Tech Refresh from Black Nova Designs

As we head into another lockdown, staff from businesses both large and small will be working remotely once again. IT was already an important element for many businesses, but it has now become critical to their survival.

So why are we a little lazy about looking after our IT infrastructure? At Black Nova Designs we see what happens when people refresh their technology and the consequences of not having a backup system in place. Let’s hear more from our Managing Director Kyle Holmes:

People expect their PC, laptop or Mac to work as quickly as it did the day that they first switched it on, often without considering how much use it has had. It’s an odd contrast with our smartphones. We have become very comfortable with the idea of spending hundreds (if not thousands!) on an iPhone upgrade every two years but will not invest in a tech refresh over the same timescale. We’re used to apps and operating systems on our phones updating automatically, but don’t stop to consider software updates on our PC or laptop.

Why do technology refreshes matter so much?

Small businesses from nearly every sector rely on their information technology to operate. Electricians and plumbers need an online presence to capture leads from people urgently needing their help and then send digital invoices and tax returns. Other businesses, particularly in the ’lockdown era’, rely on emails, video calls and CRM databases to keep staff in contact with each other and customers. Remote working has made us so much more reliant on IT. The impact of their computing systems suddenly being wiped out by a power surge, flood or theft would send a chill down any business owner’s spine.

Stop and think for a moment. Is all the important data and information you need for your business being backed up on a regular basis? Or are you simply living in hope that nothing will ever happen? A secure backup will mean that should the worst happen, your system administrator can simply retrieve the most recent backup and restore your systems. It also means that any customer and staff data you store is safe from hacking and other data breaches. If you do not have a data backup in place when disaster strikes, you lose everything.

Even if nothing dramatic did happen to your IT systems, it’s still worth being proactive. Upgrades ensure software is working properly and if you truly value your business, why wait until your equipment is broken before paying attention to it? If you want your staff to be able to knock it out the park every day, why expect them to work on out of date and slow technology, adding extra stress and slowing them down? Taking a proactive approach leads to peace of mind, happier staff and protects you from heartache and sudden costs in the future.

Proactive backups, computer health checks and technology refreshes

Just like anything in life that matters, an effective information technology refresh plan isn’t going to be free. Secure, reliable email systems and automated backups will have a small monthly charge. New hardware and upgrades to software will need to be factored into your business expenses. But by adopting a proactive approach you’ll be making an investment that will save you time and money in the long run. Tapping into the expertise of an IT company ensures that you and your business benefit from the latest technology and choose the equipment that suits your needs best.

It's also worth scheduling in ‘health checks’ for your PCs, laptops and Macs. They might need a refresh and tidy up, plus an expert should catch any lurking issues before they cause you a headache. Taking a look over your IT hardware is just one of the ways we can help to support your business.

How Black Nova Designs can help

We have also created a Backup Service at Black Nova Designs, which is perfect for small businesses and homeowners too. Families with teenagers working on GCSE, A-Level and Uni coursework at home could face a catastrophe if something were to happen. Cherished family photographs and videos are often now stored on tablets and computers, putting them at risk as well! A free backup audit by our team will determine the solution needed and present you with the options. The backups can be accessed from every device in your network or we can also set it up so you can access it from across the world.

For those looking for a technology refresh, we also offer a helpful ‘Build a PC’ service. The team will help you get the perfect computer solution for your needs, whether you’re on the hunt for a single workstation or a package of 10 computers for a small business. Selecting the right hardware and software will ensure your budget is deployed exactly where you need it to be for maximum efficiency.

If you’re interested in learning more, drop the team a line today to speak to one of us about our services. Call us on (01793) 210 045 or email [email protected]”