Think of IT infrastructure for small business like it’s the backbone of the company, providing the requisite support for the enterprise’s daily operations. As vitally important as it is, however, a lot of small business owners are at a loss when it comes to knowing exactly what they need in terms of IT infrastructure, and even fewer know when it’s time to upgrade their support.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the essentials of IT small business infrastructure support, learn how to recognize the need for an IT upgrade, and examine the potential benefits to small businesses who invest in the stability of their IT infrastructure.
Understanding the Basics Requirements of IT Small Business Infrastructure
At its core, IT small business infrastructure comprises hardware such as servers, computers, and networking devices, software – including operating systems, applications, and security tools – and services like internet connectivity, data backup, and technical support.
A well-designed IT infrastructure should have the reliability to ensure minimal downtime, be scalable to accommodate growth, secure enough to protect business and customer data, and cost-effective so that it fits within your budget constraints—and don’t forget user-friendly!
Diving deeper, however, there are really five elemental requirements that go with having a robust and efficient small business IT infrastructure:
The Right Hardware – Despite the current emphasis on software and cloud-based solutions, the importance of reliable hardware remains undeniable, as evidenced by the fact that global spending on IT hardware continues to increase year over year.
Smooth Integration – By investing in systems and software that support easy integration, you can significantly speed up and simplify your team’s work process. With smooth transitions between platforms, they can access everything they need with just a click, enabling better collaboration and efficiency.
Storage and Disaster Recovery – Data loss can occur due to external security breaches, software failure, data corruption, or even user error. To ensure your business has a solid foundation for success, it’s essential to evaluate your current data storage practices and disaster recovery strategies. One study found that 96% of businesses with a reliable backup and disaster recovery plan were able to successfully weather ransomware attacks.
Effective Internal & External Communications – Each business has unique communication needs, so it’s important to choose the right platform, whether it’s a traditional phone system, a cloud-based solution, instant messaging apps, or reliable emails. Explore tools like Microsoft Teams, WebEx Teams, and Zoom to find the one that best fits your needs, and encourage employees to provide feedback that focuses on ease of collaboration and any delays or inadequacies in responses.
Strong Security Network – With nearly 65% of businesses facing social engineering attacks, it’s essential to consider every device, system, and file as part of a comprehensive IT security strategy. Implementing protective cyber security measures – be it encrypting data, assessing storage security, providing additional staff training, or seeking advice from external consultants – is an absolute must.
Recognizing the Signs for an IT Infrastructure Support Upgrade
As your business continues to grow and evolve, your IT infrastructure needs to be able to keep pace. But how do you know when it’s time for an upgrade? Here are a five key indicators:
- Frequent Downtime: If you’re having disruptions in your operations due to system failures, it’s a sign that your current IT infrastructure is no longer sufficient.
- Slow Performance: Systems and applications that run sluggishly aren’t just aggravating, they can hinder productivity as well.
- Security Concerns: An increase in security threats or a recent data breach is a clear indication that you need stronger defenses.
- Limited Capacity: When your existing setup can’t support new applications, additional users, or expanding data storage needs, it’s a clear sign that an upgrade is necessary.
- Business Growth: If your business is currently growing, or you plan to expand, it’s almost certain that you will require a more robust IT infrastructure to handle the increased demands.
The Benefits of Outsourced IT Support for Your Small Business
Investing in an IT infrastructure upgrade can be a frustrating, convoluted, and time-consuming task to do on your own. That’s why many small businesses turn to outsourced IT support to handle this essential work. Here’s a look at some of the benefits that can come from partnering with the experts:
- Boosted Productivity: Faster and more reliable systems enable your team to work more efficiently, leading to increased productivity.
- Increased Cyber Security: A modernized infrastructure can provide better protection against cyber threats, safeguarding your business and customer data.
- Scalability: An updated IT infrastructure can grow with your business, allowing for seamless expansion without constant overhauls.
- Competitive Advantage: Keeping up with technological advancements can give your business an edge over competitors by offering superior services and customer experiences.
- Cost Savings: Although upgrading requires an initial investment, it can lead to long-term savings by reducing downtime, increasing energy efficiency, and decreasing the need for frequent repairs or replacements.
If you’re a small business owner experiencing the obvious signs of needing an IT infrastructure upgrade, let the seasoned experts at M&H Consulting help ensure that your business has the right hardware, software, and setup to handle all your growing IT support needs.
Contact us today for a free quote!
Categorised in: IT Support Services