You’ve probably read hundreds of small business tips. But have you considered the importance of optimizing your IT infrastructure?
Every successful business, no matter how big or small, benefits from a well-oiled IT infrastructure. While it may not be top-of-mind for your small business, IT infrastructure is the backbone of your organization. Consider this: IT plays a key role in everything from daily operations to customer service to innovation. That’s why a managed service provider is a key player in optimizing your infrastructure and your organization.
What Is IT Infrastructure and Why Should I Optimize It?
IT infrastructure encompasses all hardware, software and network components in your business. These pieces work together to ensure your business is operating smoothly. The process of optimizing your IT infrastructure can uncover areas that need improvement, which will enhance your business’s efficiency. The result? Smoother workflows for your employees, enhanced security for your data and a solid foundation for your business to grow.
5 Small Business Tips for Optimizing Your IT Infrastructure
1. Get Expert Help
You don’t have to try to figure out how to optimize your IT infrastructure on your own. Partnering with an IT service provider can be a valuable small business tip. An IT service provider can assess your current system, advise you on upgrades and design a system that meets your specific needs and goals.
2. Security First
Cyber threats are constantly evolving and your small business’s data needs to be protected. Consider including firewalls, user access controls and intrusion detection systems into your cybersecurity protocols. When it comes to security, it is always better to be proactive rather than reactive. Do not wait until a breach to shore up defenses.
3. Upgrade Outdated Hardware
Another important security measure involves updating or replacing outdated hardware. While this may seem like a big expense, outdated hardware can make it much easier for cybercriminals to sneak their way into your infrastructure. Here’s a small business tip: Schedule yearly checks to ensure hardware is being updated at a regular rate.
4. Leverage the Cloud
There are myriad benefits of cloud computing and storage services for your small business. Cloud services allow you to be flexible and scale easily. They also give you access to cutting-edge software and data storage: All without the burden of onsite, expensive hardware. Fortunately, cloud services are a cost-effective solution as you only pay for the resources you use.
5. Back Up Your Data
No matter how big or small your business is, losing customer records, financial data and critical documents is devastating. If you are already leveraging cloud services, back up your data there as well. To give yourself added peace of mind, schedule backups at regular intervals.
Benefits of an Optimized IT Infrastructure
There are many benefits to this small business tips like ensuring compliance and security protocols are strong. An optimized, strong IT infrastructure keeps your business’s and customers’ data safe. When customers feel their data is unsafe, they will find another business to utilize causing you financial instability.
IT infrastructure optimization can also help with customer service by centralizing customer data, allowing you to easily personalize interactions and target your marketing efforts. This all leads to happier customers who give you repeat business.
A rock-solid IT infrastructure also allows you to become more innovative by using cloud services, automation and AI for smooth operations. These tools also enable you t o develop new offerings and quickly adapt to changes in the market, accelerating your small business’s growth. Automation can also help your business run efficiently by taking repetitive tasks off your employees’ hands.
Measure Performance of Your IT Infrastructure
Regular performance checks of your IT infrastructure keeps it on track, while giving you ideas for further improvements. Use key performance indicators (KPIs) such as server uptime, network latency and data center performance to gain more insight into the infrastructure. Beyond these KPIs, gauge user experience through satisfaction surveys. This information gives insight into areas that need improvement. Our experience shows that regular audits and assessments are crucial for maintaining alignment with business objectives.
Let Us Set Up Infrastructure for Your Small Business
An investment in IT infrastructure is truly an investment in the foundation that helps your business grow. Asset management, cybersecurity, workflows and so much more depend on having the right infrastructure. The good news is you don’t have to go it alone. Schedule a call or email us to help your business grow.
