6 IT Challenges Holding Canadian Businesses Back From Success

The right business technology increases efficiency, drives innovation, and facilitates growth. However, the wrong IT systems create more problems than they solve. Canadian small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) like yours face challenges that prevent you from maximizing your technology assets. When left unaddressed, these barriers can prove detrimental to your long-term success.

#1 Constant Cyberthreats

SMBs are frequent hacking targets because they’re considered low-stakes, high-payout victims. It’s no surprise then that an astounding 90% of Canadian SMBs have experienced a cyberattack.

More than ever, companies need comprehensive cybersecurity tools such as firewall management solutions, intrusion prevention systems, and proactive safety monitoring to keep them safe from attacks. This typically requires the expertise of several IT specialists who can implement robust cybersecurity tools against every conceivable threat, such as phishing scams, viruses, worms, and other malware.

#2 Managing Mobile Technology

Many Canadian firms are adopting a bring-your-own-device policy because it increases staff convenience, satisfaction, and flexibility. However, there are challenges to managing mobile devices.

To solve them, your IT technicians’ responsibilities should include securing mobile devices, keeping data safe, and taking inventory of corporate and personal devices efficiently. Your team also needs a comprehensive mobile device management platform that simplifies the process of registering and integrating smartphones, tablets, and other devices into your company’s inventory of devices.

#3 Lack of IT Staff

A recent study revealed that the demand for IT workers in Canada far exceeds supply. But the situation is far from hopeless. A managed IT services provider (MSP) like Dyrand provides businesses with a computer support team who can manage IT environments and perform all the tasks expected of a full-time in-house technician.

No need to set up and fix network systems, install and update software, migrate data and programs to the cloud, and develop a backup and recovery strategy all on your own. An MSP can handle these for you at a fraction of the cost of a full-time IT personnel.

#4 Adopting Cloud-based Systems

Many businesses depend on the Cloud because it increases operational efficiency, facilitates anytime-anywhere access to work on files, and simplifies data storage. Nevertheless, there are some perceived obstacles to full cloud adoption, including slow internet connections in certain geographical locations, business users’ hesitation to learn new systems, privacy and safety concerns, and the lack of in-house IT capability.

To avoid the pitfalls of Cloud adoption, choose a cloud services provider that will thoroughly evaluate your systems and recommend solutions based on your needs. When deciding whether to adopt a private, public, or hybrid cloud strategy, bear in mind that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.

Suppose you operate a small accounting firm that has been using desktop accounting software for years. You’d probably be hesitant to shift to a cloud-based platform because you’re worried that it might disrupt your practice. This is where the expertise of a cloud services vendor comes in. They can recommend a platform that’s right for your business and help you transition to a cloud infrastructure.

#5 Inability to Adopt to Rapid Changes

Keeping your operating systems, applications, and devices up to date is a lot of work. Fortunately, you can outsource the management of your IT to professionals who can handle tedious tasks like updating your OS with the latest patches, installing and configuring antimalware software, troubleshooting network and internet errors, and more.

#6 Keeping IT Costs Down

Investing in new technology — e.g., buying servers, new computers, printing equipment, and software — while maintaining your current IT systems can drain your IT budget in a heartbeat. Enhancing your IT infrastructure while managing costs may seem difficult, but it’s not impossible.

When you partner with an MSP, you get an IT support team that includes cybersecurity consultants, technology strategists, and a business partner, all in one package. An MSP can also recommend inexpensive Cloud-based solutions that will reduce the need to invest in new computing resources, all for a predictable monthly fee.

Dyrand’s IT support team has helped organizations in Vancouver solve complex technology challenges by providing them with all the technical expertise they need to remain competitive and achieve success. To learn how we can help your business, talk to our IT support team today.