Information technology (IT) is revolutionizing the rules of business and causing structural transformations of enterprises, especially small to medium sized businesses.
Information technology impacts SMB operations by facilitating increased interactivity and flexibility in business transactions as well as improving interconnection with business partners, customers and employees.
Having a solid IT infrastructure is critical for SMBs to stay ahead of the competition. However, 55% of these organizations feel that their existing IT solutions are a hindrance to their innovation and technology adoption. Read on for some of the most common IT issues faced by SMBs, as well as how they can be resolved:
- A Common Lack of IT Planning
According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), 79% of SMBs recognize digital technology as very important to the success of their business. However, IT planning isn’t always a priority of SMB owners due to its time consuming reputation. IT is at the core of every business and without a strategic plan in place, organizations often fail to identify system updates and replacement requirements.
Before recommending any IT solution, an IT infrastructure assessment is required to ensure that every intricacy of an IT environment is considered. This allows organizations to leverage continued documentation of IT systems, making it more simple to track, analyze, evaluate and determine future solutions.
- Outdated Hardware and Software
Hardware is bound to reach EOL (end-of-life) and when that happens, being prepared is a must. Driven by ease, comfort and a reluctance to invest time and resources into IT, SMBs often rely on older hardware and software solutions. However, caution must be employed when using outdated IT systems as 98% of successful hacks are known to attack computers with older systems.
Fencecore helps organizations save on unforeseen costs with guaranteed spare parts and warranties, as well as access to more than 500,000 hardware and software products. We source and implement IT user equipment so that complex migrations can be made simple and efficient.
- Neglecting Cybersecurity
While large enterprises invest heavily in security solutions, the risk of danger is often an oversight for SMB owners. Cybercriminals are known to attack small businesses as they are least likely to have proper safeguards in place. In fact, according to Accenture, 43% of cyberattacks are aimed at small businesses, but only 14% are prepared to defend themselves.
Organizations can avoid external threats by protecting their business with a proper firewall, antivirus and spam filters.
- No Data Backups
When systems crash and natural disasters occur, failure to properly backup data can cost organizations both time and money. Cybersecurity and data backups go hand in hand – without a proper backup plan, data cannot be restored in the event of a ransomware attack.
A proper data backup strategy can transform the reactive nature of SMBs into proactive solutions. By prioritizing business continuity, organizations can stay protected and ensure that information is never lost.
- Lack of IT support
27% of small businesses have no IT support, which can often lead to poor server maintenance and lengthy troubleshooting. Relying on employees who might have some experience in IT can cause technical issues to become overly complicated and might hinder on their day-to-day responsibilities.
Fencecore’s managed IT services provide 24/7 administrative and help desk support, ensuring your business runs smoothly with timely issues resolution.
IT is at the foundation of every business. As SMBs grow, a solid and proactive IT infrastructure is essential for success. Fencecore’s full-service IT team is committed to providing quality system management, expert maintenance and security solutions; and white glove service.
Get in touch with our team to learn how Fencecore’s managed services, hardware and software implementations and cloud solutions can help your organization navigate through common IT issues.
References:
https://www.salesforce.com/ca/blog/2017/05/Canada-Small-Business-Technology-Trends.html
https://www.drizgroup.com/driz_group_blog/category/cyber-security-risk