There’s a Way to Solve These 5 Common Business IT Problems

There are many common IT issues that businesses face that block them from achieving their goals. Although, hearing that your IT problems are “common” is often little comfort when it’s hindering your ability to meet your business objectives. You want solutions, not a hollow reassurance that “you’re not alone.”

On the upside, having a common problem usually means there’s a fairly straightforward fix for it. IT experts have seen many other situations like yours, so they’ll have plenty of practical knowledge on effective solutions.

In this article, we’ll look at some of the most frustratingly common IT problems in business. Without getting too into the weeds, we’ll also provide a few tips on how to fix it and what to do when you can’t.

1. Slow Internet

Slow performance is certainly one of the most common problems in IT. This goes for both business and personal use. It’s also one of the simplest ones to solve without help (assuming there isn’t a bigger underlying issue).

If you’re running into slow internet, you can try these to see if it helps.

• Clear your browser's cache. This can often speed up your internet browsing.
• Restart your modem or router. This can help reset your internet connection.
• Limit the number of devices connected to your network at once. Too many devices can slow down the speed.

If none of the above works, that could indicate a bigger problem. The biggest mistake you can make in this situation is to try and solve problems without knowing exactly what you're dealing with. Many business owners waste a lot of time and money stabbing in the dark, don’t let yourself become one of them.

Instead, talk to computer network experts about your issues. They can give you a complete, accurate picture of what's going wrong. This will help you ensure that any time or money you spend on improvements will actually make things better.

2. Security Risks

Cybercriminals are evolving as quickly as the technology they compromise. As a result, saving yourself from data breaches can seem a bit tricky. Making sure you update your software applications whenever they tell you they need it is number one, but there are a few more steps a business can take.

• Use strong passwords and change them regularly.
• Avoid predictable password patterns.
• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) where available.

Partnering with a managed cybersecurity services provider makes it even easier to stay secure. They can do all of the above for you, so you don’t have to spend any time on it. Plus, they’re capable of detecting those pesky hidden risks that aren’t as easy to spot without help.

3. Complicated Cloud Services

The cloud is supposed to make data management easier. It offers a centralised repository for all your data that anyone can access from anywhere. Yet, navigating cloud platforms can be needlessly complicated.

Here’s a few quick pointers on simpler cloud usage.

• Organise your files into clearly labelled folders.
• Utilise cloud syncing across your devices for seamless access.
• Regularly backup your data to prevent loss.

Better yet, reach out to a managed cloud service provider. They’ll take cloud maintenance tasks off your plate all together. If you feel your cloud adoption could have been done better, managed cloud providers can also perform the whole migration process with configuration best practices in mind.

4. Navigating Remote Work

According to the 2021 census, 20% of Australians work from home. This is rather convenient for many business owners and employees. It saves them on the cost of office space and time on the commute. The problem arises when technology gets in the way of effective communication.

Here’s a few quick tips on how you can make it easier.

• Utilise tools such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Google Workspace.
• Train your staff on any tools relevant to their work.
• Establish protocols for regular check-ins and updates.
• Ensure any devices that connect to your office network stay protected off-site

If technology-induced communication barriers persist, let a managed IT provider assess your infrastructure. Then, they’ll recommend and implement better new technologies.

5. Making IT Cost-Effective

It’s no secret that IT costs are rising. This is putting pressure on small businesses with limited budgets who still need IT solutions. Many are tempted to cut IT spending, but this is not the right approach. Ironically, cutting spending on helpful solutions can wind up costing you more in the long run.

Instead, you should compare your IT spend to each solution’s business value. Anything that produces good value should stick around even if it has a higher upfront cost. Look beyond the initial price tag and instead consider how it could save you from costly problems down the road.

Think of it this way, a cheap plumbing system isn’t really all that cheap if you keep needing to call in the plumber for repairs. IT solutions are similar.

You Don’t Need to Solve These, or Any Other Common Technology Problems, on Your Own

We hope that some of our quick little tricks can help you, but know that you don’t need to solve your IT problems on your own. If a quick fix won’t work, and you keep seeing the same problems over and over again, consider managed services.

Sensible Business Solutions is an Australian managed IT services provider that focuses on using technology to solve business problems. We offer solutions to all of the aforementioned common IT problems and can be that expert in every case where one is mentioned.

Our goal is to make your IT invisible - in the sense that it runs so well that you won’t even notice it's there. Our focus isn’t simply on fixing IT problems, it’s on stopping them from happening in the first place.

While having these tips on hand can be helpful, consider contacting us. We can do it all for you so you can focus on running your business.