The tech you need for your emerging business

By Evelyn James

Emerging businesses can tap into a vast resource of cutting edge and next-generation technology. The previously prohibitive costs of business tech have given way to greater accessibility, meaning even small businesses and startups can stock up on useful, scalable and powerful technology to help them grow.

Networking technology

Every business needs a strong, reliable and secure internet network. Choosing a broadband provider is the first step. Most of the main brands such as BT, TalkTalk and Plusnet offer business broadband packages that provide routers, WiFI extension hubs and network switches.

Fiber optic is widely available in the US and the UK and services that operate on the OpenReach G.fast network can extend to speeds beyond 300mb/s.

Larger business premises may need multiple routers or WiFi extenders. Network switches/hubs are essential for connecting VoIP phone services, printers and other peripherals. It’s also wise to consider a backup internet service to keep your business internet online when you suffer internet dropouts. Contracting with a company that provides wifi testing services is a good idea, too. This will help to assure you that your network is operating a peak efficiency.

Backup internet services run off 4G and completely prevent network downtime, regardless of whether an internet issue is on the ISP’s end or an internal issue with your networking gear.

Hosted VoIP services

VoIP – Voice over IP – is a reliable, scalable and efficient telephony technology that enables your business to make phone calls over their internet connection. This circumvents the need to set up landlines and pay for line rental.

VoIP phones allow employees to login into their phone, log calls, arrange call-backs and even log data to linked CRMs (customer relationship management). They work from anywhere with an internet connection, ideal for work-from-home users and businesses that move between premises often.

Hosted VoIP providers have been around for more than 25 years, according to Broadband And Phones. By 2025, the entire UK-wide telecoms network will migrate from the traditional PSTN network to the newer VoIP network, so equipping your business with VoIP phones now takes advantage of the tech whilst future-proofing for 2025.

Network security

Data breach is a colossal ongoing issue for businesses of all sizes. Cisco reported that 94% of UK businesses suffered a cyber attack in 2018 with a remarkable 69% suffering losses of over £350,000 as a result. Gov.uk statistics signalled an increase in data breaches over 2020, citing that protecting employees from data breach at home is a top priority.

Most businesses should consider using a VPN. Virtual private networks – VPNs – send internet data through an encrypted tunnel for security purposes.

Business VPNs usually provide a dedicated IP address with a dedicated server, and employees can log in through the same portal. This is perfect for working on-premises and at home, where employees can still log in via their VPN for flexible business security.

VPNs can also be used to carry VoIP connections so calls benefit from encrypted security. Again, this can be set up on business premises, at home, or anywhere else with an internet connection.

Specialized software

Business software was once confined to MS Office and a handful of other applications. Now, there are near-limitless software options that allow businesses to drill down into what they really need. From CRM software to virtual collaborative working environments such as Slack, Trello and Asana, establishing a clear set of business software from the start keeps everyone on the same page. Planning what software you’ll need for the year ahead also allows you to take out cheaper, longer-term licenses.

AI and data

AI and data analysis suites have become accessible to businesses of every shape and size. AI platforms can assist with everything from accounting and document creation to marketing, advertising, sales and client/customer management.

Keeping track of your finances is essential for any emerging business, but hiring in-house accountants can be expensive. Automating time-consuming tasks such as accounting, payroll and tax returns is simple with AI accounting software like Xero and QuickBooks. AI-powered document automation streamlines and simplifies the creation and management of contracts and other legal documents.

Emerging businesses should also focus on data infrastructure. Consider what databases you’ll need now and in the future, e.g. traditional on-site relational databases, cloud databases or off-site data centres. Always make sure to keep secure backups on a separate platform.

Once you start collecting data, you’ll need to use anomaly detection to analyze and make the correct decisions for your business. Without an automated software, this traditional process could take a long time and limit impact, according to the experts at Avora. Cloud data analysis suites make data collection, management and analysis much easier, empowering businesses with better business intelligence. Taking advantage of next-gen SaaS allows emerging businesses to quickly scale data management without prohibitive cost.

There are more options available to business than ever before and the choice can become overwhelming. It’s always best to take tech seriously from the outset and to methodically pinpoint what you need now, and what you’ll need in the future when your emerging business progresses.

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Evelyn James is an emerging freelancer who’s passionate about entrepreneurship, copywriting, and the latest social media trends. When she’s isn’t writing, she can be found either scrolling through Pinterest or rereading Harry Potter for the hundredth time.

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