8 Reasons Every Company Is Now a Technology Company

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Whether you sell shoes or run an accounting firm, you need some type of technology to operate. Today’s companies aren’t just in the business of selling their own goods and services anymore. They also must master various types of digital tools.

These include software, payment systems, computers, Wi-Fi networks, mobile devices, and more. Companies also need to protect their devices and network.. If that technology isn’t working, it can impact a business significantly.

98% of surveyed organizations say that just one hour of IT downtime costs more than $100,000. The reliance on technology means that every company is now a technology company.

This is the case no matter what products you sell or services you provide. Let’s discuss exactly why this is the case in today’s world.

What Makes Technology a Backbone of Any Business?

1. Technology Is a Critical Part of Business

Even farmers use tech to check commodity prices, sell livestock, and keep their books. Most companies couldn’t operate without their software. Or without databases filled with important information.

IT downtime is so devastating for this very reason. Remember the breaches impacting global meat producer JBS and Colonial pipeline? Those companies had to halt operations because of ransomware attacks.

They both paid the ransom to their attackers so they could begin operating again. Without the technology that’s become a normal part of our day, a lot of companies would close.

2. Customers Expect an Excellent Digital Experience

Customer experience came in first in a survey of top business priorities for the next 5 years. Nearly 46% of respondents said it was at the top of their list.

If a customer has just one bad experience with your company, they will likely go elsewhere. In a digital world, those experiences are often:

  • Navigating your website
  • Checkout experience
  • Appointment scheduling ease
  • Shipping notifications
  • Helpfulness of online chat
  • Response time from customer support
  • Ability to contact your company via social media

To keep up with consumer expectations in 2023 and beyond, means you need to use technology. From your website to your payment experience, people expect a smooth digital flow.

3. Employees Need Devices to Drive Productivity

How do employees work productivity without the use of a computer, tablet, or mobile device? These devices keep staff connected to each other and your customer data. Devices enable communication and are how much of the work in offices gets done. If they don’t run well, business productivity suffers.

4. AI & Automation Help Companies Stay Competitive

AI and automation help organizations move faster. AI can personalize a consumer shopping experience. Automation can help sales teams close 30% more deals and improve conversions by over 200%.

To stay competitive, companies must integrate technology tools with AI and automation capabilities. This means they need to know the best ways to use these tools. Plus, integrate them well with existing solutions.

5. Information Is Being Generated at a Rapid Pace

Companies generate information digitally at a dizzying pace. Can you imagine what it would be like if you had to go back to all the paper files? You’d need a separate building just for all the filing cabinets.

Files, documents, and customer records are largely digital now. Keeping track of all that information and making it searchable requires technology skills.

6. Vendors/Suppliers Are Leaving Legacy Systems Behind

Think of the vendors you use to run your business. Could you interact with any of them offline only? No email, no digital documents? In most cases, the answer is, “No.”

The companies that you rely on for your business are also “technology companies” in the same way. Most will be leaving behind legacy systems like fax machines and paper documents. Thus, you need to use digital means to interact with them.

7. It’s Difficult to Grow Without Tech Innovation

People are limited by what they can mentally and physically do in a day. Computers and technology have exponentially increased that. They do a lot of the processing and manual work.

The cloud is often touted as leveling the playing field for small businesses. It allows smaller companies to leverage technology to do more affordably.

It’s hard to continue growing your business without the smart use of digital tools. This includes reviewing your technology infrastructure and looking at innovations on the horizon.

8. Business Continuity Needs

Business continuity is about keeping your company running despite any crisis events. One natural disaster could severely impact a building and everything in it. But, if you are storing your data in the cloud and using cloud software, your business can still operate.

Companies that aren’t employing backup systems are at significant risk. Tech solutions create the ability to continue operating from anywhere, increasing business resiliency.

What Does Your Innovation Roadmap Look Like?

Using technology securely and to its fullest can be a full-time job. Give us a call today, we can help take that burden off your shoulders.

 

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Featured Image Credit

This Article has been Republished with Permission from The Technology Press.

How Is the Metaverse Going to Change Business?

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The new buzzword around town is “metaverse.” But what does that actually mean for businesses? Is it just something that social media companies need to be concerned about?

According to people like Apple’s CEO Tim Cook, the metaverse is coming. He stated that “Life without AR will soon be unthinkable.” Whether that’s a short-term or long-off prediction, companies need to be ready.

First comes the understanding of what the metaverse is. Metaverse is a general term – hence why it’s not capitalized like a proper name. The metaverse refers to a collective upgrade of the internet to a 3D virtual environment. This would be a world interconnected between various sites. These sites would reflect the immersive games that you see today.

Did Facebook/Meta invent the metaverse? No.

