In today’s world of fast-paced work, business leaders need to ensure their organization is more agile and flexible than ever before. There are several solutions for this, including investing in information technology (IT) tools. These solutions can help you run your business more efficiently despite changes in the market.
You should invest in the 6 tools below to improve your operations and grow your business.
Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365 (M365) is a cloud-based office solution that allows users to collaborate, communicate, and share files in a secure environment. Specifically, it is Microsoft’s productivity suite—a set of programs companies can use to streamline their workflows and make their employees’ jobs easier to complete.
M365’s applications include:
- Word
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- OneNote
- Outlook
- Microsoft Teams
- SharePoint
- OneDrive
- Publisher and Access (only available for PC users)
Whether you need your team members to design next year’s email marketing campaign or you want to take advantage of real-time video conferencing solutions for seamless communications, M365 supplies organizations with a hub to access their productivity tools for more efficient working arrangements.
Microsoft Azure
Azure is Microsoft’s cloud computing platform. It is used to host and run services and applications based in the cloud, allowing organizations to access critical work tools and information from any device that supports an Internet connection.
Global spending on cloud infrastructures is expected to reach $118 billion by 2025, a clear indicator of its popularity and ability to help business owners achieve their goals and grow into larger enterprises. Microsoft Azure is a flexible platform, offering companies the choice of subscribing to a free plan or a paid plan.
While adding an additional expense or tool to your business’s IT strategy may not sound ideal, the benefits of Azure’s cloud technology outweigh its negatives. With Azure, your business can take advantage of the solution’s following characteristics:
- Off-site storage capabilities
- Scalable models
- Seamless integration capabilities
- Microsoft-approved cybersecurity protocols
- And more
With Azure, you can modernize your business’s processes and store your data in secure locations for improved security and reduced costs.
Data analytics software
Data analytics software helps businesses by allowing them to study data they have accumulated from various sources throughout their organization. By analyzing this information, you gain clear insights into how your customers interact with your business and the efficacy and success of your products and services.
Having this information readily available for you and your team is crucial to satisfying your business objectives. 95% of consumers say customer service is necessary for brand loyalty. With data analytics software embedded into your company’s operations, you can gather data 24/7 and use it to redefine your organization’s initiatives—a stepping stone to becoming more responsive to your customers and improving your decision-making processes.
Cybersecurity programs
From small business owners to leaders of national corporations, cybersecurity is an important issue. Over time, malicious actors have developed new ways to exploit companies and steal their data. All organizations must invest in cybersecurity solutions to ensure their security policies and practices are up-to-date and compliant with modern standards.
There are various digital security programs available to companies. Regardless of which one you invest in, you can have peace of mind knowing that each promotes:
- Protection against cyber-attacks and other disasters.
- Reduced chances of data breaches.
- Compliance with data security regulations.
- Strategies to help businesses navigate cyber threats with best practices.
- Improved customer confidence in your business’s security.
Comprehensive cybersecurity protects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your company’s information and critical assets. Without these measures, your organization is more susceptible to vulnerabilities and malicious actors.
Customer relationship management software
Customer relationship management (CRM) software are programs that help companies better understand and engage with their customers. CRM software can track your customers’ interactions with your business and help you build a picture of their needs, wants, and behaviors.
CRM programs help you store and manage the following data:
- Customer contact details.
- Prospective customer details.
- Qualitative information such as customer opinions on your products.
- Quantitative information such as social media engagements and the number of visitors to your website.
It is a must-have tool for small businesses and medium-sized companies wanting to strengthen their understanding of their target audience. CRM software helps companies establish a more personalized relationship with their customers to tailor their services to their requirements—an effective way you can secure customer loyalty and grow your business’s reputation.
Project management software
Project management software (PMS) are tools that help business owners manage their company’s projects. They can be used to track the progress of an assignment, designate tasks, manage deadlines, and ensure projects stay on budget. Project management tools are necessary investments for businesses whose assignments involve employees who work offsite or are spread out across the organization.
As a business owner, you must be aware of the status of your company’s projects. Without this view, you risk losing track of critical deadlines, angering your customers and stakeholders, and wasting resources. PMS gives you a birds-eye view of your organization’s operations for more transparent communication between you and your customers.
It can also give insights into your employees’ performance, allowing you to step in and provide additional support when needed.
Upgrade your business with the help of IT specialists
Businesses can use technology to deliver extraordinary customer experiences, but without the proper sourcing and implementation of these digital tools, companies can stunt their productivity and growth.
Delivered by a team of consulting experts, the IT advisory services at Technology Solutions offer strategic IT planning for businesses eager to update their networks and expand in the market. From file-sharing solutions to cloud migrations, the consultants at Technology Solutions can advise you on what digital tools you need to boost your revenue.
All the tools presented here are very important for any business. I would start with Microsoft 365 because I think it can make an immense positive impact (from day 1) on most businesses. It was shocking to see how this changed our own company.
Microsoft Azure gets my vote. The expense it adds is so well worth it. This together with M365 make one of the best combos for any business. Your employees will thank you and your business will grow faster.