It’s not too late to cash in on 2017’s IT trends
January 2, 2018
“Fad” is a dirty word for many small-business owners. Whether it’s what they’re selling or what they’re investing in, business owners need long-term and reliable investments to secure their future. With 2017 in the rearview mirror, we finally know what was a fad and what was a smart investment. See for yourself!
Small businesses love the cloud
According to research from IDC, more than 70% of businesses with 10-99 employees took advantage of cloud technology in 2017, and that number is expected to rise this year. This is largely due to IT providers demonstrating that the cloud is just as, if not more, secure than on-premises solutions. The list of possibilities for what can be hosted in the cloud on a small-business budget is getting longer every day -- if you’re not devoting resources to this technology, it’s time to jump onboard.
Mobile payments earn users’ trust
Like the cloud, making credit card purchases using a mobile device suffered from a trust deficit in its early stages. For good reasons, consumers have been conditioned to treat IT security with caution, and storing financial information on a smartphone that could wirelessly transmit that information to cashiers sounded dangerous.
However, after two years of availability without any major incidents, the number of users who have used smartphone-based wallets like Apple Pay has doubled. Accepting these payments is relatively simple for small businesses and opens up new business opportunities.
Cybersecurity becomes affordable for SMBs
Ransomware had yet another year of explosive growth, and small businesses were a primary target. Thankfully, managed IT services providers met the increased demand for cybersecurity services with intelligent data backup and network protection solutions tailored for SMB budgets. There will be even more ransomware attacks in 2018, which means you should be investing in more cybersecurity services than you did last year.
The Internet of Things gains popularity
Just a couple years ago, Internet of Things (IoT) devices were novelty gadgets for people with money to burn. Everything was being connected to WiFi networks: egg trays, pet-activated video chats, belts, you name it. But due to more useful applications in 2017, nearly a third of US businesses are now taking advantage of IoT gadgets. Connected thermostats, door locks, and AI assistants make it easy to save money, increase security, and boost productivity.
“Artificial Intelligence” is widely adopted
Although we’re still far from building computers that can truly think for themselves, 2017 was the year that computers got much better at creatively organizing and interpreting data for us. From digital assistants that answer your phones to customer relationship management platforms that intelligently uncover sales opportunities, IT solutions for business are getting significantly cheaper and smarter. Experts predict that more than 30% of businesses will use AI by next year and we recommend you join their ranks.
Technology investments are no different from any other investment. There will always be risks and you should always consult with an industry expert first. When you’re ready to get more value out of your IT, give us a call and we’ll get started on your 2018 plan!
Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
The Growing Cyber Threat to Law Firms
A slow computer or a frozen screen are the worst things that can ruin your day. You've most likely dealt with outdated technology on multiple occasions if you manage a small business. It may seem cost-effective to extend the life of outdated equipment, but the long-term costs are frequently higher. Due to technological issues like sluggish PCs and antiquated laptops, small businesses lose about 98 hours annually, or 12 working days . This is why it's important to have an IT refresh plan. It helps you stay safe, prevents unplanned malfunctions, and keeps your team operating efficiently. Regardless of whether you outsource managed IT services or handle them in-house, a solid refresh strategy can save time, stress, and money down the line.
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Selecting the best cloud storage solution can be similar to being faced with an endless buffet of options, each one claiming to be the best. A poor choice may result in lost revenue, compromised data, or even a snag in productivity. The stakes are extremely high for small business owners. Regardless of your level of experience, we will guide you through this thorough guide to help you choose a cloud storage solution that is specific to your company's needs.
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In today's digital world, cyber threats are smarter than ever. Weak passwords or old ways of proving who you are can cost people and businesses money, steal their data, or steal their identities. A strong password is the first thing that will keep hackers out, but it's not the only thing that will work. This guide goes over the basics of strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and the best ways to keep your accounts safe. We'll also talk about new ways to check things and things you should never do.
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What would happen if tomorrow your company lost all its data? Would your operations come to a complete stop, or would you be able to recover? Data, including communications, financial records, product files, and customer information—is the lifeblood of any small business. However, data security is frequently neglected. After a disaster, 25% of small businesses close within a year, and 40% never reopen , according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). That represents an incredible 65% failure rate because of inadequate preparation. The good news is here. An enterprise budget and a dedicated IT staff are not necessary for disaster data protection. You can create a backup and recovery plan that reduces downtime and provides you with peace of mind if you have the right approach, the appropriate tools, and a little forethought. In this blog post, we will discuss practical and easy-to-follow advice to help you protect your most valuable business asset: your data.