As technology continues to evolve, it has become easier for businesses to operate efficiently while reducing costs. These advancements are now more accessible, even to smaller businesses with limited IT resources. How will these technological shifts impact the SMB sector in 2020?

Here are some key IT trends that will influence your business:

1. Emphasis on Mobile Experience

Smartphone usage has reached unprecedented levels in recent years, and consumers are spending more time researching and purchasing products from their mobile devices rather than computers. In response, businesses are focusing on optimizing their mobile experience. Having a mobile-friendly website is no longer optional for businesses. Many companies are also developing mobile apps to enhance customer engagement through in-app purchases, seamless customer support, and targeted marketing.

2. Collaboration Tools for Remote Work

Cloud-based collaboration tools such as SharePoint, OneDrive, and Microsoft Teams are becoming increasingly essential as more small businesses adopt remote work practices. Microsoft Teams, in particular, is a chat-driven platform designed to simplify team collaboration by offering shared files, calendars, collaborative editing, and seamless communication via voice, video, and text.

Research shows that 43% of employees consider team collaboration and building to be key to an ideal work environment. As a certified Microsoft partner, Insight IT provides onboarding and ongoing support services to businesses utilizing Office 365. Reach out to us to learn more.

3. VoIP Phone Systems

The rise of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services is another IT trend gaining momentum. VoIP is a cloud-based phone system that allows employees to stay connected with their office and customers from any location. Leading VoIP services, like Cloud PBX, offer business-grade features such as managing calls from your computer, three-way conferencing, call forwarding to smartphones, and voicemail-to-email services. If your business is interested in adopting a VoIP system, we are here to guide you through the transition process.

4. Increased Customization of Cloud Software

Gone are the days when businesses had to settle for standardized software solutions with little flexibility. Today, businesses can choose from customizable cloud software packages that allow them to select features they need and scale as they grow. With lower upfront costs and minimal long-term commitments, customizable cloud solutions make it easy for businesses to experiment with different options and switch between them without the hassle of canceling contracts or dealing with on-premise installations. At Insight IT, we offer tailored cloud solutions designed to meet the specific needs of your business.

5. Expansion of Managed IT Services

As small businesses continue to invest in secure, up-to-date IT infrastructure, the managed IT services sector is experiencing significant growth. Studies suggest that SMBs will increase their spending on managed IT services by 25% this year compared to 2019.

Choosing and evaluating the right software options can be time-consuming. By partnering with managed service providers, businesses can save valuable time in the decision-making process. Additionally, with the increasing number of cyberattacks targeting SMBs, managed IT services are crucial for protecting your business data and assets.