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.
In order to begin to understand why network security is so important to your business, it’s essential to have a basic understanding of what network security even is. Simply put, it is the collection of precautions and safety measures taken to ensure the privacy of your online database, or your IT infrastructure. Network security measures can be as common as utilizing a password for your computer or your website, to installing firewalls and anti-virus software (and regularly maintaining these). Most people are familiar with computer viruses and malware, and might be capable of putting these safeguards in place for themselves, however, when it comes to providing or sourcing network security for an entire business, the task can get overwhelming.
Why is Network Security Important?
Though network security is essential for everyone to maintain their privacy and safety online, there are certain scenarios where it takes even more priority than usual. When customers’ payment is involved, or clients’ personal information is stored in your database, it is crucial to make sure that your network is entirely secure. Sensitive information should be protected, and as a business, it is reflective on your brand character how well you complete this task.
In addition to the protection of your customers and clients, quality network security provides peace of mind to the business itself by preventing data loss and avoiding potential legal headaches. Network security also blocks possible disruptions in the flow of business, and keeps your company running as smoothly as possible.
How do you know if your network security is up to par for your business? Do you even have network security, and is it functioning properly? These are not questions that you want to leave unanswered, as the answers can make or break your business. If you’re unsure of where your network security standards are set, and you want to make sure that you are set up for success, contact ANAX and let us handle it for you! Our experienced technicians can evaluate your company and determine the best network security solutions for you. Take the next step towards a more secure future today!
Let’s face it: with the widespread and rapid pace at which technology is growing, the days needing an (or several) employees on your staff to handle your I.T. needs are long gone. Today, almost all support can be handled remotely on a cloud and being face to face is a just call away. The benefits of outsourcing I.T. are pretty significant when you consider the value and efficiency that it adds to any business.
Having a third party company to handle the computer viruses and malware/spyware removal is important for protecting your business’ and client’s information. A common hiccup that businesses can often run into though, despite whether they are Star-Ups or well established companies, is not coming to the realisation that outsourcing this work is a valuable and often necessary part of operating efficiently. This is especially the case when it comes to areas of operation such as a business’ I.T. problems and solutions because keeping a dedicated I.T. department on your payroll isn’t always the most cost effective or streamline way to go.
When you are making the decision of whether or not to let another business handle your I.T. needs, you should consider the value that having one adds to your business. First, unless your I.T. department adds value to your company, it can and should be outsourced. Many I.T. problems like computer viruses, malware, and spyware can be handled remotely by a company that can offer you around-the-clock support at a better rate than hiring your own tech-support department.
Additionally, having a company that handles all of your I.T. needs is great for scaling up. A good time for outsourcing you I.T. needs, could be when you’re considering expansion and your I.T. operations cannot keep up with the pace of growth. As mentioned, businesses should always consider their value and this includes their overhead as well. Outsourcing to a company that specializes in these services is a great for your business to take advantage of their expertise so you can scale up without worrying about the logistics of your network.Instead of wasting time and money on experimenting, you can leverage a cheaper, more efficient service.
If you’re a business owner, you most likely have a lot of people who rely on you and your company. We live in an increasingly digital reliant age of business, where most small to mid-size businesses can compete at the scale of their larger counterparts. BUT, the affect of downtime hits hard on businesses both large and small. So, the question is, have you listed the solutions to avoid network crashes or loss of internet for your business?
What Network Crashes Can Cause
Naturally, the first problem that a network crash presents is the total lack of productivity it will cause your business. After all, your staff likely relies on the network in order to access materials and resources they need in order to do their jobs. Without access, they’re left without the means to generate revenue for your business. Meanwhile, they are still contractually entitled to receive their salary for their time at work. This, combined with your operational costs, means that your cash flow during a network crash dips into the red.
A crash can also lead to data loss, and seeing as your data is one of the most valuable assets to your business operations, data loss isn’t something that can be shrugged off, as we’ve discussed before.
Causes of Network Crashes
Unfortunately, there can be numerous causes to a network crash. Fortunately, each can be somewhat easily mitigated with the proper foresight and maintenance.
OS Issues
There’s a reason we always say to double-check if your systems can handle an update before you install it. Compatibility issues between your solutions can occur if you aren’t careful about which updates you choose to install, and you might wind up with an internal configuration conflict or worse. To avoid this, make sure you always have a trusted IT professional evaluate your solutions and the proposed update to make sure that you won’t run into any unexpected complications.
Electrical Problems
Any disruption of power to your server can lead to a crash, regardless of whether a lightning strike caused a power surge or someone tripped over the wrong cable. However, these kinds of issues can largely be avoided by utilizing an reliable power supply and practicing proper cable management.
Environmental Conditions
Or, in other words, the state of your server room. In order to function properly, your IT needs its environment to be cool and clean. Excessive heat can interfere with its operation, so the server room maintenance should include good ventilation and climate control. Heating issues are also why your components need to be kept clean. Built-up dust can prevent heat from escaping, allowing it to build up and damage your systems.
Equipment Failure
Sometimes, things just break. Whether a component has simply gotten too old and worn out, or you just so happened to get a lemon, if it doesn’t work properly, your network will crash.
Avoiding The Crash
1. Expect the best but plan for the worst …
Have a plan! Be sure you have quality Firewall to ward off any skeezy hackers, back up your important documents in The Cloud, and have a ready list of phone numbers to call for help! Knowing who you need to contact will shave valuable minutes, even hours, off of the IT disaster. To help you get started on your list, the phone number to reach ANAX for all your IT Services and Solutions is 702.478.9000. Now, go prepare!
2. Don’t Skimp!
You worked extremely hard to get in this professional position … don’t cut corners when it comes to your office equipment. ANAX is affiliated with top-performing brands like Toshiba and Ellumina: ANAX even provides quality office equipment support and maintenance for these brands. Your office will be running like a paper-jam-free, well-inked copy machine in no time!
3. Just Breathe…
Slowly inhale through your nose and exhale out your mouth. With ANAX on your side, you don’t need to worry about IT mishaps. You can rest easy knowing that your IT solutions to avoid network crashes (or other IT problems!) is a phone call away … only ten little numbers to push for professional, quality assistance. Now, you can focus your time and energy on other business aspects … like your sanity!
With ANAX managed IT services, you’ve always got a partner on your side. Call us (702) 478-9000 or message us HERE to schedule a consultation today!
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