3 Tech Challenges That Small Businesses Commonly Face

Technology and business are now intertwined. As predicted by Gartner, the American research and advisory firm, in the next five years, the CIOs can expect digital revenue growth from 16 percent to 37 percent. Companies will increase their investments and dependencies on IT resources. However, technological challenges in the industry will still continue to grow, especially for the smaller ones. With the growing number of providers of IT solutions in Tampa, New York, Washington, Boston, and elsewhere in the USA, attempts are being taken to minimize these challenges. But if the smaller companies keep themselves away from the technological advancement, difficulties of IT can never be solved. So here are three challenges they face and how the right IT solution providers can help such small enterprises.

Data Loss

When compared to large organization, the amount of data these small organizations deal with are small. But that does not mean there can be no issue of data loss. Rather a research conducted by Price Waterhouse Coopers found that 70 percent of small businesses experience data loss, which can give them a major setback. Even if these companies cannot allocate a huge budget for data storage, backup and protection, there are IT solution providers that can help them overcome this major problem of data loss, at an affordable rate.

Information Management

Even if the sizes of the companies are small, but it can still generate large amount of data like sales numbers, financial reports, website analytics, and so on. It is important to update the information regularly because the data keep on changing.

To overcome this challenge, there are IT tools like dashboard that can help to update the information and monitor key performance indicators.

Upgrade Technology

Even after a business has installed the latest technology to simplify work, the challenge still remains because if these solutions are not updated, it fails to get the optimum output. This means, companies have to invest in getting updated services. Thankfully, managed service providers are here to help. There are even vendors that offer these tools on rent. So the small companies do not have to worry about the updates, because the service providers would already be updating the IT solutions to offer them the latest services.

If you are looking for such IT solutions in Tampa, Miami and other parts of Florida’s technology hub, discuss the services that the providers offer in details. It is better to look for providers that specialize in offering IT solutions to small and mid-sized organizations. They would be better equipped to understand your needs and offer the most appropriate solutions.  

An Introduction To Managed Services In The Cloud

Have you implemented a cloud-based application for your business lately? We are sure, by now you have understood that this deployment is not an end in itself – it's really just the beginning. The changes that come along with such investments – induction of new vendors, new productivity target, new usage patterns and above all a sudden surge in the demand for resources to manage these newly acquired applications – often compel many companies to deploy their limited numbers of IT guys across roles in which they may have little experience. And the result? Mistakes and slowing down of operations. If you don't want your IT team to get bogged down with the burden of managing a host of applications, cloud management may be an ideal solution for you. Wondering whom to turn to for help? Firms that provide managed IT services – you can find them in any big US cities such as Tampa. However, before tying up with a managed service provider (MSP) partner, first get a better understanding of the term cloud management. That will give you a fair idea about the scope of these services. 

What is Cloud Management?

To begin with, you will need this service if you have your applications running on public cloud. Your managed service provider (MSP) will manage your mission-critical applications, so that your team can carry on with their projects in an uninterrupted manner.  

These services are generally delivered under an annual contract. With your MSP taking care of the cloud environment and applications residing therein, you don’t have to worry about their day-to-day maintenance. Simply keep on building new apps, and hand them over to the MSP when they are ready to go live. Going forward, when you need to add some critical features or enhancements to the application, your cloud partner would help you with that process as well. This is an important progress over traditional premise-based system.

How much value you can reap from your newly implemented cloud applications depends on how well you maintain and enhance them over time. If you are a mid-sized business that cannot afford a highly skilled IT team, opt for cloud management services. It is not difficult to find a competent managed IT service provider in emerging IT hubs like Tampa. However, before hiring just about any company, research the market to learn about the important role that MSPs can play in a public cloud dominated IT landscape.

Why If-It-Ain't-Broke-Don't-Fix-It Attitude Is Not Safe In Maintaining It Setup

Leveraging technology in business is not just a wise move anymore, it is the only move to survive and thrive in the online trading arcade. Although establishing and operating an IT setup is not exactly puzzling, maintaining it does require expert help. But, companies often avoid keeping a watchful eye on IT setups until the problems threaten their business processes. While this may save a few bucks, it also makes your vulnerable to costly and time-consuming IT repairs in the long-run. In the online market, round the clock presence and quality of services are everything. So, downtime in your business for critical repairs will cost you both clients and money. Only preventive IT maintenance can solve this problem. Let us discuss how opting for effective IT consulting in Tampa and other IT hubs in the U.S. can benefit your business.

Maintenance Can Avoid Accidents

Your IT setup takes care of your business operations and serves as a bridge between different business sectors. When working appropriately, IT setup can maintain the flow of information while automating multi-module business operations. However, any glitch in this automated system can cause your whole process to falter. Only preventive maintenance can identify glitches in operation and rectify them before they turn into serious issues.

Maintenance Can Protect Information

Since IT channels are tasked with receiving, storing, and sending information, glitches can expose your sensitive data. Losing control over your company's valuable records or client-based data, can damage your business reputation. However, with maintenance experts fixing or updating your system remotely (as quickly as they appear), your information database will always be secure.

Modern Business is All about Automation

Automating repetitive business tasks gives you more time to work on business creativity. The same principle applies in automating the IT setup maintenance that will help you avoid calling in experts to handle things manually after a system failure. Instead, you will get an army of professionals working remotely on your IT setup to keep everything running smoothly.

There is also an issue of impaired communication (with clients and resources) every time your system suffers a seizure without maintenance. This is often the reason for losing clients and making bad business decisions. Preventive IT maintenance can remedy these situations. Maintenance is an extension of smart business strategy that progressive companies are embracing. Your business too can benefit from IT consulting services in Tampa and other booming technology hubs in the US. Switch to an outsourced IT management and see how simple it is to retain clients, strengthen business and save money.

Mobile App Onboarding: 3 Best Tips To Improve User Retention

Tampa, Florida has a promising future when it comes to the development of feature-rich and user-friendly mobile apps. Of late, the IT companies in the Bay area are focusing on mobile app on-boarding to improve user retention. Now, what is mobile app on-boarding? It's a series of activities that help you convert first-time visitors into active and loyal users. This is a continuous process, and not any feature that you integrate into the app. So, if a mobile application development is already on your list, you must consult with an IT solutions provider in Tampa to make the on-boarding process simple and effective. Here are three best tips that hold the key to success:

1. Use Less Log-in or Sign-up Fields

Less is more. Lengthy forms are a big 'NO' on the mobile platform due to smaller screen size. Allow the users to log-in or sign-up in a single step, using their social networking account. However, some apps may require more data, like service-oriented apps. Make sure that you ask only for the essential information.

2. Provide Prompt Feedback

Feedback is beneficial with regard to mobile app on-boarding, especially to identify errors or to achieve a successful authentication process. For instance, you can provide feedback when a user's password criteria fail. A quick feedback helps users to figure out why their password didn't match the criteria. Be clear and contextual while offering feedback. It will reduce errors and ensure smooth app navigation.

3. Focus on Accurate and Focused Information

Mobile app users digest information quickly if it is correct and focused. On-boarding screens must provide information via a single screen to prevent information overload. This is useful if you are using benefit or function-oriented apps where your goal is to communicate value or display important app functionalities.

The future of Tampa’s application development is bright. According to a 2011 data published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are about 4,130 professional app developers that Tampa corporations support. Needless to say, if you are planning a mobile app on-boarding, a Tampa-based IT company can easily make the process a seamless one. Choose wisely to give your user an enriching experience and your business the exposure it deserves. Tampa corporations steadily support about 4,130 professional app developers.