Business in the modern day is influenced by several new elements, with IT technology being one which — just a few decades ago — was non-existent. 

Technology has a significant role to play when it comes to end-users, sellers and manufacturers in today’s marketplace. There’s no portion of the supply or business chains which haven’t felt the effects of technological advances in one way or another. Even service vendors such as dentists, accountants, realtors and various others are affected by advances in IT, as it’s the very nature of the market which has been changed. 

However, the basic requirements of businesses remain unchanged: they need clients, a competent workforce and an effective strategy for growth. Today, businesses employ technology to achieve these fundamental objectives. 

Technology and the internet have not only made it possible for businesses to present themselves in front of a global audience, but have also provided them access to resources across the globe. For example, online freelance markets present employers with a pool of skilled workers from all over the world. 

In today’s business environment, it’s very possible to have a London-based company offering both IT support and IT security for a firm based in Brazil which is catering to Australian clients. 

Undoubtedly, it’s a unique time to be in business. 

As is natural with every new project, without the right people, the right tools and the right direction, making progress towards success isn’t possible.

IT Consultancy

Every day there’s a new device, software or application out in the market which claims to be the best of its kind and a complete game-changer for its user. Even if it’s backed by a reputable firm and has accreditations from industry experts, this doesn’t mean it will be a good fit for every business. Choosing the right IT product for the task at hand is the first step towards getting proper use out of any product and achieving your desired goal. 

The IT consulting industry has grown exponentially in the last decade and is now worth nearly half a trillion dollars. Not only are there thousands of IT consulting firms around the globe, but with the countless IT solutions available to choose from, it’s become pertinent for any business to undergo a thorough IT consultation and evaluation by experts to smoothly implement the latest technological advances into business operations. 

A good IT consultation will demonstrate how well your current technology is working and how much it’s contributing to performance. Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of your current system gives a starting point for further development. 

This process will clearly outline which areas need development, what needs to be added and what needs to be removed in order to make space for improvement. 

Cloud Computing and Software as a Service (SaaS)

Cloud computing isn’t a new concept, but what’s now possible through cloud computing is unlike anything we’ve seen in the past. The developments made here are of significant importance for businesses in every industry. 

A huge benefit for businesses is the ability to rapidly scale using cloud technology, and have application-specific tasks managed by the cloud. For instance, if an organization is using different management systems for different brands and then managing the sales for each separately, inventory and delivery for each brand will be a hassle. If all this information is synced and transferred to a single cloud service, it makes the process significantly more manageable and improves efficiency while reducing costs. 

Additionally, cloud computing makes room for businesses to incorporate Software as a Service (SaaS) more effectively. Rather than needing to manage every SaaS application separately by several staff members, they can all be integrated through the cloud service and managed from a single location. Not only does this reduce workload and workforce requirements, but it makes more success possible through a streamlined procedure. 

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

Taking things a step further from SaaS, Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) provides small business owners with one packaged product that has tools for a variety of different tasks. Rather than needing to purchase dedicated hardware and software for particular tasks, IaaS solutions provide businesses with the same functionality through a virtual interface. 

IaaS services can range from simple tasks such as web hosting, back-up and recovery, testing and development to more advanced features such as complex computing and analysis which often require expensive hardware. 

Unique Selling Point (USP)

For all intents and purposes, the internet is now the ‘go-to place’ for customers and shoppers. While they may eventually buy from a brick and mortar store, browsing through a few sites to review available products and tentative prices are becoming the norm (even in places where e-commerce hasn’t gained much traction). The huge consumer base of social media site users illustrates just how the internet is ever-increasing in the amount of consistent traffic it receives on a regular and daily basis. 

By shifting to modern IT support solutions, having a digital presence, and developing more tools of engagement with potential clients, businesses can create for themselves a unique selling point (USP). In fact, businesses which recently had nothing to do with the online marketplace are now receiving more clients through their doors because of online visibility. 

Through undergoing a similar IT transformation, businesses can give current and new clients services that weren’t possible previously. Dedicated business apps, business websites, digital communication and digital content all give clients more value for their money and keep them coming back. 

Conclusion

Today, there’s both consumer demand and economic feasibility for businesses to incorporate modern IT solutions. This has the potential to create exponential growth and make them relatively ‘future proof’, to an extent. 

In the coming years, as technology becomes a norm for most of the global population, businesses will need to transition towards digital commerce to survive. The Covid-19 shutdown has already demonstrated how difficult it can be for businesses to manage themselves if traditional markets cease to exist.