The Technological Table Stakes: 8 Essential Tech Upgrades to Consider for Your Business
In only a few decades, digital technology has completely changed the way we live and work. If you want your business to stay competitive in today’s marketplace, that means meeting the needs of today’s digital-first customers.
With technology going leaps and bounds beyond the days of desktop computers and firmly into the mobile world, you’ll also need to be agile. These essential technology upgrades might be the key to taking your business to the next level.
Update Your Phone System
With the recent push by telecommunications companies to retire copper landline services, your business needs to be ready for the change, so there are some tools that every business should consider using. That’s why updating your phone lines is paramount.
Telephone companies make it more expensive to service copper landlines and offload the cost to consumers. With many services like alarm systems, fax machines, and others using the old system, you’ll want to go with a trusted mobile device service like this one.
Always be Upgrading/Updating
If you lack full-time IT staff or a dedicated IT person, this tip might be difficult, but it’s no less vital. Ensuring timely system updates goes a long way toward a smooth business operation. Do you have an old computer or laptop? Replace it. Find a better software alternative that can cut any time-sensitive or time-intensive process? Buy it. When you’re always on the lookout for the next tech to support your business endeavors, you’re more likely to be a strong competitor.
Go Serverless
If you’re a small business looking to save money on server space, staffing, or other costs, going to the cloud can be a gamechanger. Instead of spending money on office space and expensive and speedy servers to store data, opting for the cloud can be the key to ensuring your systems are always up-to-date and accessible.
Invest in Security
Now, before you go out and buy an expensive security system and get locked down into a contract, know that cybersecurity is the topic here. Cybersecurity is not just having your anti-virus software up-to-date, either.
It means investing in the right approach to protecting company data. IBM’s recent cybersecurity report revealed that data breach costs jumped from $3.86 million to $4.24 million in 2021. Don’t become a statistic.
High-Speed Internet
A speedy connection to the internet is straightforward to obtain these days, so you don’t have an excuse. The days of dial-up are long gone, so working with your local telecommunications company to find an internet solution for your business is an integral part of your company’s plans.
Many telecommunications firms offer package deals for the internet that include bonus features like e-mail services. Just make sure you shop around for the best deal.
A Robust Website
A robust, SEO and mobile-friendly website is no longer an option – it’s a necessity. If your company doesn’t have a website that consumers can find through the various search engines, you’re cheating yourself out of potential revenue.
Considering most internet traffic these days is generated by a mobile device, your website should be as accessible on a smartphone as a desktop or laptop. Brush up on the SEO best practices and implement them to improve your website’s organic traffic.
Internal Communications
Email doesn’t cut it anymore. Communication is even more instant than the first email was decades ago. Consider buying into a communications system that allows your employees to communicate with one another more effectively. This open line keeps all work discussions in one house and discourages employees from using text messages for work-related items.
Invest in Productivity
Productivity doesn’t just mean scratching things off your to-do list. It means having systems and software to help your employees do their jobs and stay on top of their tasks. File sharing systems and task managers can help your people finish the job every day with a smile (and hopefully a few less gray hairs).
To Sum Up
Making targeted investments in technology can be a great way to ensure your company keeps moving forward. Of course, you’ll always look at your old friend – the “return on investment” – and wonder how you can calculate it with technological gains in your company’s infrastructure.
Whether it’s investments in systems or software, putting money toward the right things will always be a wise investment. Just make sure you do not forget about your people. A new laptop or desktop can always go a long way with the right person.
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