A huge amount has changed for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) over the past year, with many making the transition to remote and flexible work schedules. With employees now based outside of the physical office for many Ontario-based businesses, IT solutions and technology choices are becoming increasingly important for business success.
Small business leaders must ensure they make the correct IT and tech decisions, if they are to encourage communication among workers, improve productivity, enhance business security and create superior operational processes.
To be successful in the new world of work, SMEs must evaluate their technology and IT strategies. With that in mind, OT Group has created a resource to help small and medium-sized businesses make the right tech and IT choices.
The ebook, titled ‘6 IT and Technology Trends That Will Define Business Success in 2021’, is an in-depth look at the top six trends that will set small and medium-sized businesses in Ontario up for success over the course of the next year.
What tech and IT trends will impact SMEs over the coming year?
#1 - The increasing need for IT that supports remote employees
A huge percentage of Canada’s workforce has transitioned to remote work since the beginning of 2020 - this trend is set to continue long into 2021 and beyond. To optimize this workforce for maximum ROI, organizations need to ensure they are using the correct IT infrastructure and remote work technologies - such as project management tools, cloud-based systems, communication technologies, VoIP phone systems and much more.
#2 - The transition to cloud and hybrid cloud models
Cloud technologies are becoming ubiquitous for most organizations. Yet companies which aren’t read for a complete transition to cloud technologies can still benefit from the use of hybrid IT models, which makes use of both cloud and in-house technology.
#3 - The importance of cybersecurity and data backups
Did you know that cybercriminals have increasingly begun to target small and medium-sized businesses? Cybercrime can be devastating to an SME, and that’s why organizations will focus on cybersecurity initiatives through 2021. In particular, small and medium-sized businesses will look to cybersecurity technologies - such as Covalence’s end-to-end cybersecurity platform - that can automate, monitor and analyze their entire cybersecurity process.
#4 - Automation is becoming the norm
Speaking of automation, 2021 will see more small businesses implement technologies that automate business processes - a technology that in previous years was typically seen as only accessible for enterprise organizations. Businesses process automation is now more feasible and accessible for smaller businesses than ever before, and companies that use it will be able to see significant improvements in both efficiencies and productivity.
#5 - The use of unified communications
If you’re like the vast majority of businesses, you are probably in a constant struggle to find communication technologies that allow your employees to communicate with both team members and clients - no matter where they are working from. Well, unified communications (UC) is here to help. UC technology unifies all your communication tools in one place, meaning employees can access everything they need no matter where they are.
#6 - The move to outsource tech strategies to a third-party expert
Technology and IT strategies are complex. Implementing IT and tech solutions that produce real ROI for your business is even more difficult. That’s why many SMEs in 2021 will be turning to the help of locally-based IT experts - such as Ontario’s OT Group - to outsource their IT strategy and tech solutions.
Are you looking to learn more about the technology and IT trends that will impact small and medium-sized businesses in 2021, or simply want to learn more about how OT Group can set your Ontario-based company up for growth? Then read our ebook below or contact our team of IT experts today with any questions that you have.
About OT Group
Founded in 1988, OT Group is a leading provider of integrated business solutions. Whether you want to communicate between offices, update your infrastructure, take advantage of the cloud or update your disaster plan, OT Group offers complete IT solutions from design and installation to training and support.
The company is now one of the largest independently-owned office technology suppliers in Canada. This growth is directly attributable to OT Group’s laser-sharp focus on providing exceptional customer service, industry-leading technology products, and substantial financial value.