What Are the Advantages of Information Technology in Business?

With the global IT budget nearing $4 trillion, it’s clear that information technology is a force in the modern world.

If you run a business – any kind of business – in 2023, there’s a strong possibility that you need IT help. We rely on technology for everything from day-to-day operations to protecting customer data. However, few business leaders understand the ins and outs of the technology that helps them.

In this post, we’re going to discuss the advantages of IT for small businesses in San Antonio and Austin. Whether you operate a healthcare business or a commercial construction company, you need the latest technology and someone who understands it to help.

Finding the right managed service provider requires you to know more about IT. Keep reading and we’ll get you up to speed on why IT is so important and how you can leverage it to increase productivity and decrease risk.

What Is IT?

The simplest definition of information technology is that it comprises everything to do with a company’s computer systems and physical devices and the infrastructure and processes to secure, process, store, and exchange data.

The IT industry has evolved with technology. 30 years ago, IT would have had to do with software installation and connection setup. Now, an IT department looks after systems, applications, networks, and data to ensure that it all works together and functions well.

They also monitor the performance of everything and troubleshoot issues as they arise. IT departments are responsible for the security of networks and infrastructure. The global cost of cybercrime is around $8 trillion and is projected to grow in the coming years.

What Are the Advantages of IT?

In a world that is so reliant on technology, the role of IT has become more and more integral for businesses. Let’s now look at some of the benefits and advantages of IT.

Better Communication

An obvious IT advantage for small businesses is the ability to communicate more effectively. Whether it’s email, instant messaging, or video conferencing, we’ve got the ability to talk to customers and colleagues all over the world at any given time.

It’s hard to imagine a world without the ability to communicate in this way. In the 90s, email completely changed internal communication. Now, we’re able to hold virtual meetings from our smartphones, allowing businesses to operate more freely and efficiently.

Productivity and Efficiency

Information technology boosts efficiency and productivity in countless ways. Communication is a huge aspect of this, but it’s more about the way that technology streamlines production.

With technology, we’re able to create a more efficient workflow and automate mundane and time-consuming tasks that employees used to have to do manually. It also provides more access to important data and information through cloud computing.

Having data stored in the cloud allows any credentialed person to access whatever they need from wherever they are. Employees can stay focused and productive because they have everything they need and technological processes to make life easier.

Cost-Cutting

When you start thinking about the costs of setting up an IT system, it can get pretty daunting. You have to take the long view of IT as a cost-cutting resource.

Because of the way it boosts productivity and efficiency, IT raises your bottom line. With everything streamlined, you’ll see increased earnings, which pays for IT setup in a matter of weeks.

Cybersecurity

One of the consequences of all of our technological advances has been the rise in cybercrime, as we touched on above. Cybercriminals are working diligently at all times to find breaches in security. This is why it’s so important to continue updating your security measures.

Gone are the days of physical files – IT allows you to store your data in secure databases. You can encrypt your files and place them under several layers of security to protect them. Multi-factor authentication, VPNs, and data backups are all essential parts of a modern cybersecurity strategy.

Attacks happen every 39 seconds. If you’re going to keep your data safe, your IT team needs a proactive approach to cybersecurity.

Competitive Advantages

Potentially the greatest advantage of IT is its ability to unlock competitive advantages. Everyone has access to the same IT tools, but it’s the way that you implement them into your day-to-day that can separate you from your competitors.

If you’re a construction company, things like project and inventory management, when used correctly, can help you streamline projects. The more efficient you are, the more you can accomplish, and the better positioned you’ll be against the competition.

For the healthcare industry, you’ll use electronic health records and patient portals. These things help you better communicate with your patients. It improves their experience and brings in more referrals.

With pharma firms, your IT advantage might be in marketing. Collecting and analyzing customer data to better position your products can be the difference between success and failure. Data and record storage are important pieces of the puzzle here also.

What Is a Managed Services Provider?

There’s no limit to the advantages of IT, but how you implement and manage your tech can be tricky. Many companies still gravitate toward having a full-time in-house IT department. For most, this isn’t the best way to approach informal technology.

Everyone’s IT needs are different. A managed service provider (MSP) allows you to customize your approach to IT while taking advantage of the most knowledgeable professionals in the industry.

Whether you want better cybersecurity, tech support, or fully managed IT services, an MSP will work with you to come up with the right plan.

Get the Best Managed Services in South Texas

These are a few of the advantages of IT. When you hire an MSP, you’ll experience everything we’ve discussed here and more. Finding the right IT services is about understanding your IT deficiencies and where you want to be in the future.

At Terminal B, we offer managed IT solutions and support to Austin and San Antonio businesses. If you’re in the construction, legal, science, or healthcare sector, contact us today to discuss your IT needs and how we can help.