Staying afloat in the ever-growing competitive market as a small business is a challenge in 2024. Adopting new, modern tools and technology solutions for small businesses is no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity.
But here’s the good news: adopting the right technology solutions gives your SMB the edge it needs to thrive. In fact, according to research from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, technology helped small businesses contribute $17.7 trillion to the U.S. economy during the pandemic. Additionally, 86% of small businesses said tech was their “lifeline.”
To help you stay ahead, we’ve rounded up the top 9 technology solutions every SMB needs to consider in 2024. Here’s a quick overview:
- Network infrastructure
- Network connectivity
- Data Center Infrastructure (DCIM)
- WAN/LAN infrastructure
- Wi-Fi
- SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network)
- IP telephony
- Cybersecurity
- Service Level Agreements (SLA)
Want to keep your business ahead of the curve? Explore ASi Networks’ technology solutions and stay competitive.
What are the top 9 technology solutions for small businesses?
Network Infrastructure
Your network is the backbone of your business operations. It includes everything from your servers, routers, and switches to the software that runs it all.
Without a well-managed infrastructure, communication breaks down, and productivity grinds to a halt. Think of it like a highway system – everything slows down when one lane is blocked.
A solid network infrastructure ensures that all devices and systems communicate seamlessly, resulting in smoother operations and fewer tech headaches.
What you need: Enterprise-grade routers, switches, servers, firewalls, and monitoring tools.
Key benefits:
- Seamless communication between systems
- Reduced downtime
- Efficient hardware management
Network Connectivity
Network connectivity links your computers, devices, and even external networks like the Internet. Reliable connectivity ensures your business runs without interruptions in communication or data transfers. Structured cabling and network hardware like routers and hubs are the unsung heroes here.
What you need: Structured cabling, properly configured routers, and well-planned network topologies.
Key benefits:
- Improved communication
- Increased uptime
- Scalability for future growth
Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM)
A data center is where all your digital information lives. Logically, as your business grows, so do your data needs. Good data center infrastructure helps monitor power usage, manage capacity, and keep tabs on your hardware. The proper setup helps ensure your data remains accessible and secure as you scale your business.
What you need: DCIM software and hardware, power consumption management, capacity planning, and incident response tools.
Key benefits:
- Scalable data management
- Real-time monitoring
- Streamlined incident response
WAN (Wide Area Network) / LAN (Local Area Network) Infrastructure
Whether you have one office or several, WAN and LAN are essential for seamless communication.
A LAN connects devices within one physical location, while a WAN links different locations. Combined, they enable all devices and systems in a network to communicate without hiccups. This also allows your employees to access the same company resources and stay connected wherever they are.
What you need: High-performance WAN/LAN hardware and software solutions.
Key benefits:
- Reliable inter-office communication
- Consistent resource access
- Better team collaboration
Wi-Fi
In today’s mobile-first world, a solid Wi-Fi setup is essential. Our Wi-Fi solutions ensure strong, secure, and fast connectivity throughout your spaces and devices (laptops, tablets, or smartphones).
What you need: Managed Wi-Fi solutions that ensure stable and high-speed connections.
Key benefits:
- Reliable connectivity
- Enhanced productivity
- Easy monitoring and troubleshooting
SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network)
SD-WAN moves your traditional WAN setup to the cloud. This means more flexibility, better performance, and stronger security without the need for tons of hardware.
If your business relies on multiple locations or remote work, SD-WAN can make your network more agile.
What you need: A managed SD-WAN service with fast and secure access to cloud applications.
Key benefits:
- Lower operational costs
- Better application performance
- Simplified network management
IP Telephony
Say goodbye to old-school phone systems. IP telephony uses the Internet to make and receive calls, cutting down on costs and increasing flexibility. It’s a modern way of managing communication, especially remote teams or multiple offices. Plus, you get all the perks of traditional phone systems—voicemail, call forwarding, etc.—without the downsides.
What you need: VoIP services and a solid internet connection.
Key benefits:
- Reduced phone bills
- Enhanced communication
- Scalability for remote work
Cybersecurity
In an era where cyberattacks are at an all-time high, every business is a potential target. As an SMB, you’re particularly vulnerable, and the consequences can be devastating.
