Quite often businesses will invest in some technology and not review it after a while. They assume that their investment is good for five or maybe even ten years. But, the world of technology is fast-paced. The devices you use today could well be obsolete in just two years.
One might assume that a constant upgrade of office gadgets is nothing more than a waste of money. Delve a little deeper and one will find out there is a strong business case for regular upgrades. For instance, using the latest tech means companies can stay ahead of their competitors.
Current generation technology also has other advantages too. Businesses can increase both their productivity and efficiency. And, there is less risk of compatibility issues.
Let’s say that you run a business that provides printing services. What happens if you don’t use up-to-date software and hardware? You might not be able to open and print files given to you by your clients. Also, the printers you use in-house might not offer high-speed capabilities.
So, now that you know the reasons why you should bring your office tech into the 21st century, what should you do now? The following ideas will help you on the right track. Here is what you need to know:
Upgrade your computer systems
The first thing you should look at are the computers you and your employees use each day. Did you know that some businesses run systems that are more than ten years old? As you can imagine, compatibility issues with current-generation software are high in those cases.
If you’re not sure what spec systems you should get, it’s worth enlisting the help of an IT support firm. Check out http://www.netstar.co.uk/ as they can help you make the right upgrade choices.
One thing you should bear in mind is that each user will have different system requirements. For example, an admin user that needs office software won’t need something powerful. But, a graphic designer may need a computer that offers superior processing power.
Invest in high-speed Internet access
Is your office still rocking a slow ADSL connection to the Internet? If so, it’s time to get rid of it and upgrade to a high-speed link. These days, fibre-optic Internet is available in most places.
If you’ve got an office with five or more staff, your needs will be greater than a sole trader. Take a look at http://business.bt.com/broadband-and-internet/ to learn more of the different plans available. Make sure you choose one suitable for your office size.
Embrace VoIP technology
VoIP stands for “Voice over IP” – a way of making and receiving calls over the Internet. VoIP also allows you to make and receive video calls too. It’s the perfect way to keep in touch with the outside world.
But, why should you upgrade your telecom systems to VoIP? For a start, the cost compared to traditional mediums is small. You can also enjoy better quality calls, even to the other side of the world!
I hope this guide has given you some ideas to get started. Good luck!