How to Futureproof Your IT
Business and processes are changing quickly due to COVID-19 and remote work. So it’s more important than ever to make sure you’re prepared for the future of business IT. Here are some tips for “future-proofing” your business IT infrastructure.
Identify and Mitigate Risks
It’s essential to be on top of cybersecurity and have constant monitoring for your systems because there has been an increase in threats to cybersecurity now that more people are working from home. Your business could be at risk depending on several factors. These include the use of personal devices, poor network security, and insufficiently controlled access.
In order to future-proof your business’s IT infrastructure, it’s a good idea to upgrade to a managed service provider (MSP) and outsource your IT services. They will be able to provide you with the support you need to protect your business against cyberattacks while maintaining 24/7 monitoring of your systems.
Switch to the Cloud
Remote work makes cloud applications necessary. Plus, you always need backups to protect your business from disasters and data loss. Ideally, you want your remote workers to have everything they need at their fingertips.Without access to the cloud, it will be much more difficult to share files and information in a secure fashion.
Cloud backup providers will also offer a secure location for you to store your data. This is necessary as many small businesses don’t have the resources to support their own data and a secure host server. The cloud also secures a disaster recovery plan for you so that even if your physical business is threatened, your data will remain secure.
Outsource
Outsourcing your IT support can be a great option for businesses because it can save them money. It’s much cheaper than hiring an internal member of staff or team. You’ll also get specialized IT support from experts who are up to date with current advancements.
If you’re concerned about working remotely with an IT provider because they won’t be able to physically work with your in-house equipment like company employees would, you can work with a local IT company offering on-site support. For example, a Jacksonville IT company can provide on-site as well as remote support to businesses throughout the local area.
If you’re still concerned about not having IT staff in house, you can even get co-managed solutions to fit your needs.
Co-managed solutions are a way to combine internal and external management of your IT infrastructure. Your IT manager can work with a team of certified engineers with the skills necessary to build a strategic partnership.
Outsourcing, in general, is a great way to cut the costs of overheads. This way, your business gets the best of both worlds with an in-house and external team protecting your sensitive and valuable data.
Focus on Your Customers
The future of business is more customer-focused than ever. There are several ways technology can make processes easier for your customers, such as updating your helpdesk and ticketing systems. Customers will expect you to use more advanced technology and this will also make your business appear more legitimate.
Helpdesk services such as ticketing systems help businesses manage their service and support cases. The automated system creates a “ticket” which records customer requests and pings them to a specialist. This makes it easier for customer service reps to resolve any difficult issues quickly and efficiently.
In the modern business world, it’s crucial to keep your IT infrastructure up to date. This will not only give you much more security but will also greatly increase efficiency and productivity. A future-proofed business also appears more legitimate and appealing to consumers. So optimize your customers’ experience and keep them coming back for more by digitally transforming your company.
