How small businesses can modernise their office tech

Outdated office tech can be a deterrent to workflow by slowing down productivity, causing compatibility problems, and ultimately stunting business growth.

If you have recently started a business and the wheels are now in motion, improving your office tech is a smart move that will enable you to keep levelling up.

Upgrades will facilitate faster work, stronger collaboration, heightened data security while saving you money in the long run.

Read on to find out more about how your business can modernise its office tech.

Upgrade IT infrastructure

Using outdated data storage and sharing systems, such as network-attached storage devices, consumer-grade PCs as makeshift servers, and P2P networks can lead to inconsistent data access, increased risk of data breaches, and an inability to handle heavy workloads.

Modernise your IT infrastructure and invest in Dell rack servers. This will help you scale up by:

• Enabling you to keep all files and applications in a centralised location with advanced security to keep data secure.
• Providing higher capacity to handle heavier traffic and workloads through the use of powerful processors.
• Allowing you to add additional storage or memory as and when you need to without needing a major overhaul.
• Giving you the ability to efficiently manage servers and let your employees securely access data and applications remotely.

Overcoming the hurdle of limited and insecure IT infrastructure will help you and your team perform more efficiently, giving your business a better chance of consistent growth.

Use cloud solutions

Cloud solutions allow you to use programs and store files online, rather than on a computer itself.

It isn’t advisable to run your business without cloud solutions. It means relying heavily on things like external hard drives, which aren’t usually backed up and can easily get lost.

Start using cloud solutions like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 (see starting prices below):

Google Workspace Business Starter:

• £7 per month (flexible)
• £5.90 per month (12 month commitment)

Microsoft 365 Business Basic:

• £5.25 per month (flexible)
• £4.99 per month (12 month commitment)

This will help your business:

• Save money by removing the need to purchase and maintain expensive tangible hardware through the use of a simple online host.
• Improve team productivity with a simple and effective means of sharing and accessing the same documents simultaneously.
• Gain the latest upgrades seamlessly; cloud solutions update automatically so that you have access to updated features immediately.

Implement cyber security measures

In the digital world, cyber threats are ever constant. Unfortunately, the use of old security setups can limit protection.

Use modern tools like endpoint protection, multi-factor authentication, and advanced firewalls (such as Fortinet FortiGate or Palo Alto Networks PA-220) to help protect your business from cyber attacks.

Below is a more detailed breakdown of how to implement effective cyber security practices:

• Use multi-factor authentication for every employee account and limit access to sensitive data depending on specific roles to reduce the risk of unauthorised entry.
• Consistently update software and systems like antivirus protection to resolve any existing security weaknesses.
• Provide training to your staff and teach them how to spot phishing emails and encourage them to create strong passwords and follow secure internet habits to guard your business from data breaches.

Utilise collaboration tools

Post-pandemic, remote working has become progressively more common. If you are operating a hybrid working model, or plan to do so in the future, it is key that the whole team can communicate.

Slack, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams are all effective communication tools that can all be accessed for free. For upgraded versions, here are the business prices for each:

Slack (Business+ per user):

• £14.40 per month (flexible)
• £12 per month (annual commitment)

Zoom (Business plan):

• £15.99 per month

Microsoft Teams (Business Standard):

• £9.60 per month

Modernise your office tech today!

Navigating as a small business looking to grow can be difficult. You have the stresses of managing staff and clients, and ensuring that everything runs smoothly on a day-to-day basis.

While challenging, there are ways you can take some of the pressure off to operate more efficiently.

Upgrade your office tech today to create a more seamless working experience for the whole team, while protecting yourself from data breaches and facilitating effective means of communication.