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Small Biz Tech: 4 Easy Ways for Small Businesses to Update Their IT Systems

Anica Oaks

August 25, 2015

Technology can allow even the smallest business to compete with the largest corporation. It stands as the great equalizer, but it is not without certain compromises.

Updating IT infrastructure is one of those compromises can potentially leave businesses vulnerable to attacks, daily setbacks and malfunctioning IT components. Businesses that fail to do so often meet even greater disadvantages than they would face without technology.

The good news is that there are four easy ways that even small businesses can keep their IT updated. Let's explore those means.

1. Invest in Software with Automatic Updates

Software is one half of the whole that makes any IT infrastructure. This is why ensuring that software is updated will go an incredible way towards keeping that infrastructure current.

Investing in software that automatically updates can make updating significantly easier. Patch software and other complicated procedures may be avoided by opting for this streamlined process.

Take WordPress as an example. It is used as the back end for countless business websites, so much so that an estimated 74 million sites use it. These sites are kept secure by the regular automatic updates WordPress provides.

2. Cloud-Based Technology

Another option for keeping IT updated is to separate the software from the hardware. Cloud-based services can provide software, services and even entire operating environments without hosting them on a local machine.

This can make updating as simple as just updating the software on the cloud. Clients can then copy any updates, which in turn makes things even simpler.

3. Keep Data Separate

One way to make updating hardware significantly easier is to keep data separate from the machines. This can be as simple as utilizing a drive for data storage that is separate from the operating system drive.

When the time to upgrade a computer arrives, the hard drive can be removed before upgrading. This can allow for the maximum amount of data to be retained.

The downside is that some programs may fail to work without some fixing.

4. Invest in Managed IT Services

Another way to make updating IT easier is to invest in managed IT services. Services like those provided by Ette can allow you to regularly update your technology every few years.

The best part is that these services specialize in providing IT support and repairing computers, which means moving data is a relatively easy task. Couple this with the cost-saving nature they tend to have, and this may make updating your IT attractive and easier.

Keeping Your Small Business's IT Updated

Caring for IT systems requires a significant amount of effort. They must be maintained, replaced, and updated as they become obsolete.

Failing to do so can hinder small businesses, which can keep them from fully utilizing the advantages that this technology should bring.

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