Here’s What Will Likely Shape the Year Ahead
This past year was a big one for IT. Nearly all areas experienced growth, but especially in infrastructure to support remote work. The pandemic helped demonstrate how important updated IT infrastructure can be—without it businesses of any size or location can put their customers’ and employees’ sensitive information at risk. But with the right investments, businesses can improve productivity while saving money. It’s a win-win.
With that in mind, businesses need to be aware of changes in the IT industry so they can best protect their businesses and customers by making the necessary updates. Let’s look at the most important IT trends of 2022, and how understanding these trends can help foster success in 2023 and beyond.
Remote Employees Drive Need for IT Services
A significant challenge faced by many industries was the need for reliable IT services for remote employees. With businesses continuing to either mandate or allow employees to work from home, they needed to find ways to ensure their information would stay protected.
To address this issue, many businesses started working with IT service providers like Echopath to help with their IT and cybersecurity needs. Echopath can install, support and maintain all the users’ devices and PCs connected to the network. Since they manage devices remotely, they’re available to assist employees with concerns as soon as they arise.
More Automation
Between inflation and staffing issues, costs are rising. As a result, many small business owners must look after more of the repetitive but necessary tasks that don’t bring much value to the business. But some businesses are getting smarter about how many things can be automated, including email marketing and data entry. Business owners don’t have to do everything on their own, especially when they can automate many of these essential daily tasks. Implementing automation leaves business owners and employees less stressed while freeing up time for higher-valued tasks.
Cyber Attacks
This trend refuses to go away. In fact, cybercriminals are getting smarter and bolder. In 2022, we saw cyber attacks against the Israeli and Polish governments; the school system in Albuquerque, New Mexico; and large businesses such as Uber and Crypto.com.
No business is exempt from cyber attacks . Many small businesses don’t prioritize cybersecurity, and cybercriminals know this. They will try to target and compromise businesses that they think are an easy target. Proper cybersecurity training for employees is crucial, as well as securing your network to reduce the risk of hackers gaining access to critical information. Echopath can come up with a plan to reduce those risks.
If you’re a small-business owner, it’s essential to include your business’s IT needs in your plans for 2023. Doing so will allow you to stay ahead of your competition while ensuring your employees and customers are well protected.