Don’t forget to download our {FREE] basic IT budget template at the bottom of this blog
Technology occupies a large place in our lives and businesses now but the demand grows with each passing year. Annual advancements in computers, phones, tablets, POS systems, cloud storage, data backup, software and much more creates an ever-changing list of IT possibilities. So many owners make the mistake of using the same IT budget model every year without considering changing company needs and technological advancements that could benefit them.
Deciding on a budget requires more than just entering numbers on a spreadsheet. Here we’ll help answer some common IT budgeting questions.
Benefits of technology in business
Every business owner must decide where to distribute funds and it can be difficult to reconcile spending a huge amount on IT without seeing immediate returns. It is important to remember that IT is an integral part of nearly all organizations and can offer widespread and lasting benefits. Technology should be viewed as both a cost of doing business and an opportunity to do more.
Having an IT service team can increase your ability to adapt to the changing systems landscape so that you can keep up. Technology is so integral and finding the right company to partner with to support it is very important.
“Plans are nothing, planning is everything.” – Dwight Eisenhower
Here are 5 ways to make the most of your IT budget in 2019…
Hiring Qualified IT Professionals
This is first on the list because hiring qualified IT professionals is the most important use of your tech funds in the year ahead.
The IT sector has faced a substantial skill shortage in recent years. As technology becomes more specialized and less accessible to untrained workers, companies need to make sure they have the right professionals on their team. Hiring a team of qualified technicians who are not only qualified to get your security up and running proficiently but there to troubleshoot and answer questions along the way should always be a top priority.
The Internet of Things
If you’re not living under a rock, chances are you’ve heard of the internet of things (IoT). Most of the IT crowd is ready to invest in this emerging technology and most tech decision makers plan to increase their IoT spending in the coming year.
Some companies remain unsure about capitalizing on the IoT hype, especially because they can’t envision it as something that works on a smaller scale.
How would your small business use IoT? Smaller projects such as temperature control, smart doors and power sensors – these solutions are cheap, easily accessible and can significantly reduce your business’ administrative overheads.
The Cloud
The cloud is expanding. These days, most businesses rely on cloud applications for streamlined operations. The cloud makes access extremely convenient and offers a cheaper solution for businesses looking to dodge infrastructure and implementation costs. Cloud apps are scalable and let you track and manage real-time data.
This kind of flexibility and agility is a must in today’s competitive arena.
Cybersecurity
As dependence on IoT and cloud technologies increases, so will your cybersecurity budget. At your small business, you don’t want to lose customer data or let malicious groups take over your systems. Cover all the basics, including safeguarding sensitive business data and minimizing the risk of malware attacks. This also circles back to making sure you have the right IT company working for you.
Big Data Analytics
You can use data to analyze and optimize all aspects of your operations. Whether you’re aiming to improve core efficiencies, improve and validate your decision-making process or recruit better employees, data science can have a huge impact on your business.
Conclusion
While some advancements mentioned are only recently becoming essential for small to mid-sized businesses, others like cybersecurity and cloud-based apps are now staples. Ultimately, all businesses are different. A key benefit of technology is that it doesn’t have to be – and almost never is – a one-size-fits-all solution. Make the most of your IT budget and make sure you have a team of qualified technicians available to assist at any time.
RELATED:
How Security Awareness Training Can Greatly Reduce Security Breaches
Phillip Long – CISSP, CEO of , along with his team of marketing and information technology experts, will walk you through an overview of what your business should be doing to protect your data and plan your digital marketing strategies.
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is the technology leader on the Gulf Coast and is comprised of four divisions: Information Technology, Web Design & Digital Marketing, Office Equipment and Business Consulting. Together these divisions help local businesses exceed expectations and allow them to group to their full potential while minimizing risks. To learn more about , visit bistechnologygroup.com.
You may reach out to us at:
Phone: 251-405-2527
Email: plong@askbis.com
