internal IT departments by taking on some of the workload. This can:
Free up internal IT staff to focus on more strategic tasks.
Help to improve morale within the department because staff won’t feel as overwhelmed.
Help to ensure that your projects are completed on time and within budget.
Mind the Knowledge Gap
Outsourcing can also help you to fill any gaps in your team’s skillset. When it comes to IT, one of the biggest challenges businesses face is finding the right employees who have the right skillset. This is especially true for businesses with internal IT. Internal IT teams are typically composed of generalists who are good at a lot of things, but not experts in anything. This can be a problem because it can lead to a lack of knowledge in certain areas.
Outsourcing IT to an MSP can help to fill these gaps in your team’s skillset. They can provide the expertise that you need in specific areas, and they can also help to train your internal IT team on new technologies.
Tech Alignment
When it comes to IT, one of the most important things is making sure that all the systems are aligned and working together. This is especially true for businesses with internal IT. If the different parts of the business’s IT aren’t working together, it can lead to a lot of problems.
Internal IT can work with an MSP to make sure that everything is aligned and working together properly. They can also help with things like making sure that the right software and hardware are being used, and that all the different systems are compatible with each other.
An MSP can help to ensure that all your company’s technology is aligned and compatible with each other. They can do this by:
Making sure that the right software and hardware are being used.
Ensuring that all the different systems are compatible with each other.
Providing expert knowledge in specific alignment areas.
Proactive IT Management
Another benefit of partnering with an MSP is that they can help internal IT be more proactive. A lot of times, your internal IT is reactive… fixing anything that’s broken is their main focus. MSPs are always looking for ways to improve their clients’ IT systems and prevent problems before they happen.
They do this by constantly monitoring the systems and keeping an eye out for any potential issues. If they spot something, they can take care of it before it becomes a bigger problem. This proactive approach can save businesses a lot of time and money in the long run.
No matter the size of your company, outsourcing IT to an MSP provides a bevy of benefits.
ANAX can provide tailored solutions for businesses of all sizes- from one person businesses who need a little extra tech help, to internal IT teams who need additional support managing their current infrastructure. We understand that every business is different, and we work hard to create custom plans that fit each company’s specific needs.
If you’re interested in learning more about how outsourcing your tech needs can benefit your business, contact us today.
Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, accounting for nearly half of all private-sector jobs in the United States. Despite their importance, small businesses often lack the resources and expertise to properly address their top small business tech issues. This can lead to a number of problems, including poor digital transformation efforts, inadequate security protocols, and compliance issues.
This guide covers both the tech challenges facing small businesses in today’s economic landscape as well as strategic solutions and insights to address those challenges, so you can move forward, embrace change, and drive success for your business!
Digital Transformation for Small Businesses
A hot topic in the business world today, digital transformation should be on the radar of every small business.
Properly managed, digital transformation can drive operational efficiency, improve customer engagement and retention, and create new revenue streams.
However, many small businesses struggle with digital transformation because they lack the resources or expertise required to properly implement it.
YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE ONE OF THE SMALL BUSINESSES WHO STRUGGLE WITH THEIR TECHNOLOGY
What Exactly is Digital Transformation as it Relates to Small Business?
In its simplest form, digital transformation is the process of using technology to improve business processes and operations. This can include everything from automating tasks to improving customer engagement.
Digital transformation can be a major undertaking if not handled properly. But that doesn’t have to be the case. There are many small steps that you can take to start your journey toward digital transformation.
One of the most important things you can do as a small business is to develop a clear plan and strategy for your digital transformation efforts. If you have little to no tech experience, consider partnering with an experienced IT team that can help you design and implement your digital transformation strategy.
Small Business Tech Issues Related to Digital Transformation
As a small business, you face a number of specific challenges when it comes to digital transformation. These challenges can include everything from finding the right technology partners to getting buy-in from employees.
Some of the most common issues related to digital transformation in small businesses include:
Limited resources: Small businesses often lack the resources required to properly implement digital transformation. This can include everything from technology budget constraints to a lack of in-house expertise. Although, MSPs don’t have to be a budget issue.
Lack of a clear plan: Many small businesses struggle with digital transformation because they don’t have a clear plan or strategy. This can lead to wasted time and money as you try to figure out what you need to do to move forward.
Employee resistance: Employees can be resistant to change, which can make it difficult to implement new technologies or processes. It’s important to get buy-in from employees early on in the process to avoid any issues.
Creating Solutions for Digital Transformation in Your Business
If you’re facing challenges with digital transformation in your small business, there are a few things you can do to create solutions. These solutions can help you overcome the challenges you’re facing and ensure that you’re successful in your digital transformation journey.
