Some businesses tend to hold on to their old technology. It may be due to cost, comfort-level with devices and programs that are familiar or feeling that there is no time to research updated alternatives.

Upgrading your technology can save you money and time in the long run, and it can also open up new opportunities for your business. Maybe it’s time to give yourself a gift this season and bring your tech up-to-date.

As added incentive, check out Section 179 of the IRS tax code, which allows some businesses the option to write off the full cost of new technology purchases. If you buy and install what you need before Dec. 31, you can qualify for the 2017 tax year.

Decide What To Get Rid Of

Talk to your Managed Service Provider (MSP) about the old technology you want to ditch and the replacements that will help you do business faster and easier.

The following four areas may be a good place to start:

• Cell phones - Most employees have their own cell phones and want to use them at work. The days of separate phones for work and personal use are in the past. If you implement a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy, you can avoid paying for cell phones and the associated costs for each employee. Make sure you have a clear BYOD policy in place, so everyone knows what you expect when using the phone for company business.
• Desktop computers - Desktop computers take up space and do not allow for mobility without a lot of heavy lifting. Laptops are now just as powerful as older desktops and can be taken almost anywhere to allow employees to work in meeting rooms, from home and even when traveling. Mobile ability is essential in modern business - how many meetings do you see taking place in restaurants and coffee shops? Business can be done anywhere and at any time, so get rid of the desktop computers and equip your staff so they can work even when not in the office.
• Portable storage - Cloud technology and offsite storage make sense for many reasons. In the event of a disaster (hurricane, fire, flood), robbery or equipment failure, you can rest easy knowing your information is safely stored and accessible, even when the backup external hard drives, thumb drives and CDs are destroyed in a fire or stolen from the office. Time-consuming backups can take place almost instantly with new technology… and you can still use your old technology as an extra backup. Talk to your MSP to help you come up with a solution that suits your needs.
• Localized software - In the past, businesses had to purchase all kinds of software and different programs for each computer function. This often left the business owner with a lot of expensive “add-ons” and items they didn’t even use. Now, Software as a Service (SaaS) offers businesses a cloud-based way to buy only the software you need. As this service continues to grow in popularity, and more technology becomes available through this mode, you can save money and become more efficient.

Hire A Pro

An IT professional can help you sift through the many options available today when it comes to upgrading your technology and analyzing exactly what your company requires to do business quickly and effectively.

 
An MSP like TeamLogic IT can assess your business needs and update your technology platform to ensure your business is as efficient and current as possible.
 
Consider hiring an MSP and using Section 179 as a gift to yourself that provides a large return on investment. It will not only help with cost-saving in the future, but will take care of keeping you up-to-date.

Since 2007, TeamLogic IT has become the 36th largest IT service provider globally. Our success is driven through one core mission - to leverage technology for our customers.Thousands of businesses across the US - just like yours here in Wilmington, NC - are taking advantage of our ability to deliver highly available, secure and flexible IT systems. At TeamLogic IT, our philosophy is simple - we work with you the way we'd want someone to work with us. Visit us today in the Port City at 2901 North Kerr Ave., 910-500-1392. If email works best for you, contact me personally at [email protected].