As you review your end-of-year budgets and prepare your financial plans for 2023, how are you allocating funds for technology? In today’s uncertain economic times, it can be difficult to invest large amounts of your small business budget. We’re here to reassure you that the right IT investments don’t need to be expensive to bring you success and security. Let’s explore a few top reasons why evaluating your current IT environment and investing in the proper technology will help you achieve your business goals in 2023 and beyond.
Cybersecurity attacks are one of the top issues facing businesses of all sizes and industries, but small businesses are especially at risk. According to Accenture’s Cost of Cybercrime Study, 43% of cyber attacks target small businesses, but only 14% are adequetly prepared to defend themselves. The best security defense is a multi-layered one — relying on one security solution is no longer enough to protect your business. While security needs vary from business to business, there are several common tools and services we recommend investing in including Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), email security, DNS security, and Managed Detection and Response (MDR). Your business should also strongly consider preparing your team with frequent cybersecurity trainings, as research has found that 88% of data breaches are caused by human error.
Nowadays, customers are expecting a highly personalized experience, and if they don’t receive that, you could risk losing their business. The right technology tools can make this process easier and more efficient. Chatbots are one technology tool to consider investing in. In fact, the chatbot market is expected to reach $1.23 billion globally by 2025. Not only are chatbots able to respond quicker to customer questions, they have also been shown to provide better, more personalized interactions with the help of AI and natural language processing. Plus, chatbots free up your team’s time, allowing them to focus on more important tasks. By investing in technology tools that improve your customer experience will garner many benefits for your business.
While investing in customized software may seem unachievable for small to medium sized businesses, think again. Forbes notes that, “Software development companies of today are looking for the next advance in smart software and beyond to turn a small business or startup into the next billion-dollar project… Small businesses have access to development, business software, apps and other products that are even better than the varieties used by big corporations from a couple of decades ago.” Whether you need a specialized app to interact with your customers or you’re in need of a custom cloud solution, software development is worth the investment.
One of the most important technology investments your business can make is a trusted managed IT service provider (MSP), especially if your business has limited IT resources. The right MSP will give you access to world-class technology expertise, provide top-notch security solutions, and give you the peace of mind of business continuity no matter what — all at predictable costs that work for your budget.
If you’re considering an MSP for 2023, look no further than AllConnected. We can provide 24×7 support services, strengthen your cybersecurity strategy, and ensure your IT infrastructure remains resilient. With over 20 years of experience, we know what it takes to get to know your business, build long-term relationships, and implement technology to support your business success. Learn more our service offerings or reach out to us directly. We look forward to connecting with you!