Some of the solutions you can consider include:
Hiring anexperienced IT team: One of the best ways to overcome the challenges associated with digital transformation is to hire an experienced IT team. An experienced IT team will have the knowledge and expertise required to properly support your unique digital transformation efforts.
Developing a clear plan: Another solution is to develop a clear plan and strategy for your digital transformation journey. This will help ensure that you’re making the right decisions and investments as you move forward.
Getting buy-in from employees: It’s also important to get buy-in from employees early on in the process. This can help you minimize resistance to change and ensure that everyone is on board with the new technologies and processes.
Finding the right technology partners: Finally, you need to find the right technology partners to support your digital transformation journey. The right technology partners will have the experience and expertise required to help you succeed.
Digital transformation is essential for any small business that wants to remain competitive in today’s market. However, designing a strategic plan and executing that plan can be a challenge to implement. By following the tips above, you can overcome inevitable obstacles and optimize your digital transformation journey.
As a small business owner, you must ensure that your products and services are of the highest quality, that your customers are happy, and that your employees are productive.
However, one of the most important things you need to worry about is security.
Small businesses are often targeted by cybercriminals because hackers know small businesses generally lack the resources and expertise to properly defend themselves. This can lead to a number of problems, including data breaches, which can lead to devastating financial loss and reputational damage.
Security Threats for Small Businesses
There are a number of specific issues that small businesses need to be aware of when it comes to security. These include:
Data breaches: Because they often lack the resources and expertise required to properly protect their data, small businesses are particularly vulnerable to data breaches. Data breaches can lead to financial losses, reputational damage, and legal problems.
Cyber attacks: Cyber attacks are becoming more common, and small businesses are often prime targets. Cybercriminals know that small businesses often lack the resources and expertise to properly defend themselves.
Phishing: Phishing is a type of cyber attack where criminals send emails or other messages that appear to be from a legitimate source in order to trick your customers into providing sensitive information.
Cybercrime Is a Devastating Threat to Small Businesses
Cybercrime is a huge threat to small businesses. In fact, 60% of small businesses that are attacked by cybercriminals go out of business within six months. This is because small businesses seldom take the time to implement security measures — or they underestimate the possibility of a cyberattack.
There are a number of steps you can take to protect your business from cybercrime:
Investing in cybersecurity: One of the best ways to protect your business from cybercrime is to invest in cybersecurity. This includes both technology and personnel. By investing in cybersecurity, you can make it much more difficult for cybercriminals to target your business.
Educating your employees: Another important step is to educate your employees about cybersecurity. They need to know how to identify threats and what to do if they suspect that their computer has been compromised.
Creating a comprehensive security plan: Finally, creating a comprehensive security plan is absolutely . This plan should include all of the steps you’re taking to protect your business from cybercrime. It should also be reviewed and updated on a regular basis.
How to Improve Security in Your Small Business
There are a number of things you can do to improve security in your small business:
Hiring an experienced IT team: One of the best ways to improve security in your small business is to hire an experienced IT team. An experienced IT team will have the knowledge and expertise required to properly protect your data and systems.
Implementing security best practices: Another way to improve security in your small business is to implement security best practices. This includes things like using strong passwords, encrypting data, and keeping software up to date.
Working with a trusted security partner: Finally, you can improve security in your small business by working with a trusted security partner — such as ANAX Business Tech.
Small businesses need to be aware of the security risks they face and take steps to mitigate those risks. By following the tips above, you can improve security in your small business and help protect your data and systems.
IT Compliance in Small Businesses
IT compliance is the process of ensuring that your business’s IT systems and processes meet all applicable laws and regulations. Establishing and maintaining IT compliance can be a complex and time-consuming process, but it’s important to ensure that your business is compliant with all relevant laws and regulations.
Some of the most common compliance requirements for small businesses include:
Data privacy: Data privacy laws regulate how businesses collect, use, and disclose personal information. If you collect, use, or disclose personal data, you need to comply with data privacy laws.
Information security: Information security laws regulate how businesses protect sensitive information. If you store or transmit sensitive data, you need to comply with information security laws.
Software licensing: Software licensing laws regulate how businesses use and distribute software. If you use or distribute software, you need to comply with software licensing laws.
Understanding IT Compliance Standards as a Small Business
There are a number of compliance standards that apply to small businesses. Some of the most common compliance standards include:
PCI DSS: The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a set of security standards for businesses that process, store, or transmit credit card data. If you process, store, or transmit credit card data, it is essential that you’re in compliance with PCI DSS.
