These IT Services Help You Compete with the Big Guys

Small businesses today are in a prime position to thrive, thanks to a surge in innovative technologies that are affordable and work to boost efficiency. In the past, access to cutting-edge technology was often reserved for large corporations, but today small businesses can now gain quick access to these technologies and can have a real positive effect on the way they go about doing business. Let’s take a look at some of the best technologies small businesses can use to try and compete with the big boys.

Cloud Computing

One of the most transformative technologies that small businesses use to compare is cloud computing. By using cloud-based services, companies can get all the computing they need without actually having to make huge and costly hardware and software purchases and maintenance to those systems. They can store data, run applications, and manage operations that are inherently scalable to their specific needs at the time. Besides the cost reduction and scalability cloud computing offers, other benefits include:

• Improved collaboration
• Up-to-date solutions
• Seamless and secure file sharing
• Breadth of options
• Availability of resources

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are no longer just for huge multinational corporations. Today, small businesses can harness the power of AI to do some pretty heavy lifting for their companies. They can better automate tasks and analyze data that results in better decision-making. One example that has been effective for many businesses is the AI-driven chatbot. These platforms can build a better support structure for their employees and customers around the clock. As far as ML goes, these tools can be used to analyze business trends, helping managers identify opportunities and challenges in real time. 

• Automation of marketing, invoicing, data entry, and more
• Optimization of operations
• Better analytics and intelligence
• Personalize purchasing and interactions
• Integration with many core business functions

Digital Payments

E-commerce and digital payments have been around for some time, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced more people to shop, pay for, and manage accounts online. This ultimately changed how small businesses operate. 

With digital payments being a huge part of business nowadays, setting up an online store with a rewards program can really give a business a leg up. More than that, these payment and money management platforms come with built-in analytics that help track customer interactions, purchasing behavior, and work to improve marketing and sales processes. Benefits of digital commerce include:

• Reduced operational costs
• Improved accessibility and reach
• Insights help managers make better business decisions

Improved Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity solutions tailored to small businesses are helping protect sensitive data and build customer trust. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, small businesses can use technologies like encrypted communications, two-factor authentication, and automated security updates to safeguard their operations. These tools ensure that small businesses can operate with confidence, knowing their systems are secure against potential threats.

• Keep operations from being compromised
• Train employees and vendors
• Ensure unauthorized access to sensitive information is significantly reduced

With the right technology stack, the future looks bright for small business owners who embrace these tools to improve their business. To have a conversation about how Preferred can help your business best position its technology, give us a call at 708-781-7110.