IT is a critical but expensive part of running a small business. Think upfront costs like computers, servers, software licensing, security, IT consultant bills, business tools, training... and that’s when things are going right.
Unfortunately IT can and does fail and when it goes wrong, not only will it cost you in IT consultant bills to fix it – you’ll lose valuable time, business information and opportunities.
One alternative definitely worth considering is a hosted service designed specifically for small businesses. A hosted service delivers all the software programs and systems that you actually need, over the internet. It supports all the programs you’re familiar with – such as Outlook, MYOB, Microsoft Office etc, but also includes tools to improve sales, marketing customer service and more. Tools you probably don’t already have now! And they’re on tap, 24/7, fully supported so you never have to worry about a crash, maintenance fees or random costs again.
The benefits to small businesses are aplenty
Reduced costs
With a hosted service there are no upfront costs for any of the software you choose. You don’t have to worry about paying for the latest version. There’s no need to buy a server. There is absolutely no need to have an IT consultant to install it all for you either. Hosting means that all you need is an internet connection and access to a web browser – the rest is all online.
Better still, you will only ever get the one bill, for the same amount, every month. Your IT costs are fixed, and there are no nasty surprises should you ever need IT support.
IT that moves with your business
Business is not always booming, even though that’s what we all aspire to! However think of the current economic climate or a time when you lost a major customer and had to cut back on staff. Did your IT costs come down because you had less people? Did you get a refund on the software? Did your IT consultant drop their fees?
With a hosted service you just pay for what you use. If someone leaves tomorrow, you can switch off their subscription immediately bringing your IT cost down. If someone joins, you can switch it on again – it’s as simple as that.
Increased security
Most business owners will cringe at the thought of having their information stored in an offsite data centre, rather than in their part server room part kitchen. However most hosting services actually use data centres that even the top 5 Australian banks rely on! Data is more secure than if you hosted it yourself, and think of it like this, if something did happen to your server what could you possibly do to retrieve it? What if you forgot to back up your data the night before? Having your information stored in a data centre is like asking the federal police to look over your children – there’s no better protection than that!
IT that helps you grow
The days of relying on just Word, excel and Outlook to get through business are long gone. You need to think of your intranet, marketing, website, customer relationship management and more so you can grow your business. These functions are all made possible through IT systems – and for the most part – they’re not cheap. However, in hosting your IT systems, you could get access to a wide range of software that will help you grow, rather than just function on the basics.
Open up to open source
Licensed software that comes from vendors such as Microsoft or Novell, can be costly first to purchase, then to maintain. You also lock yourself to that vendor for a very long time, with little room to move without incurring a loss of IP or dollars.
An alternative is to use open source software. Open source is the term used to describe the process of how the software was developed. The open source way is to utilise the power of distributed peer review and transparency of coding, in order to deliver better quality, higher reliability, flexibility, lower cost and an end to vendor lock-in.
It is compatible with vendor programs so your suppliers and clients will still be able to send and receive information. Only you’ll be paying a lot less and getting a whole lot more for your money!
Put your IT consultant on a leash
If you’ve outsourced your IT, then you have probably experienced the 3 day plus wait for service. Hosted services usually provide you with 24/7 support (IT on Tap does). In fact, hosted service means that the chances of having major problems in the first place, are significantly reduced.
Is it for you?
The great thing about alternatives is having choice and that’s what small businesses now have with IT. Conduct a cost / benefit analysis and really think about the value your IT brings your business. Ask yourself these questions:
• Can you afford an unforseen IT cost?
• What percentage of your software helps you grow your business, rather than just run it?
• Is your IT outsourced and what does it cost you every time something goes wrong?
• What would it cost you if you were to lose important information thanks to a virus?
• What is your time worth – can you afford down time?
• Could you be doing more to market your business?
• Could you be servicing your customers better?
If your answers are influenced by the desire to grow rather than just function, then perhaps you should investigate how a hosted service can enable growth without costing you more money or headaches.