5 IT essentials for any new business
Posted on 4th April 2023 at 10:33
Starting a new business is always a brave decision. It doesn’t matter what your idea is, what the market looks like, starting something new is courageous. If you have moved past the ideas stage and things are moving, you will be working out what is essential and what would “just be nice to have.”
Few, if any, business can operate without any sort of technology. Forgoing any industry specific software or equipment for the moment, what technology is essential for every business to have?
Here is our list of 5.
First things first, get a computer
It is common sense really. You can’t work online without either a laptop or a desktop, and you can’t store all that customer data you will surely get. The decision really is whether you need a laptop or a fixed desktop from your home or office?
If you are mobile and intend to work in coffee shops or on the move, then a laptop will be ideal. All you then need is to work out which laptop is best for your business.
You will need high speed internet
Even if you are a mobile remote user, there are times that you will want to work from your office or home. When you are there, the last thing you need is slow internet speed hampering your productivity. Getting your technology online needs high speed internet.
There will be many different options in your area. It is important to check them all out and look at what contracts are available.
And now protect that computer with cybersecurity software
The problem with going online is it makes you vulnerable to cyber-attacks and viruses. The last thing you need is to go online just to have some nefarious ne’er-do-well putting your business at risk.
It is probably one of the most important items on this list. You need to protect your data and your system with excellent malware protection, and an excellent antivirus such as ESET.
You need a functioning email address
You find very quickly how much of a time and life saver email is. When you need to send proposals, fix problems, or introduce yourself to people, snail-mail and phone just aren’t as efficient.
To look professional you’ll need to register a domain name (we recommend using SiteGround). There are many options, such as Outlook, to be able to create, receive, and manage your email communications. All you need to do is work out which one is best for your business.
Surely your business will need a website
Online is the new high street. Most businesses are making a lot of their sales over the internet, and that means having an attractive and functional website. It is unlikely that you will not see the benefit of putting your business online.
This will mean sorting out a domain (as above), looking for the right website builder or web designer, and making sure you have numerous quotes. This might mean making sure you can use the tools, checking how it all looks on your phone, or asking for portfolios.
Bonus answer: outsource to an IT support business
Of course, much of this can be made easier if you talk to the right people. It isn’t a criticism to say that you might not be best placed to sort all the technology and software out on your own. You are the expert in your industry, there is absolutely no harm in seeking help and advice from other experts in their own respective fields.
If you are looking to start a business, we are on hand to advise you on the where to go for your technology, and we can provide you with everything you need to manage it.
For more information about the technology you need to start and manage your own business, contact us on 01327 300 311 or email [email protected] with any enquiries.
Tagged as: Blog, Business Computers
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