Is your business running on a budget and are you looking to reduce costs?
If so here are some areas of your IT infrastructure which you can potentially save without affecting service.
This month we highlight that IT expenses may not be as fixed as you think and we take a look at the areas where you might reduce costs.
#1 Software
Does your business use various softwares such as Microsoft Office or Adobe Photoshop. If so, you will probably be paying for a license, if that is the case look at reviewing these software agreements, you can often find cost savings:
- You may be able to renegotiate a subscription if the provider wants to move you onto to a new offering.
- You may find that you are paying for software that your employees are no longer using much. Maybe you can reduce or remove it.
- Perhaps the pricing has changed, and there are now better plan options available.
- See what substitutes there are on the market in the course of a year, numerous new softwares appear, each increasing the monopoly that was previously restricted to the big brand.
#2 Hardware
Your current hardware may be underused, need refreshing, or have lost productivity. Look for opportunities to run applications on less expensive devices, or link together several computers to replace expensive server equipment. Standardising platforms can also significantly reduce IT costs while providing consistency. It is also known that older equipment can actually hinder productivity – if an extra £300 spent now saves your technicians 3 – 4 weeks across the year, then it will be money well spent.
Alternatively, if you are using managed IT services from firms such as ourselves, whay don’t you ask for an audit and see what new equipment is on the market, quite often you will find newer models available at the existing price of your current equipment.
#3 Cloud Computing
One way to cut IT infrastructure costs is to move to the cloud. You may be able to run software on the cloud for a fraction of the cost. Moving data backup to the cloud to replace an on-premises server can also cut costs, not to mention the utility savings from not having to power the replaced components.
- Even if you’re already in the cloud, you can explore whether you are on the best available plan for you and consider:
- Are you paying for more storage or resources than you need?
- Are you taking full advantage of mobility and scalability features?
- Are you duplicating on-premise and cloud-based services?
#4 Internet Services
Your employees need to be online; you’re not going to cut out internet services. However, you may be able to control costs:
Should you buy modems or routers instead of renting them from your provider?
- Consider the internet speed in your plan. Do you need that level of service?
- Do you knwo your internet speed? Is slow internet speed costing your company money when, in fact, you’ll be more efficient with an upgrade?
- Are you able to bundle services to find cost savings?
- Are you in a position to renegotiate your plan? or are there cheaper options available?
#5 IT Staff and Services
Employing an IT department can eb very costly. You can never get one technician, after all what happens during holiday times, do you simply stop? Then there are pensions and NI contributions to consider on top of the salary. But you can avoid infrastructure costs and the hiring expenses onsite by outsourcing. Often your business can pay a set monthly fee or go on a pay-per-use model to gain services such as:
- IT help desk support
- security
- disaster recovery
- backup
Currently Systems-Integration offer all these services and more as part of our many tailor made IT support Plans
#6 Utilities
Don’t overlook the costs involved in powering your IT components. Review your utility bills to identify trends. Can you save money by turning off equipment? Is there a better plan available with a competing service? Should you renegotiate the terms of your existing plan?
Time for a Technology Audit
Ultimately, the best way to identify specific areas to cut your IT budget is a technology audit.
Your IT needs are always changing, and the technology evolves, too. Many businesses add expensive components or systems with “room to grow.” New tools get added on as needs arise. Your use of certain technologies may expand or shrink.
An IT expert can provide an overview of all the software and services you use, and of bills related to your IT budget to find areas to streamline or cut altogether. It may seem counterintuitive to pay money in an attempt to save money. However, an outsider’s perspective can provide fresh insight into the “way things have always been done” and help you see new opportunities for consolidation.
Let Systems Integration help you meet your financial goals. Contact us today