Introduction
Running a business is difficult and there are many competitors in the marketplace. Legitimacy and authority are more important than ever to help you stand out. Even more important than that, however, is keeping your business financials and vulnerable client documents secure in your network especially if your industry has regulations or you take online payments of any kind. This article provides details about the three things that will help your business run smoothly, and efficiently, and maximize the protection of business assets from an IT standpoint.
Security
Network Infrastructure
A major factor in operation efficiency is a business’s network infrastructure. It’s important to set this up properly and correctly. Around 78% (Ryan, 2018) of the employed population log onto a computer for work every day, but many do not think about the network they connect to and its importance for accomplishing daily tasks. Unfortunately, many business owners are a part of that population. Either they do not think of the need for proper infrastructure, or they will “figure it out later”. Both of those answers can cause major issues down the road including:
- Staff inefficiency
- Data breaches
- Malware, Ransomware, and phishing cyber attacks
- Lawsuits
- Damage to business reputation
- Loss of customers
- Loss of profits
All of these could be avoided by properly setting up your infrastructure the first time. A question we sometimes receive is “Well, what about the cost?” Honestly, it is much more affordable than people think. However, we consider the better question being “What is the cost if you don’t do it right?”
Here is a short list of items to consider when setting up your infrastructure:
- Cloud
- Server
- Encryption
- Configuration
- Scalability
- Security
- Reliability
- Design
As you can see, there is much to take into consideration when setting your network up. But don’t worry! Kinetix makes it all easy, and painless—it’s our job!
IT Support Options
A crucial element of the IT process is deciding what kind of support is best for your business. Below are options for business owners to mull over.
Break-fix
Break-fix IT is defined as the reactive model of hiring an IT service provider to perform one-time services and pay only for the work done plus the cost of parts.
Managed IT
Managed IT is the practice of outsourcing the responsibility for maintaining and anticipating need for, a range of processes and functions, ostensibly for improved operations and reduced budgetary expenditures through the reduction of directly employed staff. (Wikipedia, n.d.) In a nutshell, a business pays an IT provider to maintain and monitor their business network.
Co-managed IT
Co-managed IT services is a customized IT service model that combines the convenience of internal IT with the expertise of an outsourced IT firm. (Brittain, 2023)
At Kinetix, these will all be discussed during an initial consultation to decide which course of action is best for you. There is no “cookie-cutter” approach to IT, and we want to make sure you are getting the best and correct option.
Cybersecurity
This is a big one and is an article (or many) all by itself! Cybersecurity ties in with your network infrastructure, and the bottom line is, that with an everchanging landscape of technology, the vulnerabilities that come with any hardware or software, combined with an ever-growing hacker population, it is imperative that your business’s network be secured and monitored 24/7. That’s it. No way around it! Kinetix has put together a “security stack” that not only provides maximum security but is designed to also be affordable for SMBs. If you do not have security in place, then we advise you to contact us today! The consequences could be devastating. (See above major issues.)
Telecom Services
Wait! This article said only three musts were needed! Technically, yes, but in our honest opinion, VoIP phone systems should be considered essential for all businesses with more than five people or computers in the workspace. We find it especially beneficial for larger companies with remote workers. Why? We have discovered that VoIP phone systems are much more efficient and reliable than old analog systems. Kinetix is a nationally ranked partner of the fastest-growing VoIP provider in the US (3CX). Below are just a few of the benefits and features they offer:
- Video Conferencing (Replace Zoom, Teams)
- Secure PDF sharing (Perfect for Legal, CPA, Healthcare, Dental)
- Remote Assistance
- Chat to Voice, Team Comms & WhatsApp
3CX has too many features to list here. If you want to take your business to the next level of efficiency, then ask us more about 3CX VoIP. We would be more than happy to sit down and chat.
Conclusion and Action Steps
At Kinetix, we offer a FREE IT consultation to listen to your needs, your budget concerns, and walk with you every step of the way if you choose to hire us. With us, you will NEVER be asked into a long-term contract. We do not believe in those and never will. Our customers are on a month-to-month billing cycle, and most have been with us for 10+ years! We earn your trust!