While there are definitely giants in the land, the vast majority of businesses are smaller establishments that operate with a much more limited budget than the Amazons and Walmarts of the world. However, we live in an increasingly technological and connected world, where researchers are projecting connected devices to number in the 20-50 billion range by 2020.
According to data from a recent report published by CompTIA, 66% of small to medium sized businesses (SMBs) believe that technology is a primary factor that will contribute to achieving their top business objectives. An additional 31% rate technology as a secondary factor.
Despite the perceived importance of technology, 41% acknowledge that their level of investment is not where it should be. Techaisle identified the top IT priorities and top IT challenges for SMBs:
| Rank | Priorities | Challenges |
| 1. | Cloud | Budget Constraints |
| 2. | Collaboration | Maintaining Current Infrastructure |
| 3. | Mobility Solutions | Mobility Security / Enabling Mobile Workforce |
| 4. | Security Solutions | Excessive Data Growth |
| 5. | Digitalization | Finding Qualified & Trained People |
| 6. | Managed Services | Implementing / Accelerating Cloud Computing |
| 7. | Internet of Things | Regulatory Compliance |
| 8. | Analytics / Business Intelligence | Supporting Digital Marketing |
| 9. | Virtualization | Data Protection / Recovery / Business Continuity |
| 10. | Converged Infrastructure | Financial Justification for Continued Investment |
Budget constraints and financial justification for the investment of technology bookend the list of top IT challenges. Software company, DCSL advises companies to center the conversation on IT spend around the long-term strategy of the company.
Consider how a particular technology will support that goal, contributing to overall growth. Do your research – outline the projected benefits of the technology to the company and carefully evaluate vendor solutions.
The market is changing. There are many technology solutions that are geared towards small businesses with your specific set of challenges in mind. Some of the most common technology tools in use by SMBs identified by a SurePayroll report include Google Drive, Apple iCloud, HubSpot, Salesforce, and Hootsuite.
Are you aware of the technology solutions that SMBs in your industry are incorporating?