Technology continues to change the world of business profoundly. By strategically modernizing their IT infrastructures, small- and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) can bring about innovative solutions that will allow them to achieve their full potential. So whether you’re a budding startup or a family business that has been running for generations, chances are, you could gain much from Technology-as-a-Service (TaaS).
What is Technology-as-a-Service?
TaaS is a solution that provides customers with on-demand access to technology and tech services. With the help of IT services providers, organizations can offload software, platforms, and services to the cloud and eliminate the burden and cost of owning and managing on-premises infrastructure. SMBs especially benefit from increased flexibility and freedom from geographical location constraints.
Because TaaS is on-demand, you can tap into specific resources or functions whenever you need them. This makes it easy to rapidly respond to changing business contexts, and you can be sure that you’ll be charged only for the services that you use. And since TaaS providers stay on top of their own proprietary technologies, you can take advantage of new updates and improvements as soon as they become available.
How do you know if your SMB needs TaaS?
Like any other growing business, you need to scale your tech so you have the right amount of IT infrastructure for your current workforce size and business processes. If you’re unsure whether your SMB needs TaaS, here are a few signs to look out for:
1. You’re spending too much on IT
Running an in-house IT department can be expensive, as there are hefty costs that come with implementing and maintaining your own infrastructure. Not only that, but IT personnel typically demand more compensation than other roles because of IT skills shortage. And if an IT staff has a certain specialization, like data management or cybersecurity, they most likely expect even higher pay.
With TaaS, you won’t have to procure your own tech or compensate a team of full-time IT staff. Instead, you spend a fixed amount for a set of resources or services, while reducing or completely doing away with hardware and software costs.
2. Your tech is outdated
IT continues to evolve at a rapid and steady pace, so unless your business can quickly and regularly update existing tech and modify configurations, you may end up using outdated IT that can affect your business’s performance.
With TaaS, you get access to the latest technologies for networking, collaboration, communication, data management, security, and more. Some providers will even assess your existing IT infrastructure, then recommend tech to streamline your business processes. This allows you to implement the most ideal solutions for your SMB while saving on costs across the board.
3. Your in-house IT staff don’t receive continuous training
To fully reap the benefits of technology, you want to ensure that your employees keep abreast of the latest developments in IT. Otherwise, your team risks becoming ineffective over time. Unfortunately, it can be especially challenging for SMBs to keep up with rapidly emerging tools and techniques.
The best solution is to consult with an IT services provider. Their IT experts are always updated on the latest in tech and are thus well-equipped to train your in-house staff on how to effectively utilize innovations to meet your business’s unique operational and user expectations.
4. You’re vulnerable to cyberthreats
Organizations that don't continuously update their security systems are vulnerable to all sorts of cybersecurity risks. Ransomware and zero-day attacks are just some of the most harmful cyberthreats that can cause massive and sometimes irreversible damage to businesses.
If you feel that your SMB isn’t sufficiently prepared for a cyberattack, then getting professional help can make a big difference. A TaaS provider can design and implement hardware and software solutions to ensure the security of your business. For instance, they can integrate AI and self-learning into your security systems to develop safeguards autonomously.
5. You’re having difficulty meeting compliance requirements
Depending on the type of business you run or the industry you’re in, you’ll need to comply with specific IT rules and regulations on data protection. Failure to do this can lead to hefty fines and significant reputational damage.
To remain compliant, it’s important that you audit your IT infrastructure and security systems periodically to gain insight into what needs to be improved within your environment. If you’re having trouble with this or don’t know how to go about it, let an IT services provider handle the job for you. They have the necessary resources to ensure that your network and cybersecurity measures meet all necessary compliance requirements.
Still not sure whether TaaS is right for your SMB? Get in touch with one of our experts today to learn how our hardware and software solutions optimize operations, minimize barriers, and improve your competitive edge.