IT Support Trends You Need to Know in 2021
If it weren’t for modern computer networking, 2020 would have been a truly horrible year for many businesses. Thankfully, IT support has made it easy for companies to keep on their feet and remain productive through even the strictest of lockdowns.
With more businesses and individuals leaning on IT support more than ever, the way we work is changing. Long after the pandemic is a distant memory, remote work will likely still be the norm for many businesses, and the newest innovations in IT support will continue to push forward to support an interconnected workforce.
Let’s take a look at some of the IT support trends you need to know in 2021. They may be fairly recent trends, but they’re already changing the way many of us do business every day.
An Expanded Use of Cloud Computing
Cloud computing and cloud storage aren’t new, but they are evolving to accommodate the way business operates. Technology that your average person only uses to store photographs and videos is now being used by businesses to allow employees access to massive datasets from anywhere in the world.
Storing the entirety of your company’s data locally is limiting, both financially and practically. Cloud storage allows all employees to access every bit of data from anywhere, and it gives businesses a decentralized location for storing this data that doesn’t require the energy and physical space that local servers do. No more data storage issues or lost data due to hardware issues makes cloud storage a very attractive and practical option for small and large enterprises alike.
Expanded Cybersecurity
Remote access to sensitive files isn’t without its risks. These risks are why extra cybersecurity measures are so necessary. Much of cybersecurity involves keeping your systems up to date so hackers and cybercriminals can’t find ways to access your data. This requires IT professionals to remain one step ahead of cybercriminals by employing the most cutting edge security protocols and monitoring for newly developing threats on a consistent basis.
Cybersecurity is one of the most pressing issues for businesses today, and more companies are hiring in extra IT support to handle cybersecurity and data security. Without the added protection, hackers could find ways to access sensitive data, which could spell big trouble for businesses.
Utilizing the Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to everything that is connected to the internet, including your computers, mobile devices, and even security systems. If you can connect it to the internet, you can control it remotely, which has become of great importance for businesses in the last year..
The IoT isn’t just popular in offices, where it can help employees access data faster and improve project management. It’s also becoming popular in everyday household settings. Lightbulbs and home security systems, thermostats and more can be operated from a cell phone or tablet from anywhere.
If you can control and access your data from anywhere, you don’t have to be in the office physically. The ability to control everything remotely is highly beneficial if you’re travelling or if something prevents your employees from physically being in the office, as we have seen recently. The IoT is continuing to grow, with a new crop of smart devices launching every season, all of which need to be connected and protected.
Automation Technology
In the simplest terms, automation technology is anything that lets you automate your workload. This technology not only takes the burden or repetitive tasks off of your employees but also reduces the likelihood of mistakes. Engineering firms and manufacturing plants have been at the forefront of this technological change, but we are seeing this discipline move into the average office as well.
Automation also takes the form of sending emails and even making telephone calls, amongst a myriad of other data transfer and storage solutions, and are just part of the way that automation can help your business. There are loads of processes in business that can be automated, freeing up staff to work on crucial tasks.
Using Mobile Applications
Being able to work from anywhere on multiple devices can be a massive benefit for your business. Employees that can work on the go can work from anywhere they happen to be, and that’s good news for both you and your employees.
Having mobile solutions that work smoothly across multiple devices means your employees can increase their productivity by using the device they have on them at any given time. They can work from home, during their commute, or while sitting in the pickup line at their child’s school. This flexibility is good for morale, but it requires extra attention to cloud access and cybersecurity.
Working Remotely
Most of the trends we have mentioned today were pushed to the forefront by necessity. With so much business conducted entirely online, it’s easy to see why you need excellent IT support in place to support your employees and your business’ growth.
The pandemic showed many businesses that things could be done differently. Many employees began working from home, which increased the need for comprehensive IT support for businesses everywhere.
For some businesses, having employees work from home will be a permanent change. For many others, a hybrid approach allows them to save costs on overhead and reduce the physical space needed to conduct day-to-day operations. As companies strive to offer better work-life balance for their employees, IT support will be more critical than ever.
Reliable IT Support for Your Wellington Business
The changing face of business means that your customers are counting on you more than ever, and you can count on us for the IT support your business needs. From reliable and secure cloud storage solutions to spectacular web design, Dynamite IT Solutions will make your business our top priority.
Contact us today to see how our IT support and other services can benefit your business. We’ll take your IT worries off your hands so you can focus on your business and your customers.