Despite what manufacturers some tech manufacturers and IT providers would like you to think, you don’t always necessarily have to upgrade to the latest and greatest version of everything. In fact, as we’ve written in the past, doing so can sometimes cost you money and create security problems without giving you much in return.
The key, of course, is to evaluate new ideas one-by-one with your IT provider while keeping an eye on your bigger business goals. That way you can avoid unnecessary issues and expenses while staying ahead of the technology curve.
One area where it is important to constantly review your strategy has to do with communications. That’s because we’ve seen big improvements in recent years. Let’s look at a few different tools you might be able to use to do more in your business while spending less…
VOIP Phone and Videoconferencing
If your business is still using landlines, or a loose combination of phones and mobile devices, it’s time to get everything connected. With a good Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) platform you can maintain multiple phone lines, text messaging, mobile apps, facts, and other communications channels all through one convenient portal.
Not only is VOIP less expensive than traditional communications plans, but a good plan will bring additional benefits like free videoconferencing and conference calls, not to mention automatic forwarding and message prompts. In other words, you can get the same features a Fortune 500 business would have and make it easier to stay in touch with customers, colleagues, and employees at the same time.
Real-Time File Sharing and Project Management
One feature of the digital age is that it has made small and medium-sized businesses more flexible. If you want to work from home, let your employees handle tasks remotely, or even coordinate with outside vendors you can do it all with ease. However, keeping everyone on the same page can be a real challenge.
Luckily, there are a number of file sharing and project management tools that can be used to coordinate almost any kind of effort – no matter how large or small – even if it involves many different parties. Not only will everyone have the ability to know what their current task or responsibility looks like, but they can even keep each other (and you) apprised of progress, milestones, and setbacks in real-time. That can cut down on the need for phone calls, meetings, and other wasted back-and-forth engagements.
Cloud Data Backup and Syncing
The Cloud is changing everything, particularly when it comes to the way businesses store and update large chunks of data. Imagine being able to have accurate mailing lists, real-time access to financial records, or marketing results available at your fingertips.
Using inexpensive Cloud apps you can enjoy all of these advantages in your business. Additionally, you can set up automatic data backups so you’ll always know that your most important information is being stored securely in an off-site location. Given that is so simple to save time, lower your costs, and protect the future of your business, why wouldn’t you take advantage of these opportunities to use the Cloud?
Is it Time to Review Your Tech Strategy?
If you have the feeling that your approach to IT is more about solving obvious problems than looking for opportunities to improve your bottom line, then take that as a clear sign you should be getting better advice. Contact Fantastic IT in Los Angeles today so we can schedule a free consultation and find ways to improve your productivity and financial outlook this fall.