You don’t need anyone to tell you that technology is everywhere and a driving force in modern business. That much is a truism, now, it doesn’t need to be repeated. Rather, we’re going to take a look at the question of tech when you’re starting a business. What is it you really need and where should your priorities be?
What equipment do you need?
We have to talk about the physical, first of all. Your business is going to need several digital devices, be they laptops, desktops, Macs, or otherwise. The average business isn’t going to need a computer that’s too powerful, it just needs to be in good condition and able to run general office software well. To that end, stores that sell refurbished computers like https://www.tier1online.com/refurbished-desktops/ can be a great help. What’s most important is that you have enough computers to sustain all of the full-time workers who will be in the office.
Which software should you pay for?
The more important question is what do you need your tech to do for you? This means taking a closer look at your needs, which can include accounting, financing, order taking, tracking, managing databases, communication, customer service, HR and scheduling, and much more. Consider which of these are your core functions (i.e., the success of your business depends heavily on them) and invest in them appropriately. For the rest, it’s worth looking at some of the free business software options out there as shown at https://www.nchsoftware.com/software/business.html.
Are you thoroughly connected?
You’re going to need to connect your tech to the web. Not only to update the software that you use, but to better share resources, connect with the customer, and carry out core functions. It’s important to make sure you’re investing in a connection that is stable and able to handle the kind of bandwidth usage and data transfers that a business is likely to see. You’re likely to use much more than the average household, so business solutions like https://www.lingo.com/business/broadband/ might be necessary. It’s also worth considering looking at backup options, such as hotspots, to make sure you still have a means of getting online if your existing connection has any issues.
How much security is enough?
Any business that stores data that is either sensitive to the business or to their customers are at risk of data theft. Similarly, malware and hackers can make your tech inaccessible, creating major downtime issues and costing you a lot of money. Investing in professional-level anti-malware software and firewalls is just the start. Businesses of all kinds should look at managed IT security services like https://www.secureworks.com/services/managed-security.
The bigger questions of setting up networks, getting on the Cloud, and creating bespoke portals can all wait. At the start, it’s important to simply get your setup ready by having the right equipment, software, connection, and security. It’s as simple as that.
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