No matter how sophisticated your hardware and software, one vital component it needs to work efficiently is the broadband that connects it to the world. Without a well-functioning internet connection, businesses lag behind and are running with one virtual hand tied behind their backs.
Author: Elevate Technology
So Many Options! How to Navigate Software, Cloud, and Internet to Optimize Your Business
Today, businesses have more options than ever for running their business. There used to be a time when there were only a handful of office productivity tools on the market, and with the advent of cloud technology there now can be 40 different application choices for accomplishing the same thing.
6 Ways Dropbox for Business Can Elevate Your Digital File Management
The average business generates 7.5 billon documents every year. That’s a mind-bending number, but when you think of each Word document, email file attachment, or cloud generated invoice, those documents can add up fast.
New Cisco Meraki Products and Updates You’ll Want to Check Out in the New Year
When it comes to optimising the way data streams across multiple devices, a leader in cloud-managed IT is Cisco Meraki. Their solutions have been simplifying things like network management and roll-out of digital initiatives since 2006.
What New Microsoft 365 Features are Planned for Release December 2019?
One of the great things using a subscription service like Microsoft 365 or Office 365 is that you get all the newest updates included with your subscription. You’re never left behind wishing you had the latest version with the cool new features.
Congratulations to the team at Elevate Technology for a great result!
About the CRN Fast50
Now in its 11th year, the CRN Fast50 recognises the fastest-growing companies in the Australian IT channel, based on year-on-year revenue growth. After an entry and judging process running from August to November, we reveal the top 50 companies at a major awards ceremony in Sydney in November 2019.
By adhering to a strictly numbers-based formula, we have ensured that the CRN Fast50 continues to earn respect and recognition as the only awards program in the Australian technology industry that truly recognises the best businesses based on hard numbers.
Full article can be found here: https://www.crn.com.au/fast50/overview
Self-Managed IT May Be Costing More Than You Think: 7 Ways to Save by Outsourcing
One of the ways small businesses try to save money is by doing as much as possible themselves. This includes trying to handle their own technology and only calling in a pro when something breaks.
But studies show that self-managed IT typically costs businesses more than if they used managed IT services. So, while a company thinks they’re doing something budget-friendly, they could actually be losing money by not outsourcing their technology management.
Each computer without proper IT management can cost a business $5,000 USD(AU$7,299) per year.
Several factors go into the cost of unmanaged computers and networks, including:
- Cost of IT-related downtime
- Cost for emergency (reactive) repairs
- Loss of productivity
- Security breaches
- Shorter equipment lifespans
Investing in a managed IT plan takes the burden of constantly putting out IT fires off your shoulders and can offer many cost saving and security benefits as well.
Improve Your Bottom Line by Outsourcing IT Management
Proactive 24/7 IT monitoring, maintenance, and support 365 days a year is less than you think, especially when you compare it to the costs of managing your own technology.
Here are the ways outsourced IT can improve your bottom line.
Lower IT Labor Costs
Reactive support (when it breaks, call someone fast to fix it) is much more expensive that proactive support (keep it running smoothly). When you’re paying for emergency repairs, the labor costs can really add up, not to mention the cost of downtime while you’re waiting on a fix.
Proactive support at a predictable monthly rate, means that your computers and network are being monitored and maintained regularly to address any issues that could potentially cause downtime, meaning emergencies are avoided.
Improve Data Security
The cost of a data breach averages AU$219 per each compromised file and the average number of files involved is 25,575. So, keeping your technology infrastructure secure and always updated is vital to warding off online threats.
Ensuring your network is secure and all devices are properly updated and patched – including operating system, software, and firmware – is not something that many business owners have the ability to handle while attending to their company.
Managed IT security can give you the protection and peace of mind you need knowing that your data is protected, and your systems are consistently updated against the latest cyber threats.
