Discover the top 10 must-have IT services for small businesses in 2023. Stay ahead of the game with cloud computing, cybersecurity solutions, managed IT services, data backup and recovery, and more. Enhance your business operations and safeguard your data with the latest IT trends.
The importance of IT services for small businesses has grown exponentially. As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, businesses of all sizes must adapt and stay updated with the latest IT trends to remain competitive in the market.
From cloud computing to cybersecurity solutions, these IT services have become indispensable for small businesses, enabling them to streamline operations, protect sensitive data, and enhance productivity.
We reached out to some IT support companies London businesses have relied on in the past. In this article, we will explore the 10 must-have IT services that they spoke about.
- Cloud Computing Services
The benefits small businesses can gain from cloud computing are innumerable – in fact, most thought leaders in the business and technology landscapes agree that cloud computing inseparable from the future of business.
The scalability, flexibility and cost-efficiency of cloud computing far outstrips on-premises infrastructure. In 2023, the most reliable cloud computing platforms for business include Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services, and Google Cloud Platform.
- Cybersecurity Solutions
Cyber threats are constantly growing and changing, and can have devastating consequences. Small businesses, though historically not the biggest target, have become increasingly at risk – therefore it is crucial that, in 2023, small businesses should invest in their cybersecurity framework.
A robust security framework should encompass solutions like firewalls, advanced threat detection, antivirus software, data encryption, access control, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and employee awareness training.
- Managed IT Services
Outsourcing IT can be very advantageous for a small business. Not only does it enable them to access better and more extensive knowledge and expertise around IT, it is also more cost-effective than an in-house IT department.
We spoke with a managed IT support provider London businesses have used for over 10 years. According to them, managed IT services typically involves fully managed support, network monitoring and management, data backups, and IT consultations.
- Data Backup and Recovery
Data is one of the most valuable and important assets for small businesses. Data loss can incur many consequences – such as loss of customer trust, legal penalties, and significant financial losses. Implementing a robust backup and disaster recovery model can help mitigate these risks.
In 2023, the most reliable form of backup is the cloud backup – as it ensures data can be restored from off-site, and it benefits from the redundancy and security built into the cloud.
- VoIP and Unified Communications
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) and unified communication systems offer significant benefits for small businesses. As an alternative to PSTN telephony, VoIP is much more convenient for the average employee, because the phone they use is not physically tied to one location – in fact, users can make calls from their business phone number from any device that has the appropriate software installed on it.
In 2023, reliable VoIP solutions include RingCentral, 8×8, and Microsoft Teams.
- IT Consulting
IT consultants offer expertise and guidance on optimizing IT infrastructure, aligning technology with business goals, and implementing efficient processes. Many companies offer IT consulting – for example, a provider of IT support Central London businesses use told us that they often provide consultations for client projects – such as cloud migrations and technology transformations.
In 2023, consulting services can help small businesses with IT strategy planning, infrastructure audits, and technology roadmap development.
- Software as a Service (SaaS)
Software as a Service (SaaS) is a specific deployment of cloud computing that focuses on providing a complete end-user experience. Users can access applications and software from web browsers, and both desktop and mobile platforms.
The benefit of SaaS is that ensures users always have access to the applications, files and content they need for their work – with the growth in hybrid and remote working trends over the last few years, this is an important advantage.