The term “small business” can be slightly misleading, because running a business of any size is no small feat. From managing day-to-day operations to making customers happy, your to-do list can seem endless.
One of those challenges is effectively managing your information technology (IT), a struggle for many small business owners unfamiliar with the technical jargon and constant barrage of cybersecurity threats, updates and best practices.
Below, we break down the foundations of IT and provide practical solutions to help your business not only survive but thrive in today’s digital age.
IT Infrastructure
At its core, IT is the use of computers, software and networks to store, process and share information. For small businesses, IT is crucial because it helps manage operations, improve efficiency and stay competitive.
While the best IT infrastructure for your company will ultimately depend on the specific needs of your business, some common components to consider, include:
- Hardware: The physical components you can touch and see like computers, keyboards, printers, routers, modems and more.
- Software: The program and applications that run on the hardware to perform and manage tasks like accounting, inventory and customer relations.
- Network: A system of connected devices, such as computers, routers, printers and servers, that allow employees to share files, access software, connect to the internet and communicate efficiently.
- Data Storage: A system for storing and protecting business data, including servers, external hard drives and cloud storage solutions.
- Cybersecurity: Cybersecurity involves implementing preventive measures such as firewalls, regular software updates and employee training to prevent security breaches. Reactively, cybersecurity includes incident response plans, data recovery strategies and cyber insurance to help mitigate the impact of cyber-attacks.
- Compliance and Regulations: Regulations like GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) or HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) set strict guidelines for how businesses handle and secure customer and employee data. Failure to comply can result in hefty fines and more.
Identify Your Needs
Before you implement every IT product under the sun, it is important to carefully identify the needs of your business, assess current IT capabilities and identify areas for improvement.
Here are some questions to help you get started:
- What hardware and software are currently being used? Are they effective?
- Do we have reliable IT support for troubleshooting and maintenance?
- What measures are in place to protect our business from cyber threats?
- How will our IT needs change as the business grows?
- Are there tools or platforms that could better support business goals?
- Should we consider outsourcing IT services or hiring in-house?
At the end of the day, technology is simply a collection of tools designed to streamline tasks and organize information. Knowing these details upfront can then help you prioritize your IT needs.
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Software and Automation
Software and Automation tools make it easier for small businesses to capitalize on opportunities that support long-term growth.
Affordable solutions like QuickBooks and FreshBooks can be incredibly helpful for managing finances, invoicing and more. Mailchimp and Constant Contact can help automate email marketing, while tools like Hootsuite and Buffer assist with social media.
For most small businesses, it is smart to find one vendor that meets as many of your requirements as possible. This minimizes the need for multiple software integrations, which can be complicated and costly.
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Implementation Strategies
Ready to implement your new software? Here are some best tips to help you do so:
- Determine your in-house capabilities. Does your company have the expertise to manage software implementation? If not, partner with a solution provider that has a proven track record of successfully implementing your chosen software.
- Assess your business processes. Software systems are designed with best practices, and new software implementations are a great time to evaluate the way you do business.
- Plan the implementation process. Once you select the software, create a plan to implement it—this includes a timeline, resources needed, data migration needs, integration with other systems and more.
- Test the system. It is best practice to plan on extensive testing before launching a new system. Depending on the complexity of the software, you may need to plan for various rounds of testing.
- Train your employees. Before implementation begins, identify the key system users. Ideally, those individuals should be involved in system planning, assist with testing and stay engaged during the entire implementation process.
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Data Storage, Specifically Cloud Solutions
In the realm of data storage, “the cloud” is more than just a buzzword—it is a game-changer. What is cloud computing?
Simply put, cloud computing allows businesses to store and access data and applications over the Internet instead of on local servers or personal computers. This shift offers plenty of advantages, including:
- Scalability: As your business grows, so do your IT needs. Cloud solutions allow you to easily scale your resources up or down depending on demand, only paying for what you use.
- Flexibility: Cloud services provide the flexibility to access your business apps and data from anywhere, at any time, using any device with an internet connection.
- Cost Savings: By moving to the cloud, you can reduce the need for expensive hardware and maintenance costs.
- Remote Accessibility: Cloud computing makes it easier to collaborate and access tools, no matter where your team is located.
Types of Cloud Services
Navigating the world of cloud services can be daunting, but understanding the main types can help you figure out what is best for your business.
- Software as a Service (SaaS): SaaS delivers software apps over the internet, for example Google Workspace and Microsoft Office 365. SaaS eliminates the need for installation and maintenance, as the provider manages everything.
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): IaaS provides virtualized computing resources over the internet. Services like Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure offer scalable and flexible resources (such as storage and networking) that can be tailored to your business.
- Platform as a Service (PaaS): PaaS is a platform that allows customers to develop, run and manage apps without dealing with any underlying infrastructure. This service is ideal for businesses that need a robust environment for software development, such as Google App Engine and Heroku.
Steps for Migrating to the Cloud
Making the move to the cloud may seem overwhelming but following a few steps can simplify the process.
- Evaluate your current IT infrastructure and see which parts can benefit most from the cloud. These details will help you pick the cloud service—SaaS, IaaS or PaaS—that best suit your business.
- Develop a detailed plan outlining the migration process, including timelines, resources needed and potential risks.
- Research cloud providers, choosing one that aligns with both your needs and budget.
- Prep your data for the transition (making sure everything is backed up) and conduct a test run to find any issues.
- Train your team on the new platform and continuously monitor your cloud to optimize workflows to see if you can cut back on costs.
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Outsourcing IT Services
Outsourcing IT services can be an incredible way for small businesses to optimize their operations without the hefty costs that typically come with an in-house IT department. Why? For starters, flexibility.
During the initial setup of a new system, you may need more intensive support and guidance. As your team becomes more familiar with the system, you might only need occasional assistance. Outsourcing allows you to scale your IT support according to your current needs.
IT service providers also bring specialized experience that may not be available within your own team. Whether it is implementing a new system or troubleshooting complex network issues, having experts on hand can save you time, money and headaches.
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Choosing the Right IT Service Provider
When selecting an IT service provider, you will want to make sure they are a good fit for your organization. Start by considering these things:
- Provider experience and reputation. Look for providers with a proven track record in your industry or with similar-sized businesses. Check client testimonials and case studies to better understand their reliability and expertise.
- Service Level Agreements (SLAs). SLAs outline the level of service you can expect, including hours of availability, response times for support requests, uptime guarantees and resolution procedures. Ensure the SLAs offered match up with your team and their working hours.
- Security protocols and practices. Unfortunately, cybercrime is a known risk of doing business in a digital world. Your vendor should be able to provide evidence of adherence to compliance standards (HIPAA, GDPR, PCI DSS, CCPA and NYDFS) or security certifications (SOC 2 or ISO 27001) depending on your type of business and data you process.
Just as you would not call an HVAC repair person to fix your car, different IT support providers specialize in different aspects of technology. Be sure to do research before signing on any dotted lines.
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Inventory Management
Managing your IT environment involves keeping track of details related to your vendors and licenses. Keep a list of all your software and hardware vendors, renewal dates for software licenses and service agreements, warranty periods and cancellation terms.
Improving Your IT Solutions
The truth is, in today’s fast-paced digital world, efficient IT management is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity. Embracing technologies like integrated software systems, cloud storage solutions and outsourcing IT services can streamline operations, boost efficiency and position your business for long-term growth.
Stay proactive, stay informed and do not hesitate to reach out to IT professionals who can help. With the right solutions in place, your small business can stand out in today’s competitive market!
Jennifer Dunn is AVP and Director of Operations and Innovation at Woligo, a digital insurance and benefits hub.
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