Innovative Network Systems, Inc. provides three money-saving IT tips for Atlanta’s small- and medium-sized businesses.
The last three years taught us many lessons, and one of the most important lessons was the expensive idle IT equipment that sat in empty offices around the world. Indeed, past technology investments went to waste, and future investments went toward virtual offices.
Virtual Offices Are Trending Across America
In the past, most executives believed that employees must physically be present in the office. However, times have changed, and many have realized they can work virtually and save money on office space and expensive equipment such as copiers and phones.
Consequently, the virtual office is trending for knowledge workers. As a result, companies can hire globally and get the best talent for a fraction of their current pay. Hence, many knowledge workers are moving away from New York City and California to other states where the cost of living is lower. It is also the reason so many urbanites are moving to the suburbs.
Money-Saving IT Tips: Office Equipment
Our world has been forced to change how we work over the last several years and have accelerated remote working conditions. As a result, technology shifted in hardware, software, network equipment, and IT services. Below are some significant technology cost savings and tips for virtual home offices.
Money-Saving IT Tip #1: Switch from Handsets to Mobile Phones
During the pandemic, knowledge workers traded in their handsets to their cell phones or home phones. The expensive $350 unused business handsets in the office collected dust. One way we were able to help clients dodge this was Internet Protocol (VoIP) solutions. With this solution, virtual users took advantage of Unified Communications wherever they were via computer, Android, or iPhone. Moreover, VoIP allows users to make calls via WIFI and with their extension.
Money-Saving IT Tip #2: Switch from Copiers/Printing to Managed Print Solutions
Sorting and collating large packets of information can be very time-consuming for your staff, especially if they try to do this on a home printer. For this reason, managed print solutions, aka printer outsourcing, have grown in popularity.
Therefore, printing tasks like proposal packets, meeting documents, trade show packets, etc., can be printed, warehoused, and shipped from a Managed Print Solutions provider. In addition, the cost of black & white toner, color toner, paper, and printer/copier maintenance can exceed printer outsourcing costs by nearly 30%. Therefore, you can experience significant savings when you combine labor with the charge to print.
Money-Saving IT Tip #3: Switch from PCs to Thin Clients or Zero Clients
Thin and Zero clients are an excellent solution if remote users are not mobile. A thin client has very little storage space, whereas a Zero client has none. Both have significant advantages over a standard PC, including:
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- Less Expensive – Upfront costs are far less expensive than a regular PC. For example, the system itself is less costly, setup time is minimal, and there are no maintenance parts.
- Virus Immunity – With this solution, you don’t have to worry about whether your employees are logged into a secure VPN as they have to log into the Cloud to work. In addition, there is no desktop OS, so the user cannot download software or malware to the device, making it far more secure than a PC.
- Data Stored Safely in the Cloud – With a Thin/Zero client, all information is stored on the server, making it a more secure, centralized, and simplified backup solution.
- Less IT Overhead – Thin & Zero clients are plug-and-play. Once they connect to the network, they do not need to be touched by the IT department again.
Cost-Savings for Employees
Employees also have many benefits to working from home. For example, they get a pay raise by saving on gas money. They are also more productive as they spend less time on the road and more time in the office. Further, studies have shown that remote workers are happier and have better attendance.
Summary
INSI invests time and resources into finding appropriate cost-saving solutions for all our Atlanta clients. Please click the link below if you are interested in any of the above solutions. Moreover, our experienced consultants will listen to your needs and tell you which solutions are right for you.
About INSI: The Best MSP in Atlanta!
Innovative Network Systems, Inc. has a unique approach to integrating IT support and cybersecurity. Our month-to-month programs range from basic support to proactive support, managed support, and customized support. Each program is tailored to the client’s needs and internal IT strengths.
For more information about cybersecurity dangers and the preventative measures for your company, connect with the top MSP in Atlanta; Contact INSI: 770-387-2424, option 2 or click the link below. In addition, we offer 16 different cybersecurity programs to protect you and your data.
About the Author
Deborah Frazier is the author of IT Outsourcing Secrets – A Small Business Guide to Compare IT Support Companies. With nearly 20 years of experience consulting small and medium-sized businesses on their IT support needs, she brings a wealth of knowledge to INSI as Head of Marketing and Sales. If you like this article and want to be notified when a new article is posted, click here.
