Tom founded Econstruction Consulting, a company that recently developed Project Management Software PX360, which has quickly gained the trust of builders in Australia, leading to rapid team expansion. With over ten employees working both in Sydney and internationally, coordinating daily tasks through Dropbox became problematic. Tom learned about our services through previous engagements involving laptop repairs, purchases, and upgrades. We recommended a SharePoint solution to better suit his business needs. Within a month, we assisted Econstruct Consulting in transitioning their email from a web-based service to Microsoft 365, establishing a SharePoint intranet, setting up a document management system, and configuring Teams. Additionally, we trained his team on adapting to the SharePoint-based system.
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1. Essential IT Infrastructure:
• Reliable Devices: Ensure everyone has a work computer (desktop or laptop) that meets your business needs. Consider factors like software requirements and portability for some roles.
• Operating System & Software: Choose a business-oriented operating system (e.g., Windows 10 Pro or macOS) and standardize on a productivity suite (e.g., Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace).
• Secure Internet Connection: Invest in a reliable business-grade internet connection to avoid disruptions and ensure smooth workflow.
2. Communication & Collaboration Tools:
• Email & File Sharing: Use cloud-based solutions for email and file sharing to improve accessibility and remote work capabilities.
• Communication Platform: Explore options like Slack or Microsoft Teams for instant messaging, video conferencing, and project management.
3. Data Security & Backup:
• Antivirus & Anti-malware: Implement robust antivirus and anti-malware software to protect your devices and network from security threats.
• Data Backup: Set up a regular data backup system (local and/or cloud-based) to ensure you can recover information in case of hardware failure or cyberattacks.
• Employee Training: Educate your employees on cybersecurity best practices like creating strong passwords and phishing email awareness.
4. IT Support:
• Managed IT Services (Optional): Consider outsourcing your IT needs to a managed service provider (MSP) who can handle maintenance, troubleshooting, and security updates for a monthly fee.
• Internal IT Staff (Optional): For more complex needs, you might explore hiring an internal IT professional to manage your network in-house.
Additional Tips:
• Needs Assessment: Carefully consider your specific business needs and budget before making IT decisions.
• Scalability: Choose solutions that can scale up as your business grows.
• Cloud-Based Solutions: Cloud-based solutions can offer cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and easier data accessibility for your team.
By following these steps, you can establish a solid IT foundation that keeps your small business productive and secure. Remember, consulting with an IT professional can help you tailor these recommendations to your specific business.