4 Reasons Why Companies Need to be Investing in Tech in 2019
Technological innovation is progressing faster than ever and technology itself is becoming more integral to the private and public spheres. In terms of running a successful business, you’ll need to be aware of developments within all areas of tech; from artificial intelligence and the ‘internet of things’ to 3D printing, renewable energy, and remote working potential. If your company isn’t up to speed on the latest developments in these areas, you risk falling behind the pack.
The all-encompassing integration of the internet into quotidian life, enhanced connectivity across the world and increased smartphone usage have completely altered the way we live, work and play. A 2018 report from GSMA (the trade body representing interests of mobile operators worldwide) revealed that while in 2016 mobile technologies and services generated 5.2% of gross domestic product (GDP) in Asia Pacific ($1.3 trillion of economic value), by 2020, this will have increased to $1.6 trillion, or 5.4% of GDP in the region.
What’s more, according to research by American Express, IT now accounts for 19% of business expenditure. Technology dictates so much, from how businesses operate and how employees engage with customers to the way consumers buy products/services and how data is managed. Embracing or failing to take advantage of this reality has been the making and unmaking of many businesses over recent years. Upgrading existing technology can offer serious returns for both small and large businesses, with a Deloitte report claiming businesses that have conquered the digital world have revenue growth four times higher than less engaged companies.
Save Time
Investing in technology is a great way to save time by taking a process you already undertake and making it more efficient. It can also help with automating, simplifying or even eliminating certain tasks that would otherwise take employees days to complete.
Additionally, if your business requires consistent and quick communication between staff and customers, investing in laptops for remote work or mobile technology could be a productive move. Alternatively, if your budget is limited, most of your employees will most likely already have access to such devices anyway. Therefore, setting up an online content management system which they can access via the internet rather than a completely separate device could be a good solution. There is a reason why cloud storage companies and team management apps like Asana, Pipedrive, and Trello do so well. One report suggests that investment in such technology can increase productivity by 20% and that employees who spend 60-80% of their time working remotely have the highest workplace engagement.
Improve Security
Investing in information technology security is important for any successful company. Data breaches will render your public opinion as untrustworthy and could potentially put you out of business altogether. We lock our cars when we go shopping and secure our front doors when we head out to work, so invest in the same measures when it comes to your business. Investing in this area will keep all your employee and customer information safe and protected from unauthorized access. Install security software or perhaps consider having someone trained in this area on site if you have the capacity.
Stand out from the Crowd
Technology and innovation go hand in hand. If you don’t keep ahead of the curve, you run the risk of being outperformed by your competitors. You want to set yourself apart and by using tech as an integral part of your business. With new technology, you’ll be more likely to succeed, surpass your competition, and provide the best products or services to your customers. Plain and simple.
Better interaction with customers
Customers are getting smarter by the day. They love and are up to speed with technology and you need to be on the same wavelength to interact and connect with them. For instance, if your customers use Instagram to send you complaints and order queries, but your company checks its Instagram account once a week, you’re going to alienate current and future customers. Everyone else is doing it, so you should too. In fact, 84% of small businesses in the U.S. use at least one social media platform to provide information to customers, and 80% of small enterprises use digital technology, such as instant messaging apps, to communicate with vendors and customers.
Chatbots on company websites are a hit with younger generations too, with 60% of millennials having interacted with a chatbot at least once in their lives. For many of us, waiting on hold and then trying to explain an issue to someone takes far longer than an instant message which can be picked up in seconds and addressed. Indeed, the chatbot market is expected to reach $1.23 billion globally by 2025.
As Nick Bawa, CEO and Co-Founder at Convintus states: “Businesses that didn’t pay heed to the internet at the start of the 21st century had a hard time keeping up with the competition. The same holds true today when it comes to technology. Whether you’re part of a startup or an established small business, you should always be on the lookout for the next big innovation – not just to stay in the game but to build the next billion-dollar business.”
Final thoughts
Investing in technology can help your business thrive in 2019. Whether you’re on board or not, it is the way of the present—and future. With the correct utilization, your employees will spend less time on manual tasks, your data will be safer, internal and external communications will be improved, and you’ll have an edge over your competitors.
Before you jump in, do your research and remember to invest in tech based on your unique business needs and budget. Don’t invest in a new technology just because it is new and innovative. If it isn’t for your business, don’t go for it. Find what will work for your company and your customers, and prepare to succeed.
If you enjoyed on technology in business trends then you should check out our other article on whether all this technology is making our lives easier or more complicated.
About The Author
Jessamy was born and raised in the Channel Islands where she fostered a passion for writing at a young age. An insatiable explorer, she has lived in Guernsey, Malawi, the UK and New Zealand – fulfilling a variety of editorial and content creation roles. After completing several coveted internships in the UK, Jessamy hit the ground running as a news reporter for a top national daily newspaper. She was then offered a job in government communications in New Zealand. Her entrepreneurial spirit encouraged her to start her own content business aged just 26, meaning she now collaborates with numerous international clients. In any role, her favourite job is working with interesting people to tell great stories to as large an audience as possible. She holds a BA in English Literature (University of Warwick) and an MA in International Journalism (Brunel University). In her spare time, you’ll find her travelling the world, hiking with her dog, listening to country music or sipping on cosmopolitans.