Improved Employee Productivity
If your staff has to stop and figure out an IT issue several times a day, that could end up being several hours of lost productivity by the end of the month. When you work with Elevate Technology as your outsourced IT partner, you have a hotline to instant technical help so your team can get the assistance they need fast and get on with their day.
We have professionals certified in a number of fields and we’re there for you 24/7/365, even at midnight on a Saturday!
Take Advantage of New Technologies
An outsourced IT provider can give you insights into new technology and better ways of doing things based upon their vast experience working in multiple industries.
If you’re working with someone sporadically on a break/fix basis, they won’t have an opportunity to get to know your business. But with a managed IT provider, they’re involved with you regularly managing and monitoring your devices and will have the ability to identify cost savings and efficiency-boosting opportunities for you.
Reduced Hardware Costs
When you take good care of your automobile and maintain it regularly, it lasts longer. The same is true of your technology hardware.
Managed servers, network routers, switches, computers, and other devices, last longer because they’re properly maintained. This means more time before you need to budget large cash outlays for replacements and upgrades of equipment.
Reduce Compliance Costs
Complying with data privacy regulations can be time-consuming and costly for a company trying to handle it on their own. If the person that’s in charge of compliance leaves the company, that means there is a whole new learning curve with a new individual and in the meantime things could fall between the cracks, resulting in a compliance violation.
An outsourced managed service provider can help you ensure compliance and help with any annual reporting that’s needed as part of their overall managed IT security services, meaning lower compliance costs for your business.
Predictable IT Costs
IT costs can vary significantly if you’re not managing your IT properly and you could end up with huge repair costs that come out of the blue due to a hard drive crash or other system failure.
Using managed IT allows you to control your IT budget and gives you a predictable flat monthly rate that includes multiple IT services from patch and update management to managed backup to helpdesk support and more. Proactive IT management means no nasty budget surprises.
Lower Costs & Improve Security with Elevate Technology
Have you considered a managed IT services plan, but weren’t sure you needed one? We’ll be happy to sit down with you and go through the benefits and how we can help you save money each month on your technology.
Contact us today and let’s discuss how we can help. Call 1300.463.538 or reach out online.
What are the Latest Cyberthreats You Need to Defend Against? (New Malware, Viruses & More!)
Unfortunately, there is no shortage of new cyberthreats being released and infecting systems around the world. This means that businesses have to remain vigilant when it comes to protecting against viruses and other types of malware.
Check Out the Latest Lenovo ThinkCentre PCs Designed to Drive Business Efficiency
Choosing the best computers for your business isn’t always easy. If you go with an off-the-shelf consumer product, it might be cheaper at first, but cost you more in lost productivity if it can’t keep up with your computing needs.
5 Ways to Cut IT Costs
Businesses are always looking to save money – especially considering the current climate. So, how can you save IT costs without compromising quality or performance? Here are the best five ways to start saving money;
1. Communication Review 
A review of your phone and internet bills can often reveal many unnecessary expenses — unused lines, old internet connections or even plans that might now be much cheaper!
2. The Cloud
Moving all or even part of your business to the cloud can help save money. Email is often the first aspect small businesses move the the cloud as it’s an easy process and there are many benefits — cost, availability and flexibility.
3. Predictable Expenses
Fixed price arrangements are an excellent way to reduce costs. Predictable expenses month to month can help keep your cash-flow in check and stress levels low.
4. Virus Protection
Virus cleanups are costly and are one of the biggest time and productivity drains on a business. Prevention is the best cure. Installing a centrally managed and monitored AV solution is the easiest and cheapest way to curb virus issues and catch them before they cause any real damage.
5. Proactive Maintenance
Paying your IT provider to perform proactive maintenance on your network may seem counter-intuitive when it comes to cutting costs. However, over the lifetime of your equipment, you will have fewer problems and business critical issues can be caught before they cause any downtime. Monitoring and preventative cleanups are the core of proactive maintenance and are often cheaper than you’d expect.
Elevate can help you cut IT costs — get in contact with us today and see where you could be saving money!