Most businesses struggle with technology challenges, and it’s easy to see why. Technology is constantly evolving and changing to adapt to better suit our needs. And while this might sound great, as a small business owner, keeping up can be problematic.
Keeping track of the latest business tech trends, apps and software programs is a job in itself. Just as you get to grips with one software package, along comes a competitor promising to be able to transform your business. It’s hard to know which way to turn.
If you feel as though you’re in the dark when it comes to the technology challenges your business faces, you’re not alone. Many small business owners avoid addressing their IT problems due to uncertainty and lack of knowledge. However, with a little research and planning, you can find the right software applications for your business and save both time and money in the process.
Which of these technology challenges has your business encountered?
1: Outdated software
When was the last time you invested in new software for your business? Outdated equipment and software can have a real impact on productivity and performance in the workplace.
There are some great tech deals on offer throughout the year. So if you’ve been struggling with frozen screens and slow load times because you’re worried about the cost of replacing equipment, there’s never been a better time to invest in replacements.
2: IT costs
Following on from our first point about outdated software, if you’re calling out engineers on a weekly or monthly basis to fix problems with your equipment, it’s time to get to the root cause of your problem. Often, the issue turns out to be the age or suitability of the equipment you’re using.
As your business grows so too does your workload and the demands you place on your software and technology. If you’re relying on ancient technology, or equipment that’s just not cut out to handle the demands of heavy duty daily use, you could put an end to IT call out charges by upgrading your tech and finding systems that are more suited to your needs.
3: Maintenance & repair
Maintenance and repair costs can soon add up, especially when you run a larger business and many of your employees use desktop computers. What happens when something goes wrong with your computers or server? How much money are you losing whilst you wait for a technician to come out to fix your tech issues? What happens when an employee can’t access their files?
One way to help reduce maintenance costs is by switching to hosted desktops. Why? Your service provider will take care of regular server maintenance and updates, meaning that no matter what happens to individual computers in your office, your team will always have access to their files.
4: Spotting tech trends
Running a business isn’t easy. When you’re not spending time trying to grow your business, you’re busy focusing on the day-to-day tasks of you and your team. Having laser-focus when it comes to your business is great. But are you missing the latest tech trends because you’re too busy with the everyday routine of your business?
There are some incredible tech tools available to small businesses. From online accounting apps to hosted desktop services – the ways tech can transform your business processes and save you time and money are incredible. Take time out of your schedule a couple of times each year to reassess your tech needs, read about tech trends and take a look at what kind of technology other businesses have adopted. You may find that there’s a new tool that could help improve your team’s productivity and happiness.
5: Storing data
With so much of our business data stored on our physical desktops and laptops and so easily accessible, it’s easy to forget how much we rely on it. However, if this data isn’t backed up, a broken computer or a stolen laptop can be disastrous consequences for your business.
If you haven’t already made steps to safeguard your company’s data against loss, theft or human error, it’s well worth researching online backup packages. With the right online backup plan in place, you can be confident that no matter what happens to your equipment, your data will always be safe and accessible.
6: Security
Data security should be a priority for all business owners – no matter how large or small their companies are. How secure is your business data? Do you clients feel confident that you can safeguard their confidential data? If not, you risk losing business – not to mention your company’s own valuable data.
Don’t take chances with security. Make sure your hosted desktop, hosted exchange or online backup provider is fully qualified and follows industry guidelines.
You can find out more about cyber security plans for small businesses in this recent post.
7: Growth
Many of the challenges faced by small businesses today revolve around technology. Over the course of the last few decades, technology has become an indispensable part of business. We use it to research business ideas, find funding, find our first clients and keep in touch with them. As a result, our laptops and desktops are at the heart of business.
Given how essential technology has become to our everyday working lives, it seems strange that some business owners fail to recognise the important role technology plays in helping their businesses grow and achieve sustainable growth. As a small business owner, it has never been more important to embrace technological change and use it to your advantage.
Want to save time? Streamline your business processes? Be more productive? If you focus on improving these areas of your business, you’ll have more time to focus on growing your company. Technology, cloud technology especially, can help give you this time.
8: Communication
How do you communicate with your clients and team members? If you use emails and phone calls, that’s great. However, technology has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for busy business owners trying to reduce the time they spend replying to emails.
Effective communication is essential for any business. Make the most of apps and software designed to help you streamline office and client communications.
Work with Green Cloud Hosting
Technology problems in business are common. However, at Green Cloud Hosting, we strive to make technology easy and we provide comprehensive, user-friendly Hosted Desktop packages to small businesses across the UK. There’s nothing challenging about our technology! Our flexible, affordable packages can be tailored to suit your needs perfectly. Even better, they come with a dedicated account manager and 24/7 UK-based telephone support as standard.
For more information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Give our team a call today on 0161 979 0691. Alternatively, email info@greencloudhosting.co.uk. We look forward to helping your business discover the incredible benefits of Cloud technology.
