Technology changes quickly. Just when you think you have the latest technology solution for your business, something newer and better is being touted as the “next big thing.” As 2014 draws to an end, we wanted to share 4 trends that are expected to affect small business technology in 2015.
The Cloud
Cloud computing is becoming more and more attractive due to its affordable computing capability, storage and apps available on-demand and to everyone in an organization. Businesses buy only the capacity they need and receive updates with minimal hassle. However, this tool also comes with many questions: What’s the right cloud structure? Should we host our own cloud? Should we invest in the infrastructure? In many cases, a cloud solution may be more affordable, but there are some concerns about control and security. There can also be questions about migrating across competing ecosystems, such as Microsoft Office and Google apps. Read our other posts about the Cloud here:
BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)
Since most individuals only want to accommodate one smartphone at a time, these devices ushered in the era of BYOD. Saying no to personal devices can be a productivity buster that can be tough to enforce. However, there are still many issues with which many small businesses are wrestling. These include making sure that a phone or tablet isn’t an easy access point to disrupting the network while keeping employees data safe and separate.
Device Crossover
Once, the roles of devices were clearly defined–the desktop for stationary productivity and more demanding processing tasks, laptops for mobile productivity, and smartphone for nomadic connectivity. However, the entrance of new operating systems such as iOS and Chrome OS have made choosing the right equipment a lot more difficult; this issue is of course interwoven with that of BYOD. Small businesses can now tap into low-cost Chromebooks as well as Windows notebooks and even affordable two-in-ones that can work as a laptop or tablet.
Security Management
It seems that every day we hear about data breaches at large companies such as Target, Home Depot, JP Morgan Chase and, most recently and infamously, Sony Pictures. The bread and butter of antivirus is still important, but even small businesses must be concerned with the integrity of customer data. There are lots of options in the marketplace that can help with this. We want to help you and your business stay secure. Check out these previous posts about security:
While there may be many questions around where small business IT will go in 2015, it seems clear that there are more choices than ever to best match a small business’s needs.
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The Team at Techno Advantage Wishes You A Productive, Safe and Prosperous New Year!
