As business operations are becoming more reliant on technology solutions, a strong IT infrastructure is now essential for success. Resisting investing in effective IT support could severely limit the efficiency, productivity and security of your organisation. The first step towards transforming your IT systems, and your business operations, is understanding the most common technology challenges faced by small business.
In this article, we’ll outline some of the most frequent issues faced by small business, and how working with an outsourced IT provider can help you to overcome them.
Challenge #1: IT Costs
There are several expenses associated with technology, including the costs of maintaining internal IT teams, adopting new solutions or upgrading outdated hardware. These potential costs can be overwhelming for SMBs, especially as they lack the resources and impressive budgets of larger businesses. Working with an outsourced IT support team can help you to overcome this challenge. Not only will you eliminate the cost of maintaining an internal team but, as most outsourced IT teams work for a fixed monthly fee, you will be able to plan your IT budget well in advance. Not to mention, the improvement in your IT systems will be profitable for your business in the long run.
Challenge #2: Cyber Security Threats
The cyber security landscape is always evolving, and more mature threats are always developing. As businesses have become more reliant on technology since the pandemic, cyber criminals have been presented with a unique opportunity to exploit their vulnerabilities. In fact, since the beginning of the pandemic, cyber crime has increased by 600%. Unfortunately, despite being the most at risk of a cyber attack, most SMBs are not adequately prepared to defend themselves from one. This can be attributed to a number of factors, including insufficient cyber security strategies, untrained employees and outdated IT systems and software.
As most SMBs go out of business within six months of a cyber attack, it is essential that you tackle this technology challenge head on. By working with the right outsourced IT support provider, you can establish effective protection. If your business needs expert cyber security assistance, Pensar can guide you through strengthening your cyber security systems.
Challenge #3: Adopting New Technologies
The technology space is changing continually and presenting new IT solutions for businesses to take advantage of. For instance, in the era of hybrid working, businesses have rapidly increased their adoption of cloud computing technologies and communications platforms like Microsoft Teams. In the modern business environment, harnessing the power of technology is essential for growth. While it is important for SMBs to implement the latest technology solutions, without an extensive IT budget or specialist expertise, this can be a significant challenge. However, if your business cannot keep abreast of these changes, you risk limiting both your everyday functionality, and your potential for growth. An outsourced IT support partner, like Pensar, provides you with the necessary expertise to stay informed about the latest technology updates.
Challenge #4: Limited IT Strategy
As your IT is an integral part of your business, it is vital that you create and implement a strategic roadmap. If business owners are disengaged from the decision making process, then this can create a significant technology challenge. An outsourced IT support partner with technology consulting services can provide clarity and direction for your technical strategy. This will help to prepare your business for future challenges and support you as you scale.
Challenge #5: Backup & Disaster Recovery
Your data is one of the most valuable assets your business has. If that data is lost, it could have devastating effects for your reputation, your operations and your bottom line. Therefore, it is essential that you create a reliable disaster recovery plan. While this might appear to be a complex or overwhelming task, with the support of an outsourced IT provider, implementing an effective backup and disaster recover strategy will be a breeze.
If you need assistance overcoming any of these technology challenges, or would like to optimise your IT infrastructure, get in touch with Pensar today. Our experts are truly passionate about enabling innovation, enhancing productivity and driving business growth. Reach out to a representative today to discover how we can optimise your IT infrastructure.
The Top 5 Technology Challenges for Small Business