To remain competitive, productive and efficient, it’s essential to update and maximize your business’s IT infrastructure.
But with IT changing so quickly, how can you keep up-to-date with new IT developments, technologies and trends? Which trends and technologies are important, and which will bring about real business advantages?
To help, we’ll review four leading IT trends and technologies along with the benefits for your business.
Wireless Technology
Offering an alternative to cable and fiberoptic networks, wireless networking technology is a powerful business tool that helps to increase business productivity.
Its use has exponentially grown in recent years, so much so that Cisco predicts by 2016 it will account for the most traffic on the internet (53%), finally surpassing use of traditional wired devices (47%). Moving from a wired to a wireless networks offers your business a number of key advantages.
Often cheaper and easier to install, going wireless frees your business from the mess and cost of unsightly wires and cables. Wireless technology also provides wider coverage than traditional wired networks, enabling communication on the move and improving business response times.
It also facilitates faster and easier access to information, and supports more flexible working patterns by employees.
Cloud Computing
The use of cloud computing in the United States is predicted to snowball over the next few years. CRN predicts that by 2020 almost four-fifths of American small businesses will be using cloud services.
The cloud literally moves computing to the internet, as applications, programs and even platform (PaaS) and infrastructure (IaaS) services are provided through the cloud. Transitioning to the cloud offers a number of advantages to businesses.
Often more cost effective, cloud computing promises to shrink the cost of your IT budget and reduce the amount of capital expenditure through its pay-as-you-go business model. A highly convenient service, it also allows you or your employees to work from anywhere.
Compatible with many devices, it enables employees to use their laptops, smartphones or even tablets to access information. Finally, by using a cloud service your business no longer needs to pay for or arrange a separate data backup service; all information is securely stored and backed up on the cloud.
BYOD Policies
In recent years, the corporate world has been a buzz with the potential of BYOD (Bring Your Own Device). Recognizing and utilizing the rise of employee devices in the workplace, this IT policy allows and encourages employee-owned devices, such as smartphones, tablets and notebooks, access to data and systems. BYOD adoption offers a number of significant business benefits.
Not only does it raise employee work satisfaction but it also produces cost savings, as employees pay for the device and data access. Employees are often more familiar and skilled with their personal device, increasing workplace productivity.
A Forrester study has estimated that the adoption of BYOD policies saves about 45–60 minutes of employee work time each week. Moreover, businesses can benefit from the use of cutting-edge technology, as personal devices tend to be up to date and in line with new technological trends. This increases the potential for more technological innovation.
Outsourcing IT Support
In the past, businesses would own and run their own helpdesk. Often costly and more inefficient, the in-house helpdesk has increasingly been replaced by outsourced IT support. As a result, businesses that have opted to outsource have often enjoyed a more efficient and productive IT support service.
With support services available as and when needed, and fast, efficient troubleshooting, employees are able to resume work and increase their productivity. Wider availability of IT support services is another key benefit, particularly the provision of support services beyond traditional office hours.
Finally, outsourced support services have proved more cost effective for businesses. Businesses no longer have to pay the costs of employee wages, training and benefits, and instead only pay for the cost of the IT support services used.
As the review of the four trends reveal, maximizing your IT infrastructure offers huge business potential. From increased productivity to enhanced efficiency and improved cost effectiveness, the advantages are certainly real.
At iSupport, we can help you achieve this potential. If you’re interested in finding out more, contact us today by calling (888) 494-7638 or click here.
