Ruby McKenzie
As with any company or business, technology is integral to its success. With this in mind, it’s always good to stay ahead of the curve regarding technological advancements and prepare your business accordingly.
It will ensure you don’t fall behind your competitors and that you can take advantage of any new opportunities that may arise. Many tech-related upgrade options help you run your company more efficiently without breaking the bank.
Data pipelines
Businesses need to upgrade their data pipelines to keep up with the competition and continue growing. Real-time data streaming can be a game-changer for making more effective business decisions.
If you are interested in making the upgrade, check the pricing of data streaming providers like Striim (https://www.striim.com/pricing/). Implementing a real-time streaming system for your IT infrastructure helps ensure that you detect any potential outages.
Invest in reliable cloud and SaaS tools
As your business grows, you’ll need to invest in tools that will help you scale. Cloud-based and SaaS tools are a great way to do this because their design is scalable and easy to use.
You are able to start small with just one or two cloud-based applications, then add more as your company’s needs grow. For instance, suppose you want to hire more people but don’t have the space for everyone to work in the same office space yet.
In that case, it might make sense to start with video conferencing software. You can also opt for hosted VoIP instead of a physical phone system if you don’t want the expense of running an onsite phone system.
While some of these tools can get pricey depending on your users, cloud-based and SaaS options are typically cheaper than their desktop counterparts.
Implement security and monitoring
More often than not, a growth of a business makes it more susceptible to security threats. A security system helps protect your business from theft, vandalism, and other crimes.
A monitoring system can also help you monitor your premises and employees. For example, a VPN is one of the most effective ways for a small business to stay secure.
A VPN can encrypt all internet traffic from point A (your computer) to point B (the server). You can also use firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and antivirus software for additional protection for your network and PCs.
You may also want to consider providing your employees with more training on cybersecurity best practices. When you implement new systems, it is crucial to have a plan for educating staff about them.
Update old software and hardware
Regularly updating your software and hardware ensures your business runs smoothly. Legacy software can lead to security risks and compatibility issues, while outdated hardware can slow down your entire operation.
Such a scenario might lead to a decrease in performance, which can hugely impact your overall productivity. By budgeting for yearly updates, you can keep your business running smoothly and avoid any unexpected costs down the line.
Back up business data to the cloud
Modern business has seen an increase in data, which will only continue as more data is collected. For this reason, all companies should back up their data regularly to avoid losing critical information due to hardware failure or natural disasters.
Ensure that you have a cloud service provider who can help with the process. In addition, many providers offer tools to migrate seamlessly from one cloud provider to another.
This capability helps you keep up with changing technologies without worrying about downtime. It also provides additional benefits such as 24/7 protection from viruses and hackers.
Prioritize email protection
In recent times, businesses have seen an increase in remote working practices and mobility, which has led to a growth in the usage of email. The percentage of people using their email for work is increasing yearly.
As such, you must prioritize email protection by implementing spam filters on your company’s mail server to reduce spam and malware while also boosting productivity. You should also consider phishing scams that may try to steal confidential information from you.
Additionally, consider adding multi-factor authentication to improve user access controls. With two layers of authentication, it becomes harder for hackers to infiltrate your account without authorization.
Remote Tools
Since hybrid and remote working have become more popular, implementing the latest remote tools can benefit your team. These tools will assist your business with communication, data sharing, and collaboration.
Business owners can also consider group chat platforms, screen recording software, and cloud computing.
Parting shot
There are exponential ways you can improve your business and grow your customer base by upgrading tech-related items. Think about your company’s long-term and short-term needs and set aside time to research each upgrade before deciding.
It’s also essential to have a good backup plan if something goes wrong with one of these upgrades.