Managed network security that leverages firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and real-time monitoring not only protects your data but also the well-being of your business.
The best part? You can leave the heavy lifting to our cybersecurity experts and focus on growing your business.
What you need: Firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and real-time monitoring.
Key benefits:
- Enhanced protection against cyber threats
- Real-time incident response
- Data compliance
Service Level Agreements (SLA)
An SLA is more than a contract between your business and your service provider – it’s a guarantee that your IT services will meet a certain level of performance.
With the right SLA in place, you get peace of mind knowing that your tech is in good hands.
What you need: A customized SLA that defines uptime, response times, and support services.
Key benefits:
- Accountability from your service provider
- Transparent service expectations
- Business continuity
How can small businesses use technology to stay competitive?
To stay competitive in 2024, SMBs need to be smart about how they use technology.
It’s not just about having the latest tools.
It’s about using them strategically to streamline operations, boost productivity, and improve customer experience.
Let’s break down three ways SMBs can use our technology solutions to stay ahead of the game.
1. Optimize your network with SD-WAN
If your business operates across multiple locations, keeping everything connected and running smoothly can feel like juggling a hundred tasks at once.
SD-WAN simplifies this by letting you manage your entire network through the cloud. Instead of relying on outdated hardware, you get a cloud-based system that helps you manage everything from one place.
Our experience:
-> A regional retail chain we worked with needed help sharing inventory data between stores. This led to stock shortages and frustrated customers.
-> By implementing SD-WAN, ASi Networks helped them centralize their network and share real-time data. This improved the business’ efficiency and reduced restocking delays that used to cost money and reputation.
2. Elevate customer experience with managed Wi-Fi
In 2024, your customers expect nothing less than fast and reliable Wi-Fi—whether they’re working from your café, lounging in your hotel lobby, or browsing products in your store.
A stable Wi-Fi doesn’t just keep customers happy. It’s a way of gathering insights, optimizing traffic, and protecting your network from vulnerabilities.
Our experience:
-> Take a boutique hotel we partnered with. Their Wi-Fi was slow, and guests kept complaining and leaving negative reviews because of it.
-> ASi Networks stepped in and integrated our managed Wi-Fi solutions, providing the high-speed, uninterrupted connectivity a modern hotel cannot be without in 2024. We also implemented bandwidth management, so guests enjoyed fast, reliable internet even at peak times. As a bonus, the hotel could now track usage to offer personalized services, tailored promotions, and discounts.
3. Protect your business with cybersecurity
Cyberattacks are no longer just a big-business problem. SMBs are being targeted more than ever, especially those with weak security measures.
Our experience:
-> A small law firm we worked with handled sensitive client information, making them a target for hackers. Before partnering with us, they had outdated security protocols and many security vulnerabilities.
-> After they approached us with their cybersecurity concerns, we upgraded their entire security system with firewalls, intrusion detection, and real-time monitoring, which reduced their risk exposure and gave them peace of mind, knowing their data was safe.
Why is adopting technology essential for small businesses in 2024?
Technology is the great equalizer in today’s business world. If you want to compete, you need to keep up. Here’s why technology adoption is non-negotiable:
- Competitiveness: Stay ahead of the competition by leveraging cutting-edge tech.
- Efficiency and productivity: Automation tools and cloud solutions make daily operations smoother.
- Security: Protect your data and reputation from evolving cyber threats.
- Growth: Scalable tech solutions grow alongside your business.
- Customer experience: Meet customer expectations with faster response times and better service.
- Data-driven decisions: Use data to make informed choices and drive your business forward.
- Cost savings: Technology investments often result in long-term savings.
- Remote work: Support a flexible, remote workforce with the right tools.
Conclusion
Technology is no longer a nice-to-have for SMBs – it’s a must-have. Whether you need a more reliable network, stronger security, or a more efficient data management system, the right tech solutions for SMBs can help you stay competitive and thrive in 2024.Ready to take your business to the next level? Contact ASi Networks today to discuss how we can support your technology needs.
