Small and medium-sized businesses (SMB) face a variety of technology concerns that can affect their day-to-day operations and long-term success. Depending on the technology in place, and how technology is relied upon for any function, everything from efficiency, communication, customer service and security could be affected. Most may believe that in 2023 the biggest technology concern for the SMB community is cybersecurity. Indeed, security is one of the most important threats facing every small business, but there are many more concerns that, if not properly addressed, could pose an existential threat to a small business.
Today we examine the top technology concerns shared among small and medium-sized businesses.
Cybersecurity
Small businesses are often vulnerable to cyberattacks due to less robust security systems. Cybercriminals don’t target businesses, they target vulnerabilities. Ensuring the security of sensitive data, such as customer information and financial records, is critical for protecting a small business's reputation and financial stability.
Data Backup and Recovery
Data loss can occur due to a variety of reasons, including natural disasters, human error, or cyberattacks. Small businesses must have reliable data backup and recovery systems in place to ensure continuity of operations and the protection of valuable information.
Cloud Computing Cloud computing is a popular choice for small businesses due to its flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. However, small businesses must set up their cloud environment in proper fashion to ensure the security of their systems and data while supplying employees as seamless way to access data from anywhere in a safe, controlled manner that doesn’t affect productivity.
Technology Training
Many small and medium-sized businesses lack the resources to formally train employees how to use technology and ensure high performance is achieved and productivity is maximized. When a business makes a large financial investment in a new software platform, but doesn’t train the employee community how to use it, their investment is not maximized, at best or, at worst, wasted.
Mobile Optimization With the increasing use of mobile devices, small businesses need to ensure their operations are optimized for mobile viewing and interaction. In 2023 more people are using their mobile phones to communicate, including email, text and chat. Small businesses must not only recognize their growing shift to mobile operations but adapt to it. Ensure software platforms have mobile device capabilities.
Upgrading Legacy Systems
Many small businesses rely on older technology systems, which are less efficient and more vulnerable to security threats. Upgrading to newer technology improves efficiency, reduces risk, and forces competitiveness. While there is a financial investment to upgrade legacy systems, as well as the necessary employee training, these cannot prove barriers to upgrade.
Finding The Right Technology Support Every small and medium-sized business needs the expertise to manage and troubleshoot their technology systems. Expertise, however, is not enough. Having the right technology support model in place to ensure help when it’s needed, 24x7x365 is the difference between a growing business and those decaying. Roark Tech Services supplies White Glove technology support that ensures a fit for purpose setup that is unique to the business and ensures connectivity, scalability and security. Employees are trained in the technologies put in place but keep access to reliable technical support and advice. The right type of technology support is critical for supporting operations and productivity.
Small businesses must balance the benefits of technology with the risks and challenges it can pose. By prioritizing technology concerns and taking proactive steps to address them, small and medium-sized businesses can stay competitive and thrive in today's digital landscape.
If your business is questioning the right time to address technology concerns and which direction to move in, contact us to understand how we can help your business maximize technology and productivity with a safe and managed approach. We offer White Glove, personalized technology services and support. Roark Tech Services is an expert in fit-for-purpose technology solutions exclusively for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses. Always consult with us first.
If you don’t have an IT Partner that you can trust to give you the right support and advice, we’d love to help. Contact us.