IT Structure for Small Businesses: 5 Things You Need to Know

The Internet is easily one of the most valuable tools that businesses can use to help optimize how well they function.

Not only does it allow you to reach and interact with your target audience, but it also provides a method of communication both internally and with others in the industry.

But, it’s essential that you have a proper IT structure for your company if you want to be as productive as possible.

Not sure where to start? Don’t worry; we have got you covered.

Let’s take a look at everything you need to know to stay on top.

Stay as Modern as Possible

As the adage goes, “time is money.” This is a statement that will never be less true.

Since technology advances so quickly (and even grows exponentially as time goes on), it can seem overwhelming to keep everything up to date constantly. This is especially true for small businesses that are often working on a handful of tasks at a time.

But, the more modern your company’s software, the smoother your operations will run. This, of course, translates into you being able to get more work done in less time, which ultimately generates more revenue.

Always ensure that you’re using the most current operating system for your company’s computers. In addition to making you more productive, modern software offers increased protection from online threats.

So, make sure you…

Don’t Skimp on Security

Malware costs businesses over $400 billion each year in lost productivity and damages. Needless to say, security is something that should never be neglected under any circumstances.

Some people have the notion of “if I’m careful, nothing will happen to me.”

While this is mostly true, but can the same be said about a business that even has as little as 5 to 10 employees?

All it takes is one slip up from one person, and you’ve got a big problem on your hands.

Computer viruses are always a nuisance. But, one of the most serious issues that small businesses face is ransomware.

This type of malicious software encrypts the affected company’s files, making them inaccessible. Then, the hacker demands that a ransom is paid (an amount sometimes as high as hundreds of thousands of dollars) for access to be granted.

If the affected party refuses to pay, they run the risk of having their sensitive data permanently deleted or leaked. Both of these scenarios could prove to be a crippling blow for companies that don’t have the funds to handle the situation.

Proper security should be one of the highest priorities in your IT structure, and it could mean the difference between surviving and failing as a business.

Back up Everything in Two Locations

Contingencies happen. It’s an unavoidable part of life, and it’s definitely part of running a business.

It’s common sense to back up your company’s vital data to prevent a catastrophe if things go awry. But, having a backup in only one location won’t do you much good when disaster strikes.

For example, let’s say you have multiple hard drives that you use to store all of your company’s important financial records, performance data, etc. If these devices become lost or damaged, you’re in the same boat you’d be in if you hadn’t backed up anything at all.

Luckily, there’s a solution.

By using cloud storage in addition to hard drives, you’ll put fears of data loss to rest by knowing that your information is safe in both a physical location and a remote location.

If an issue arises where you need to access your company’s backup data, you’re virtually guaranteed to have no problems retrieving it.

You can even use cloud storage as your primary method of data retrieval to avoid the hassle that comes with handling hardware.

Optimize Internal Communication

A company with strong internal coordination will operate more quickly than one without. As previously mentioned, the extra time that you save directly results in being able to generate more money.

There are countless ways to save time, but here are some of the most efficient:

• Employees should have access to the necessary files through cloud storage.
• Automate company-wide emails, updates, etc. that you can.
• Take advantage of project management software to provide a new level of streamlined organization.

By utilizing a strong IT structure to ensure that employees of your business can communicate with each other fluidly, you’ll lay the foundation to help scale your business in the future.

Don’t Be Afraid to Outsource

Don’t have a dedicated IT department? Don’t worry; you’re not alone.

In a world where remote work is growing increasingly prevalent, it often isn’t necessary to have a team of in-house employees dedicated to IT work. This is especially true for smaller businesses.

There’s a common concern that since outsourced work is less “involved” than in-house work, it will be of lower quality. This couldn’t be further from the truth!

If it makes sense financially (and logically) for your company to outsource IT roles to third-party firms, then go ahead and take advantage of that option.

Not only will you save money, but you’ll also be able to maintain a smaller group of essential employees and run your company more efficiently.

Implementing Proper IT Structure Can Seem Difficult

But it doesn’t have to be.

With the above information about IT structure in mind, you’ll be well on your way to

Want to learn more about how to fix common IT problems? This article has plenty of useful information.