The business technology landscape is constantly changing. Keeping up with the latest trends, apps, tools, and platforms can be challenging for small-to-medium sized businesses who have limited resources and staff time. How do you stay up to date on the latest buzzwords – cryptocurrency, AI, the blockchain, IoT – and identify which new technologies will benefit your business?
You’re probably utilizing many of these new technologies already, at least personally. Take IoT for example. IoT stands for Internet of Things. Do you ask Siri for the weather, or track your steps with a Fitbit that syncs to your smartphone? If so, you are connected to the Internet of Things, and you may not have even known it. These days, we are increasingly connected, and it’s often easier to grasp the simpler benefits of personal use IoT devices than the business ones.
There are many questions to answer when it comes to IoT for business. As a small-to-medium sized business owner, would a virtual personal assistant, like Amazon’s Alexa or Google Home create cost-saving efficiencies, or could it compromise your cybersecurity? Will temperature monitoring capabilities and smart lights improve your office environment and cut costs?
Here are some business benefits of IoT:
· Have a virtual assistant: Google Assistant or Amazon’s Alexa can connect to your smartphone as well as control other devices for you. The assistant role really comes into play when you connect these devices to note-taking tools, task management systems, your calendars, or your social media accounts.
· Cut down on multitasking: Most of us are not great at multitasking, so IoT is a great tool to help you make the most of your time by setting up workflows that compile the things you need in one place. Programs like Google Drive, OneNote, or Trello, allow you to customize a notification or data system that works best for your business.
· Automate office maintenance: Take some of the pressure off yourself by automating your office routine with some IoT devices. With a smart office, you’ll never have to worry about leaving the lights on or locking the door again.
· Communicate better with your team: Some of the routine reminders and updates that you share with your employees could be streamlined with the help of IoT. With tools like Skype, Slack, or GroupMe, you can share information with your team at specific times, like sending pertinent information to your employees before a meeting, without lifting a finger.
· Monitor your competitors: Keeping an eye on your competition can give you an edge. Try using the search and keyword function on services like Twitter or Reddit to get notified when there’s an update in your industry.
Don’t let the ever-changing IT environment overwhelm you. Partner with a Managed Service Provider like STEADfast IT. We stay up to date on the latest business technologies so you don’t have to. We’re there for you for your traditional IT concerns, like ransomware and phishing attacks, or network monitoring and disaster recovery. But we’re also there to make sure your business is not left behind in this fast-moving landscape. Call us with any of your IT questions.
Contact STEADfast IT today! We offer comprehensive IT services including:
• Virtual CIO
• Systems Assessment
• Strategic IT Consultant
• Server Support
• Network Management
• Mobile Device Support
• Off-Site Backup
• Anti-Virus Protection
• Device Monitoring
• End-user support
Don’t let IT inundate you. Get STEADfast IT in your corner today for all your technology concerns.
