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The Essentials Of Setting Up An IT Infrastructure For Your Small Business
Small businesses are not overlooking the importance of a solid IT structure. If you're one of them and need to get your IT Infra needs set right, read ON!
Virtually all start-ups in today's business world will have to establish a secure and efficient IT infrastructure for their brand at some point. This will be the heart and soul of the business, and it is the one area you do not want to compromise. Small businesses are not overlooking the importance of a solid IT structure. IT spending has grown to $686 billion per year, while 44% of small business owners have plans to increase their technology spending in 2020. Like everything else related to your business, setting up or upgrading your IT infrastructure will take some proper planning and research. Let’s take a look at some of the essentials:
Set Up Your Phone System
There are two major phone systems for businesses: PBX, and VoIP. The most significant difference between the two is PBX is a traditional analog phone system comprising direct line-to-line connections made by an exchange, while VoIP is an on-premises or off-premises cloud-based service that transfers voice over the internet. There are many variables in between, so it is strongly recommended that you consult with a professional expert to customize the best solution for your business, and always keep speed, reliability, and voice quality in mind when deciding.
Servers and Cloud Storage
Cloud servers are increasingly becoming more popular as 92% of small businesses are now using at least one cloud business solution, and 87% already use at least one cloud infrastructure solution. Once you have your Internet provider in place, it is time to set up your network. This involves connecting computers, printers, phones, WiFi, and routers, etc., then integrating the all-important server or servers, depending on the current needs of the business. Most small businesses can get by with just one server. For about the cost of a decent desktop computer, one server can typically handle up to 25 users.
Getting Wired
Your network allows files to be shared and all peripherals like scanners, printers, etc. can be linked. This means that owners can connect two computers to a wired or wireless router, to a more complex system joining multiple workstations to servers and data storage. Proper cabling is also critical to maintaining a flexible, neat, and reliable IT infrastructure in your small business. Using wrong sized patch cables, untested and improperly functioning ethernet cables, and incorrectly placed and unprotected power cables can easily create an unlabeled, confusing mess of wire spaghetti. It is not attractive, nor is it safe or productive. That’s why it's imperative to determine wiring and cabling needs ahead of time and take precautions to avoid these common mistakes.
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The success of today's small businesses weighs heavily on the Internet and its surrounding, ever-evolving technology. When designing a modern IT infrastructure, it’s important to not only realize the current demands of the business but also to study and analyze future projected growth. You don’t want to risk having a system that ends up becoming out-dated or inadequate in the long run.
The goal is to adapt according to your current and future needs, so you don’t end up spending more time and money down the road on upgrading or new systems. You don’t want to start with too large a system that will end up unused and put a huge dent in your budget. At the same time, you also want to avoid an undersized infrastructure that might damage performance.
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What are the key lessons you have learnt while building your business thus far? Who in your circles needs to read this piece right now? Shoot us your comments below.
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Any facts, figures or references stated here are made by the author & don't reflect the endorsement of iU at all times unless otherwise drafted by official staff at iU. This article was first published here on 22nd November 2019.