5 IT Infrastructure Requirements for SMEs

What is IT Infrastructure?

Information Technology infrastructure refers to the combined components needed for the daily operation and ongoing management of IT services and environments. Infrastructure requirements mean the physical, electrical, and connectivity required to meet demand.

Why is IT Infrastructure important?

Modern technology powers nearly every business and personal consumers day to day life. From operations to delivery, businesses rely on their IT infrastructure. When properly set up, technology can be optimised to improve communication, create efficiencies, and increase productivity.

IT infrastructure should most certainly be reliable and secure, so it can help companies achieve goals and provide a competitive edge in the market. Adversely, if an IT infrastructure is not these things, it can cause businesses to face connectivity, productivity, and security issues.

How does IT Infrastructure work?

IT Infrastructure is comprised of different components such as:

• Hardware
• Software
• Facilities
• Network
• Server
• Server Room/Data Centre

Below, we look at 5 IT Infrastructure requirements that all SMEs (Small and Medium Sized Enterprises) should implement into their daily operations.

1. Correct Functioning Equipment – It is important to ensure you have the right equipment that is effective for your business, so make sure your internet/Wi-Fi is running as it should and not slowing your employees or customers down online. You should upgrade systems and servers every so often, so your daily operations are not compromised.
2. Smooth Integration to Improve Productivity – Using software that improves integration with ease of access between programs can improve productivity and decrease employee frustration.
3. Disaster and Recovery Plan – Data can be lost through security breaches, software failure or user error.  Therefore, its key to put in place a disaster and recovery plan in case of any data loss.
4. Internal and External Communication Tools – Communications tools play a vital role within a business, not just for customers but for staff too. Using Zoom or Microsoft Teams applications for weekly meetings or 1-2-1s will no doubt ensure your employees are happy and listened to. Equally, customers find virtual chatbots useful for communicating and obtaining an instant response.
5. Resilient Security Network – Cyber security should be one of the most important factors for business owners; nothing is more important than ensuring your customer’s data is kept secure. It is worth keeping aside a budget, specifically for cyber security investment to keep your business safe.

Overview

With a strong and resilient IT infrastructure, a company can give its customers confidence that their requests, orders, and personal data are handled professionally and effectively. It will also enable businesses to provide a positive customer experience by providing uninterrupted access to their website and online store. Employees will also see the benefits as having a functioning infrastructure can speed up daily operations and improve productivity and overall job satisfaction.

For help securing your IT infrastructure, contact our team of friendly experts – Magnetar IT | Contact Us – Magnetar IT