The Role of Hardware in Your IT Strategy: Why Upgrading Is Critical for Future-Proofing Your Business
In today’s technological landscape, businesses need to ensure their IT infrastructure is up to the task. A strong IT strategy goes beyond just software solutions—it also hinges on the hardware your business uses. In fact, outdated hardware can slow down your operations, cause security vulnerabilities, and prevent you from taking advantage of modern software and tools. But how can you ensure your business is ready for the future? The answer lies in hardware upgrades, particularly in the context of Windows 10 End of Support (EOS) and the launch of Windows 11.
As businesses navigate this critical transition, it’s essential to not only upgrade your software but also refresh your hardware. This blog explores why hardware upgrades should be a priority in your IT strategy, especially as the deadline for Windows 10’s EOS approaches in October 2025. Let’s dive into how upgrading your devices, supported by Windows 11, can make a significant impact on your business productivity, security, and long-term growth.
Why Hardware Matters in Your IT Strategy
1. Performance: A Modern PC Can Unlock Productivity
The most obvious reason to refresh your hardware is performance. Older computers struggle to keep up with modern software, causing delays in workflows, system crashes, and frustrating downtime. Upgrading to modern hardware, such as devices supported by Windows 11, ensures that your team has the performance power needed to tackle demanding tasks, from running complex programs to handling multiple applications at once.
A device like the Microsoft Surface, powered by an NPU (Neural Processing Unit) and enhanced with Copilot, offers unparalleled performance that integrates seamlessly with the software. By upgrading to hardware that supports these features, businesses can experience an immediate boost in productivity.
2. Security: Stay Ahead of Evolving Threats
Outdated hardware often lacks the ability to support the latest security features, making it vulnerable to attacks. When Windows 10 reaches End of Support (EOS) in October 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates for the operating system. This leaves your business open to cyber threats.
By upgrading to modern hardware, especially those running Windows 11, your devices are equipped with advanced security measures designed to safeguard your data. With built-in security enhancements, Windows 11 offers a safer computing environment that can prevent vulnerabilities associated with outdated systems.
3. Compatibility with New Software and Tools
As software continues to evolve, your hardware must be capable of supporting the latest tools. Windows 11 brings significant advancements, particularly in productivity and AI-powered features like Microsoft Copilot. Copilot, integrated into Microsoft 365, is designed to help businesses automate tasks, streamline workflows, and boost overall productivity. However, this technology requires modern hardware to function optimally, making it essential to upgrade your devices to keep up with these cutting-edge tools.
Devices like the Microsoft Surface with the NPU are designed to handle AI tasks and work seamlessly with Windows 11. This allows your business to leverage AI-driven tools like Copilot, which helps reduce time spent on repetitive tasks and allows employees to focus on more strategic work.
4. Long-Term Scalability
Investing in new hardware now isn’t just about immediate benefits; it’s about preparing for the future. Modern hardware can support Windows 11 for the long term, ensuring that your business is ready for continued software updates and new features. This future-proofing means you won’t need to worry about another hardware upgrade in the near future, making it a cost-effective decision in the long run.
With scalable solutions like Isogent’s Cloud Complete, which integrates seamlessly with Windows 11 and modern hardware, your business will be able to grow without the limitation of outdated systems. Isogent offers hardware procurement services through our Stream One whitelabeled platform, making it easier for you to get the devices you need.
How Isogent Can Help
Seamless Transition to Windows 11
As a Microsoft Partner, Isogent is here to guide you through the transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11. We offer a Windows 10 EOS and Windows 11 migration plan to ensure a smooth transition, along with hardware refresh recommendations tailored to your business needs.
AI-Ready Hardware and Software Integration
Our team can help you choose the right hardware to complement your transition to Windows 11, including devices equipped with NPUs for AI functionality. By pairing these advanced devices with Copilot from Microsoft, your team will have the tools needed to stay productive, secure, and innovative in today’s fast-paced digital world.
Windows 10 EOS and Hardware Refresh Campaign
Isogent offers tailored solutions for businesses preparing for Windows 10 End of Support. As part of this initiative, we’ll help you upgrade your software and refresh your hardware to ensure your devices remain secure, efficient, and future-proof.
Additionally, if you utilize a VPN, we offer free additional storage with Isogent’s Cloud Complete, streamlining your operations and ensuring optimal performance.
Conclusion
As Windows 10 reaches its End of Support in October 2025, now is the time to take action. Upgrading to Windows 11 and refreshing your hardware will not only secure your systems but also enable your business to stay ahead in a competitive, technology-driven world. Whether it’s improving productivity with Copilot or enhancing security, modernizing your IT strategy with Isogent’s support will set your business up for success.
Contact Isogent today to start your transition to Windows 11, refresh your hardware, and integrate powerful AI tools into your workflow.
https://blog.grabcad.com/blog/2019/02/05/4-reasons-why-companies-need-to-be-investing-in-tech-in-2019/https://informplatform.com/why-hardware-refreshes-are-crucial-for-your-business/
