If you run an SME cutting costs is sure to be a priority, but well managed IT services are of equal importance. Reliable IT Support can give you a serious advantage when first starting up. This guide advises where you can opt for a cheaper or more cost-effective alternative, without sacrificing quality.
1. OUTSOURCED IT SUPPORT
It may seem like we’re suggesting an extra cost, despite this being an article about saving money but outsourced IT Support is extremely cost-effective. Most of the time businesses actually save money using outsourced IT Support, because there is far less downtime when something goes wrong. Your system is constantly monitored, so issues can be resolved much faster.
Companies that offer fast and responsive IT support throughout the working day are most beneficial. They can really save you if you run into an issue that disrupts normal office practice. You also don’t have to pay the salaries of a full time on-site IT team and if you ever need IT help, you won’t need to waste time trying to find and negotiate ad-hoc IT support, which you can’t guarantee will be as good or as knowledgeable of your systems.
2. BRING YOUR OWN DEVICE
A Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) model is invaluable for start-ups who cannot afford the hefty up-front costs of devices like PCs and mobile phones. Most people have their own device and can easily use them for work. This also has the benefit of everyone already being familiar with their own machinery, which means less of a learning curve for new employees.
However, it does mean that you need to set up proper security features for everyone’s device and accept that they’ll be easier to use for personal means rather than business.
3. CLOUD COMPUTING
Many businesses are moving towards cloud-based services, due to the far smaller costs involved and the fact that it is less hardware intensive and requires reduced hands-on management.
Many cloud applications like G-Suite combine several programs so that you can access most of what you might need in a working day all in one place. This is much more convenient and efficient than downloading several disconnected ones.
4. SERVICE BUNDLES
Try and stick to one company for multiple services such as broadband and telephony. Often, you will get a bundled price which ends up lower than if you go with several different businesses. It is also just simpler to have one company to manage everything.
In addition, if you sign a longer-term contract, you will almost always save money compared to the monthly costs of signing on for just a few months at a time.
5. STRONG CYBER SECURITY
Often, your IT help desk will assist in managing your cyber security. This involves using strong firewalls and anti-malware programs to defend your devices from attacks.
This does come at a cost, but it will save you a lot of money long term – if you were to ever experience downtime as a result of hacking attempts, it could cost you thousands of pounds. The same financial implications apply to the loss of any important data, as a company can be fined heavily for losing customer’s personal information – with the introduction of GDPR, keeping your data safe has never been more important. If it’s the business’s own data that’s been lost, time, which could be used for more important work, will be taken up replacing it.
6. DITCH UNUSED DEVICES
Work out what devices you actually need and use, in order to get rid of those that you don’t. Subscriptions or maintenance costs for products or devices that you can manage without should be discarded as soon as possible to prevent you from wasting money and storage to keep them running.
You should also review the programs that you use and check that there isn’t a cheaper but equally as good version that you can use instead.
Making use of all of these tips will ensure that you’re getting the absolute most out of your IT. As an added bonus, you’ll be saving a considerable amount of money, leaving it free to invest instead in other areas of your business.