Technology, and specifically information technology, is now a vital part of running a business no matter the sector in which you operate. On the most basic level, almost every enterprise needs a web presence and will use email to keep in touch with clients, customers, suppliers and employees. Unless you are just running a hypothetical tiny village shop that only stocks local produce then it’s hard to imagine any business not valuing tech connectivity.

A sound investment 

However, beyond the basics, many small businesses view digital connectivity solutions as an expensive luxury that will have to wait until they are more established. That is a mistake, as neglecting connectivity can seriously hinder a business’s growth. Investing in connectivity will soon pay for itself by reducing overheads, attracting a better standard of employee, improved responsiveness, general time saving and ultimately more business. Those that don’t invest will soon find that they are left behind, struggling with using an outdated business model that is expensive and inefficient.

Broadband or Ethernet 

When first considering the extent to which you need to be connected, you’ll need to decide how information is to be transmitted. For many small businesses, a fast, reliable broadband connection will be adequate. However, with standard broadband, you will be sharing your connection to the wider network with other users in your area, which means that speeds can vary during busy times of the day and your connections may not be 100% secure against fraud or hackers.

The alternative is to pay for a dedicated Ethernet connection, which is faster and more reliable than broadband. That may be the best option for an optimally connected business that makes extensive use of cloud computing, VOIP calling and video conferencing. An end-to-end connection is recommended for businesses that regularly handle sensitive information like financial details and health records, or that want to run servers over multiple locations. Matching upload and download speeds also makes transferring large amounts of data faster and more reliable.

Using the cloud

Cloud computing has many benefits for businesses both large and small and is fast becoming the standard way of working. Anyone working on a project can have access to the same data and documents, facilitating collaboration and real-time analytics. It’s important for this to work smoothly however that everyone uses the same formats and versions. The best solution is to use a dedicated cloud-based software solution. If you can find competitive Office 365 pricing, the excellent package supports business-class email, document hosting and calendars all on the cloud, and can be accessed from anywhere via multiple devices.

Another advantage of the cloud is that it allows remote working, potentially reducing overheads for small businesses, as well as attracting the best and brightest employees who value their work-life balance. Meanwhile, clients and customers can access information on the cloud without having to request it from your business, giving them a better user experience while saving you time.

Digital connectivity ultimately means a faster, more efficient and more collaborative way of working. That means your business can do more for less in a shorter amount of time. Connecting is what business is all about, and technology is the best tool to achieve that.