Over the past twenty years or so, rapid changes in technology and the digital space have significantly impacted businesses and the economies they operate in.
However, thanks to technology and the internet, businesses now have a far greater reach than they ever did before. In fact, some would argue that – in some ways – digital business is superior to traditional brick-and-mortar business, both in terms of how manageable it is for business owners and how convenient it is for customers.
Just a few years ago, businesses in Africa were predominantly physical businesses relying on the traditional marketplace as a medium where sellers and buyers could come together.
Fortunately, as technology becomes more widely adopted – and better-quality technology makes it possible for businesses to easily implement digital solutions – Africa is finally joining the global realm of modern businesses.
Whether you’re an international business looking to gain access to the African market, or an African business looking to gain exposure to the international market, there’s no doubt that IT will be a powerful tool for this transition. Moreover, the entire process of running a digital business can be made easier with outsourced IT services.
Setting up a digital infrastructure isn’t expensive, but it’s often difficult for small to medium-scale businesses to hire internal specialist IT support staff. Hiring third-party IT assistance is not only cost-effective, but also gives a small business access to a diverse range of expertise.
Why IT?
There are still several businesses and industries dominated by traditional brick and mortar stores. However, global statistics show that nearly every industry is experiencing a rapid change in consumer behavior. The recent pandemic of 2020 has further boosted this already prevalent trend, and now – due to COVID-19 restrictions – many businesses have no other option but to operate digitally.
Moreover, the nature of technology is also shaping consumer behavior.
Research shows we currently have over 4.2 billion internet users, which is more than half of the world population. Just a few years ago, this proportion was significantly lower.
One of the key reasons for this is because technology has become cheaper, and the types of things we can do through technology has grown exponentially. Today, smartphones are used as a medium for how we buy things, how we entertain ourselves, how we learn, and even how we earn a living.
Since technology and the internet are such integral parts of our lives, this becomes an even stronger reason for businesses to consider how they can approach and interact with customers through the mediums they use most.
The natural solution is that, as a business owner, you invest in the types of assets that facilitate digital businesses. However, when you do, you’ll need support services that can make this shift sustainable; this is how IT support can be of valuable assistance.
IT Support Features
Cyber Security
One of the most important facets of any business, large or small, is cybersecurity.
Many small businesses undermine the significance of this aspect of digital business because they think their operations are too small to be worth someone’s time to attack.
Unfortunately, the fact is that – since these businesses rarely have any security in place – they make perfect targets.
Whether you’re doing business in Africa or China, as a digital business you’re prone to threats from all over the world. A good IT support team can help you protect your digital presence and keep yourself safe.
Recovery and Backups
Most savvy tech users know that it doesn’t take a cyber-attack or a data theft for you to lose your critical information. System failure and damage to storage devices can cause the same problem.
However, your clients likely won’t understand; rather, you’ll be identified as an irresponsible firm that lost the personal data of clients.
Before this can become an issue, it’s a good idea to invest in an IT support team that can provide you with necessary recovery and backup solutions so if something does go wrong, you can easily recover your information. Moreover, through an experienced data management team, you can store your information in more securely so that it’s harder to steal – and harder to make use of, if stolen.
Infrastructure
Whether you’re just setting up shop, upscaling an existing business, or modifying your approach to suit a different style of business, having an expert to advise you on your digital needs along the way makes it much easier – and cheaper!
Many businesses spend huge IT budgets on infrastructure only to find out their equipment isn’t doing what they want it to because it isn’t designed for that purpose. An IT team with experience in your industry can help you develop an infrastructure that not only meets your current needs, but is future-proof and will be easy to scale when the time comes.
Compliance
As businesses become more digital, governments and consumer protection groups are paying more attention to ensuring that digital practices are safe.
The latest data compliance systems launched across the world aim to achieve this goal. To achieve digital compliance and prove to customers that you’re a reliable and responsible business, it’s important for you to adhere to digital compliance protocols that are applicable to your business.
To do this, you’ll need the help of an expert.
If you can qualify yourself as a vetted professional who’s going to go the extra mile to ensure customer safety and satisfaction, people will be far more willing to work with you and it will add a tremendous amount of brand value to your business.