HIPAA: The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a set of security standards for businesses that handle protected health information. If you handle protected health information, you need to comply with HIPAA standards.
SOX: The Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) is a set of financial reporting standards for public companies. You must be in compliance with SOX if your business is publicly traded.
Small businesses need to be aware of the compliance standards that apply to them and take steps to ensure compliance. Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations can result in significant penalties, including fines or even jail time.
The Importance of IT Compliance for Small Businesses
IT compliance is important for small businesses for a number of reasons.
Maintaining compliance helps ensure that your business is operating in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations and helps protect your business from potential liabilities. Also, this can help improve your business’s overall security posture.
The IT compliance standards and process may be very involved, but it’s important to ensure that your business is compliant with all relevant laws and regulations.
How to Ensure IT Compliance Solutions for Small Businesses
There are a number of steps that small businesses can take to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. First, you should develop policies and procedures related to compliance. Second, you should train your employees on compliance-related topics. And third, you should implement technical controls to help ensure compliance.
Developing policies and procedures related to compliance is the first step in ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Your policies and procedures should outline your expectations for employees and how to handle non-compliance.
Training your employees on compliance-related topics is the second step in ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Your training program should cover all relevant compliance topics, including data privacy, information security, and software licensing.
Implementing technical controls to help ensure compliance is the third step in ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Technical controls can include measures like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption.
Cloud Integration and Unified Communications in Small Businesses
Cloud integration and unified communications are two of the most important technology trends for small businesses.
Cloud integration is the process of integrating cloud-based applications with on-premises applications, allowing businesses to use a mix of both for a more streamlined workflow.
By using a mix of on-premises and cloud-based applications, businesses can reduce their IT costs while still maintaining a high level of functionality.
Unified communication is the process of integrating different communication methods, such as voice, video, and data.
Unified communications allow businesses to communicate more effectively and efficiently.
To ensure that your business is able to take advantage of cloud integration and unified communications, you should consider outsourcing your IT to a managed service provider. Managed service providers are companies that provide IT services on a subscription basis and manage your IT infrastructure and systems for you so that you can focus on running your business.
Cloud Integration and Unified Communications for Remote Working
Cloud-based operations are becoming increasingly popular with the push towards remote working, especially in the past couple years. Even if you are shifting back to in office, by having your business files and information synced with a cloud-based database service, you are protecting yourself and your business from potential network failures.
Applications that utilize cloud integration offer a number of advantages for small businesses:
They are usually more affordable than on-premises applications
Simple to deploy
Businesses are better equipped to take advantage of the latest technology trends
These solutions are more scalable
Better communication quality
Businesses can take advantage of features like caller ID, voicemail, and the ability to use mobile devices as a catch-all for application integration
Backup and Monitoring in Small Businesses
Having a backup of your business files is another essential step in protecting yourself from potential network failure. Small businesses should have a backup plan in place that includes off-site backups and disaster recovery. Based on the circumstances, this could also be the only way to recover from a cybersecurity attack, so it’s quite an important factor for your business.
Off-site backups are copies of your data that are stored at a location other than your primary business premises. This can be accomplished by using a cloud-based backup service or an external hard drive. Disaster recovery is a plan for how you will restore your data in the event of a major disaster, such as a fire or flood.
Monitoring is another important aspect of protecting your small business network. Security monitoring can be used to detect potential threats, such as malware or unauthorized access, and to identify performance issues.
There are a number of different tools that you can use to monitor your network, including:
Network monitoring tools
Security information and event management (SIEM)
Intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS)
Application performance monitoring (APM)
Managed service providers can help you to implement a monitoring solution that is tailored to the needs of your business. They can also assist with configuring backups to automatically take place, and can help you monitor them to ensure they are backing up your information properly.
ANAX: Your Go-To MSP for All of Your IT Needs
We sincerely hope you have found this guide helpful and informative.
Outsourcing to a knowledgeable IT team is often the best solution for small businesses looking to overcome these challenges. An experienced IT team can help with everything from developing a digital transformation strategy to implementing security best practices. They can also ensure that your business is compliant with all relevant regulations.
ANAX is a leading provider of IT services for modern businesses of all kinds. We offer a wide range of IT services, including managed IT services, cloud computing, data backup and recovery, and more.
As always, if you have any questions or would like assistance with anything, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to help!
Our team of experienced IT professionals can help your business overcome any tech challenges you may be facing. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help your business succeed.
