It’s impossible for a small business to be truly competitive in this day and age without being completely technologically integrated and up to date. This is why many small businesses that were previously reliant on outdated systems, or perhaps only used technology in so far as to answer the phone or work on computers, are asking IT providers to overhaul their systems.

This can make a major difference in the long term, not only helping a business run more smoothly, but also ensuring that it can be competitive in its field. As most businesses in this day and age are more reliant on up to date technology, it’s nearly impossible for a small business to remain relevant without updates.

With that being said, not every business requires every update, and it’s important for a small business owner to remain cognizant of spending. At the same time, there are certain technological solutions that are worth the investment. With that being said, let’s look into them below.

1. Unified Communications

Unified communications are becoming more and more of the norm among businesses, and with good reason. Essentially, unified communications refer to the connection of communications technologies like voicemail, email, SMS, and fax to enterprise communication services like instant messaging, texting, video conferencing, and much more. What this would mean is that, for example, a voicemail could be received through one’s work phone, and then be accessed through their email or cell phone. Unified communications essentially synthesize different types of communication technologies, allowing business owners to consolidate their different types of technology under one singular umbrella.

This is particularly important in unusual times, such as those being experienced during the COVID-10 pandemic. Many businesses have employees working remotely, and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Being able to access your communications systems through multiple avenues, in a unified communications system, is vital to ensure consistent communication with clients and customers, as well as among coworkers. Furthermore, this type of communication is vital to ensuring that customers and clients receive a consistent type of communications from employees. This will ensure a more professional experience, and allow for much less confusion. While having an on premise phone system is also crucial, unified communications simply broaden the manners through which companies can connect with people.

2. Cloud Technology

The cloud is often more commonly associated with personal technology, rather than business-related technology. However, for a number of reasons the cloud is becoming rather popular among small businesses. In fact, it’s currently estimated that around 94% of businesses use cloud services in order to streamline their processes.

Like unified communications systems, the cloud makes it easier for employees to work remotely, as they can access files through the cloud. Furthermore, it allows users to more easily share and store data, and for that matter ensures that more data can be held at one time. While the cloud may have once seemed intimidating to businesses, it’s now much easier for them to protect information stored within the cloud. Of course, it’s important to work with cyber security consulting services in the process.

3. Data Recovery Systems

Of course, it’s not enough to store data. This data must also be backed up, and easily recoverable. There are a number of cases in which data can be compromised or even destroyed. This could be due to viruses, which of course all business technology systems should be protected against but can nonetheless cause damage, or due to simple mistakes among employees.

Therefore, it’s important that all important data is recoverable through at least one, if not several systems. At times, it may be possible that IT specialists are required to recover data. This is why a lot of businesses have IT specialists outsourced and on hand. That way, in the case of a true disaster an IT specialist can work to recover all necessary data.

The fact is that updating a company’s IT systems can be an involved process, taking some time and investment. But in the long term, this will pay off and result in a much more robust operating system within the company.