Building a Robust IT Infrastructure for Your Growing Small Business

If you own and operate a small business, you’re well aware of your budget constraints. While it’s true that “You’ve got to spend money to make money,” you can ill afford to part with cash that doesn’t make money back. So, if a slick tech salesman lays out an infrastructure plan that requires a second home mortgage but “will pay for itself” over some indefinite time horizon, you have to be skeptical. Do you need everything you’re being sold? Do you need it all right now? Will everything in the plan actually improve efficiency and deliver savings of time and energy? And, importantly, will the first generation of equipment be paid for before you have to replace it? If you’re dealing with a “drive by” tech salesman, you could overspend woefully at the outset and have to play catchup for the life of your equipment. In this article, we’ll explain what you need to get started and how you can design an IT infrastructure to grow with your business.

Main components of a small business IT network

If you’re starting a small business IT network from scratch, here are the “must have” elements of a robust infrastructure:

• Hardware — You need the physical components of a business network, which include cables, routers, hubs, bridges, switches, NAS devices, servers, and access points, ensuring connectivity across your premises. It’s easy to overspend on hardware. For example, you might create a network with far more bandwidth than your operations require. Or, if you have a spacious office, you might decide to wire the entire premises, even if you only use your network in a quarter of that space. Thus, you need to consult with an expert who puts your needs first, rather than his sales commissions.

• Software — Your systems must support the integration of your processes across your business operations. This allows your people to talk to each other because your network components are talking to each other. The result is better collaboration, more detailed reporting, and improved efficiency. There are many ways to go wrong with software choices, such as choosing incompatible programs and spending for sophisticated functions that your business doesn’t need or your people can’t be expected to master. Again, consulting an expert who takes the time to understand your company is key to your success.

• Security — You need to keep the bad guys out of your network. You can accomplish this with a combination of software, hardware, and employee training. Software can encrypt your data and regularly assess your storage security. Hardware firewalls, such as integrated routers, can protect data and network equipment from unauthorized access. However, even the best IT solutions will not hold if your staff is not properly trained in security measures. This is yet another reason to consult with an IT expert.

• Storage — Your data must be held somewhere. You must decide how many servers you need, based on your storage needs, and whether it’s more cost-effective to buy or lease servers. Onsite servers require floor space, which has to be figured into the company budget.

• Disaster Recovery – Data loss can be ruinous for a small business, since it disrupts your operations, damages your reputation, and can expose you to legal liability. In addition to security from external breaches, you must guard against natural and manmade disasters, as well as mechanical failures and human error, which can corrupt and destroy data files. For this reason, a key element of any network is redundant storage, preferably off-site, that enables swift and (nearly) complete recovery.

• Maintenance — Your business network won’t last long if you simply “set it and forget it.” Software can provide monitoring assistance, but you still need a human to act on the information that software delivers. Most small businesses cannot afford and do not require a full-time IT expert. But every business needs regular maintenance and a responsive expert they can call for answers as needed.

Now that we know what every small business needs for its IT infrastructure, the question becomes, “What’s the best way to get it?”

Managed solutions for small business IT networks

There’s an old proverb attributed to Confucius, which says, “If your plan is for one year, plant rice. If your plan is for ten years, plant trees. If your plan is for one hundred years, educate children.” Of course, these choices are not exclusive to each other. Prudent societies would do all three. We would suggest that a similar type of thinking is necessary for building an IT network that serves your business immediately and continues to serve through periods of growth and expansion.

Just as people need rice right away so they don’t starve, you need a network that meets your company’s immediate needs. The best way to “fill your belly” today is probably going to be a combination of purchased and leased assets, scaled to today’s needs. When you consult a reputable Managed Service Provider, you can get network services appropriate for your current usage. You won’t overspend on components you won’t use for another few years.

You’ll also get guidance on how to scale up as your business grows. MSPs allow you to add hardware, integrate new software, and expand your storage capacity as needed. MSPs also safeguard your company by updating security in advance of ever-evolving threats. But the cost of a full range of IT services through an MSP is usually far less than hiring in-house IT experts.

At KMF Technologies, we design IT solutions that serve your small business. We match infrastructure to your current needs with an eye towards future growth. If you want cost-effective and reliable IT solutions, tailored to your specific operations, give us a call, and schedule a consultation.