Starting a new business is exciting, but it's also a juggling act. Between chasing customers, managing cash flow, and refining your service or product, tech can feel like a background detail. But the truth is, smart tech investments early on can make everything run smoother and save you from big headaches later.
As a managed service provider, we've seen startups struggle with avoidable tech issues. So here's our no-nonsense guide to what you really need to get started the right way.
Solid Internet and Networking Setup
Let's start with the basics. If your internet is patchy, your business feels patchy. Whether it's sales calls, video meetings, or just sending files, a reliable internet connection and proper internal network setup are non-negotiable.
What to do:
- Get a business-grade internet plan.
- Use commercial-grade networking gear, not something from the bargain bin.
- Consider having Wi-Fi access points properly installed if you have more than a few rooms.
Pro tip: We can help design and install a network that doesn't drop out every time someone microwaves lunch.
Business-Grade Computers and Devices
You don't need to buy everyone a high-end workstation, but going too cheap can cost you more in lost productivity and repairs. Consumer devices just don't hold up under business use.
What to look for:
- Devices that come with professional warranties.
- Models designed for daily business use, with better reliability.
- Preloading them with the right tools and security from day one.
We help businesses choose the right mix of laptops, desktops, and mobile devices, and we handle all the setup so you don't have to think about it.
Cloud-Based File Sharing and Storage
Forget USB sticks and emailing yourself files. A proper file-sharing solution makes collaboration easier and keeps your data backed up.
Popular options: Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Dropbox Business.
Why it matters:
- Team members can access files from anywhere.
- You avoid the chaos of having "Final_V2_NEW_REALLYFINAL" versions.
- We can help you set up user permissions so that the right people see the right things.
Cybersecurity From Day One
We've seen startups delay this, thinking, "We'll deal with it when we're bigger." Then a phishing scam hits, and it's all hands on deck. Don't leave your business wide open.
Minimum cybersecurity to have in place:
- Business-grade antivirus.
- Strong, unique passwords with a password manager.
- Multifactor authentication (MFA) for all major apps.
- Regular software updates and patching.
- A proper firewall setup.
We simplify this by bundling cybersecurity with your other IT services, so you don't need to piece it together.
Reliable Backup and Recovery
Ask yourself: Do you lose everything if your main computer dies or gets stolen?
Startups often forget about backup until it's too late. A proper backup system doesn't just save files; it allows you to get back to work fast if something goes wrong.
What we recommend:
- Automated cloud backups.
- Backups that cover not just files but also system settings and apps.
- Regular checks that those backups are actually working.
We help businesses design backup systems that suit their size and budget, without relying on someone remembering to plug in an external drive.
Professional Email and Domain
A Gmail or Hotmail address for your business? That's a trust-killer. A proper domain and email setup not only looks more professional but also works better behind the scenes.
What this includes:
- A custom domain name.
- Business-grade email with spam filtering and better deliverability.
- Email signatures, shared calendars, and collaboration tools.
We'll set it up so your communication looks sharp from the get-go.
IT Support You Can Call On
Startups often rely on the "mate who's good with computers" approach. It might work at first, but when something breaks right before a sales pitch or your website goes down, you'll wish you had someone you could count on.
That's where a managed service provider comes in. We're not just here when things go wrong; we help you avoid issues in the first place.
What you get with us:
- Ongoing support for all your tech.
- Regular system maintenance.
- Help in planning ahead as your business grows.
Scalable Software Choices
Choosing the right software early can save you from painful migrations later.
We can help you:
- Pick accounting, CRM, and productivity tools that grow with you.
- Avoid niche software that locks you in.
- Set things up the right way to avoid double-handling and inefficiency.
The wrong tools cost you time, so we help you pick the ones that make your life easier.
Let's Set You Up for Success
Starting a business is hard enough without tech getting in the way. With the right setup, you'll spend less time troubleshooting and more time growing your business.
If you'd rather not worry about all the setup, updates, and tech headaches, we're here to help. We'll work with you to design a tech setup that's reliable, secure, and ready to grow as you do.
Need help getting started? Let's have a chat. We'll take care of the tech so you can focus on what you do best. 903-347-0073
