Australian Hammer Supplies, a premier Kubota dealer with multiple locations in Sydney, Canberra, Nowral, and Bowral, first engaged our support services 10 years ago when they operated solely out of one office in Sydney. From upgrading a single computer to implement a fiber network, installing business IP phones across all branches, establishing a SharePoint intranet, and enhancing security through firewalls, VPNs, and endpoint protection, to local and cloud backup solutions, Concise IT has been pivotal in fostering customer success. We visit their sites weekly, allowing us to know each user and their specific needs intimately. This close relationship enables us to fully grasp the business’s demands and deliver the most effective support possible.
A business with more than 20 employees, your IT requirements become more complex compared to a smaller team. Here’s a breakdown of key areas to focus on:
1. Essential IT Infrastructure:
• Standardization: Maintain consistency by providing standardized desktops or laptops with a business-oriented operating system (Windows 11 Pro or macOS) and a common productivity suite (Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace).
• Network Infrastructure: Invest in a robust and secure business-grade network infrastructure to handle increased traffic and data flow. This might involve considering network segmentation for security purposes.
• Remote Work Capabilities: As some employees might work remotely, ensure secure remote access solutions (VPNs) and explore collaboration tools for seamless communication.
2. Communication & Collaboration:
• Cloud-Based Solutions: Prioritize cloud-based solutions for email, file sharing, document collaboration, and project management. This improves accessibility and fosters teamwork even with a geographically dispersed team.
• Communication Platform: Implement a communication platform like Slack or Microsoft Teams to streamline communication, file sharing, and video conferencing for efficient collaboration.
3. Data Security & Backup:
• Strong Cybersecurity Measures: Implement robust antivirus, anti-malware, and endpoint protection software to safeguard devices on your network.
• Data Backup & Recovery: Establish a comprehensive data backup and recovery plan that includes regular backups (local and cloud-based) and disaster recovery protocols to ensure business continuity in case of emergencies.
• User Access Controls: Implement user access controls to restrict access to sensitive data based on employee roles and responsibilities.
• Security Awareness Training: Regularly train your employees on cybersecurity best practices, including password hygiene, phishing awareness, and data security protocols.
4. IT Support:
• Managed IT Services (Consider): Outsourcing your IT needs to a Managed Service Provider (MSP) can be a cost-effective solution. An MSP can handle maintenance, monitoring, troubleshooting, security updates, and even provide helpdesk support for your employees.
• Internal IT Staff (Optional): For more complex IT needs or if you require a high level of customization, consider hiring an internal IT professional or team to manage your network in-house.
Additional Considerations:
• Scalability: Choose IT solutions that can easily scale up as your business grows in size and complexity. Cloud-based solutions are generally well-suited for this purpose.
• Compliance: Be mindful of any industry-specific regulations or data privacy laws that might influence your IT choices.
• Regular Reviews: Conduct periodic reviews of your IT infrastructure and security protocols to ensure they remain effective in the evolving technological landscape.
By addressing these aspects, you can establish a secure and scalable IT foundation that empowers your growing business. Remember, consulting with an IT professional experienced in working with small and medium businesses can provide valuable guidance in tailoring these recommendations to your specific needs.