[Read more…]

The Importance of IT Network Assessments

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The Importance of IT Network AssessmentsNetwork assessments satisfy an important function. They involve performing thorough scans of your IT infrastructure to ensure everything is performing optimally and suggest improvements. Even a one-time network assessment can help you save money, reduce risks, expand capabilities, and improve your customer relationships. There are continuing benefits with a regular program of network assessments. [Read more…]

The Best Ways to Dispose of Your Old Electronics

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The Best Ways to Dispose of Your Old Electronics

Electronic technology is advancing at an ever-increasing rate, and the number of gadgets that are consequently considered old and obsolete is rapidly growing as well. It is estimated that the vast majority of these discarded items will end up gathering dust in closets, attics, and garages. All this waste has the potential to be a hazardous waste time bomb if not properly disposed of. Even though there have been some positive changes in recent years, a significant portion of the e-(electronic) waste generated in this country is still shipped overseas to developing countries with little or no environmental regulations.

Finding a responsible, eco-friendly way to deal with unwanted electronic gadgets can sometimes be a frustrating endeavor. Depending on where you live, there might not be any convenient options available, other than to put it in storage for future reference. The following tips and advice will hopefully offer you a better way to deal with your e-waste.

[Read more…]

Is VoIP the right solution for your small business?

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Is VoIP the right solution for your small business?

If you’re new to the concept of VoIP (or Voice over Internet Protocol) devices and systems, you’re certainly not alone. It can be a confusing concept to broach, especially to those unfamiliar with how VoIP works, or even what it does. Let’s start with the basics:

VoIP systems are an internet-based alternative to a standard, landline phone system.

Why Make the Switch From Landline?

With the staggering progress in the efficiency, capacity, and reliability of internet infrastructure in the past several years, VoIP devices and systems have become increasingly popular in businesses both big and small. After all, by using VoIP devices, businesses can often forego the hassle and high costs associated with a standard landline phone connection.

So what variables do you need to contemplate when determining whether to use a VoIP system?

Important Considerations

When considering switching from a standard landline system to a VoIP system, many worry about the reliability of the network. It’s a reasonable fear. If the phones are out when that million-dollar client calls or, heaven forbid, someone in the office needs an ambulance, you would find yourself in a bit of trouble. A VoIP system relies on your internet connection to function, so it will be absolutely critical to find out whether your connection is up to the task. That said, with a proper internet connection, VoIP systems are capable of being just as reliable as a landline phone, and sometimes even outperform landline connections.

You might also consider both the reduced cost and the convenience of VoIP systems, which are arguably the key reasons many opt to switch to VoIP in the first place.

Cost of Landline Versus VoIP

First, think about the cost. VoIP systems are almost always cheaper than landline phones in nearly every way. Setting aside the cost of the hardware and set-up labor, which you would pay regardless of which system you use, the cost to operate a VoIP phone is minuscule. For instance, international calls generally cost either next to nothing or cents per minute compared to the multiple dollars each minute costs on the same call with a landline phone. Similarly, domestic calls are generally included in subscriptions which often cost half as much (or less) per user than a typical landline connection.

The Convenience of VoIP

The convenience of a VoIP phone system is also a very compelling reason to consider the switch. Since the phone connection is internet-based, you can operate your phone anywhere you can set up your laptop. If you travel, you can access your phone system from just about any place with a public WiFi connection available. The ability to answer calls and check your voicemail during the otherwise useless time between flights is, in itself, a reason to consider switching to a VoIP service. All things considered, the accessibility of a VoIP phone is simply unrivaled when compared to a landline connection.

Moving Forward and Making a Decision

In essence, there’s a lot to consider, but we’re always here to help with any questions you may have. At My Computing RX, we have the experience and technical skills necessary to answer your questions in regard to your internet connection, VoIP devices generally, and whether a VoIP phone system may be a good solution for your business.

Contact us today for help with your VoIP system!

Effective Vendor Management Solutions

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Vendor Management Solutions

Outsourcing has been growing steadily as a business standard since the early 2000s. Companies are finding that using outside vendors or contractors for things like graphic design, human resources, and IT management and computer repair costs less than doing everything in-house.

The speed of internet connections and the growth of mobile technology has made it easier than ever to use vendors for a variety of day-to-day functions.

So, what’s driving this growth and what technology lessons can be learned about effectively managing a growing number of outside vendors? [Read more…]

How to ensure your computer network is HIPAA compliant

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How to ensure your computer network is HIPAA compliant

What is HIPAA?

HIPAA stands for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, in reference to the HIPAA act of 1996. It requires the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to develop regulations that ensure the protection of privacy and security for certain health information. Currently, there are two rules under the HIPAA act that address these regulations: the HIPAA Privacy Rule and the HIPAA Security Rule. [Read more…]