There is really no way around it – maintaining a budget of any kind in an era of rising prices is difficult! However, keeping IT costs in check is necessary for any SMB to thrive in a competitive market. When looking at the overall budget, it may be tempting to cut in the area of IT service, but most companies require state-of-the-art technology capability to stay relevant. What is a small business to do? We are here to offer some advice, with 5 tips on how to manage IT costs while not giving up functionality.
- Review Your Subscriptions: A realtively easy method for saving money on IT costs is to consolidate and bundle your technology subscriptions. By assessing which subscriptions are necessary (or still needed) and which offer overlapping capability, you can lower IT costs. Streamlining and identifying empty seats or licenses is also a great way to trim the budget. Start by speaking to each vendor to fully understand what you are paying for, evaluate your needs and renegotiating your contract. Service providers are typically willing to work with customers to settle on a price that more accurately reflects the company’s current requirements. When you meet with the vendor, be prepared to talk about the organization’s goals and to have any documents reflecting what you are currently paying for.
- Implement Cloud Solutions: Another efficient way to keep your IT costs affordable is by implementing cloud service solutions. As they have evolved, cloud-based services have become more affordable than conventional on-site options – while providing the required flexibility for today’s remote and hybrid workspaces. By shifting to the cloud, small business can free up some IT budget and move it to other business needs.
Increasingly, cloud-based services include VoIP phone systems, whcih are internet based and don’t require a traditional phone line. In addition, cloud-based servers may offer a secure and less costly option. - Outsource IT Management Services: The cost of dedicated, in-house IT personnel can be prohibitive, while an outsourced managed services company offers a team of experts at far less cost. SThese service providers generally provide flexible pricing and customizable options. A managed service company that provides IT solutions can save small businesses IT costs related to software and hardware, and help to optimize existing technology infrastructure. SMBs can avoid having to maintain their own expensive hardware while not compromising functionality and commitment to quality. When it comes to personnel, the skills gap is a real issue in today’s IT departments, and keeping your personnel up to date with all the latest advances can be expensive. Managed IT services allow companies to take advantage of the most knowledgeable experts without having to recruit and train their own staff.
- Prioritize Proactive Cybersecurity: Trying to resolve an existing problem always costs more than preventing the issue in the first place. When it comes to cybersecurity, data breaches can be very expensive – not just in terms of the money lost, but also in regards to the harm your company’s reputation may suffer. Prioritizing cybersecurity helps to protect customer data and your company’s integrity. Preventing downtime will save your company money and valuable resources as well.
Reviewing and adjusting your IT costs regularly is an essential step in for optimizing budget and technology expenses. If you want help taking the first steps, call the professionals at Alliance IT – we can help you to assess your current situation, make recommendations and provide the cloud and IT services you need.