Have you ever considered hiring an IT provider for Managed IT Services but worried that it would be too expensive? Well, think again. An experience provider of Managed IT Services will be able to provide your business with more value than it would cost to hire your own in-house IT personnel. Don’t believe it? Let’s break it down:
Compare In-House IT Costs with Outsourcing Work
When it comes to network support, there are two ways that you could do things. The first is to hire an in-house IT person to handle all your network and technology issues. The other option is to outsource the work to a managed IT service provider like ANAX. Here is a breakdown of the cost of each option.
The Cost of In-House IT
When you hire personnel to handle your IT solutions in house, there are some pros and cons. On one hand, you have a full-time employee on staff to handle your every need regardless of what it is. This employee will likely be a “jack of all trades” and they will likely handle everything from communicating to vendors to repairing issues when networks inevitably go down. On the downside, you will need to cover the full-time salary of this employee along with providing competitive benefits. IT is a very competitive market after all.
So, what does this look like on paper? Your full-time employee will likely work 40 hours a week which is about 2,080 hours a year not including paid time off or sick time. Let’s say that you hire a recent college grad for an entry level IT position salaried at $45,000 a year (on the low end of the spectrum). On top of their salary, you also need to factor in the cost of offering a 401k plan, on the job training for SOP, Paid Time Off, and on top of that you must cover the cost of software and any tools they will need.
All in, you’re looking at upwards of $55, 000 invested in hiring your own full-time IT employee.
Now let’s compare this to outsourcing your managed IT services.
The Cost of Outsourcing Your IT Services
In contrast, you might find that outsourcing your managed IT services is a more cost-effective option especially when you consider how much more value you can add to your business by doing it.
The cost of outsourcing a service will always be more affordable than hiring a full-time position, even for most premium services. Additionally, the company that you hire will likely have multiple staff that specialize in different areas meaning that you will have access to a greater wealth of knowledge than you would with a single-full time employee.
Finally, outsourcing your managed IT services will allow you to save on the additional cost of providing full-time employees with benefits. This is an ideal situation for small or medium sized business that are looking to scale up without driving their overhead up.
ANAX Managed IT Services
At ANAX, we conveniently provides IT Support in Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, and the surrounding areas. As the best local IT support company in Nevada, our goal is to be everything our customers are looking for and more. We strive to be THE tech support provider for your IT management and maintenance. We proudly boast fast and friendly service for our clients, striving to remain the IT partner you trust with your office equipment and systems. Contact us today to learn more about our managed network solutions.
Here at ANAX, we have seen our fair share of virus, malware, and phishing attacks while providing our clients with managed IT services. When you find that your computer has been infected with a virus – either through malware that has been attached to a file or a phishing scam that has targeted your business, it is important to act quickly to prevent compromising your personal information. While we are always available to help your business handle network security, there are ways to mitigate the damage immediately. Follow our guide on what to do when your computer is infected with a virus.
1. Disconnect from the Internet
First, you will want to disconnect from the internet. Some viruses use the internet to spread so you will want to isolate your computer from the internet so that you can clear your computer of any viruses for good. These days it is easy enough to disconnect from the Wi-Fi but be sure that you disconnect from any hard-wife connections as well.
2. Reboot in Safe Mode
Next, you will want to reboot in safe mode to protect your computer while you remove the virus. This is easy to do on both Mac and PC. For PCs, you will need to turn the computer off and back on. When the screen lights up, hold F8 to bring up the Advanced Boot Options menu and select “Safe Mode with Networking.”
For Macs, you will hold down the SHIFT key when the computer is restarting. You will then select the Safe Boot option.
3. Install and Run a Virus Scanner
Before you can remove a virus from your computer, you will need to identify which files have been corrupted with the virus. Unless you know that the virus has come from a downloaded file, you will likely need a virus scanner to help sniff out any potentially damaged files. There are plenty of virus scanning software companies to choose from Bitdefender, Norton, Kaspersky… the list goes on. Any one of these virus scanners will work.
Running a virus scan should help identify which files have been corrupted and isolate them so that you can proceed with the removal of virus.
4. Delete the Virus and Restart Your Computer
Once the virus scan has successfully identified and isolated the corrupt files on your computer, you will delete them from your computer. While this should remove all of the corrupted files from your computer, you may need to repeat the process as needed.
ANAX Business Technology – Managed IT Solutions for Businesses of All Sizes
ANAX conveniently provides IT Support in Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, and the surrounding areas. As the best local IT support company in Nevada, our goal is to be everything our customers are looking for and more. ANAX wants to be THE tech support provider for your IT management and maintenance. We proudly boast fast and friendly service for our clients, striving to remain the IT partner you trust with your office equipment and systems. Contact us today to learn more about how ANAX can help protect your business with our managed IT services.
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