10 Common IT Problems That Small and Midsized Businesses Face (And How to Solve Them)

January 19, 2024

As a small business owner, you know how important it is to keep your operations running smoothly and efficiently. But you may not realize how many IT problems can affect your productivity, security, and profitability.

IT problems are not just annoying; they can also cost you time, money, and customers. Data shows the average small business loses 545 hours of staff productivity per year due to IT issues. That's equivalent to $12,500 lost revenue for a business with 10 employees.

But you don't have to suffer from IT problems. You can solve them by partnering with a professional IT managed service provider (MSP) - like HUB Technology Solutions.

An MSP can help you with everything from network maintenance and security to cloud computing and data backup.

Here are 10 common IT problems that small and medium-sized businesses face and how an outsource IT partner can help you solve them:

1. Slow or unreliable internet connection. A slow or unreliable internet connection can frustrate your employees, customers, and partners. It can also affect your ability to access cloud-based applications and services. An IT managed service provider can help you optimize your network performance, troubleshoot connectivity issues, and upgrade your bandwidth as needed.
   
2. Outdated or incompatible software. Outdated or incompatible software can cause errors, crashes, and security vulnerabilities. It can also prevent you from taking advantage of new features and functionalities that can improve your workflow and customer experience. An IT partner can help you update your software regularly, ensure compatibility across devices and platforms, and recommend the best software solutions for your business needs.
   
3. Lack of data backup and recovery. Data is the lifeblood of any business, but it can also be lost or corrupted due to human error, hardware failure, natural disaster, or cyberattack. You could lose valuable information, customer trust, and business continuity without a proper data backup and recovery plan. An MSP can help you implement a reliable and secure data backup and recovery solution that can protect your data from any scenario and restore it quickly in case of an emergency.
   
4. Cybersecurity threats. Cybersecurity threats are becoming more sophisticated and frequent every day. According to a report by Verizon, 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses, and only 28% of them are confident in their ability to respond to them. Cyberattacks can compromise your data, reputation, and bottom line. Proactive cyber security support protects your business from cyberattacks by providing comprehensive security solutions such as antivirus, firewall, encryption, VPN, and monitoring.
   
5. Hardware malfunctions or breakdowns. Hardware malfunctions or breakdowns can disrupt your operations and cause downtime. They can also be expensive to repair or replace. An IT Partner can help you prevent hardware problems by providing regular maintenance, support, and upgrades. They can also help you choose the right hardware for your business needs and budget.
   
6. Lack of IT staff or expertise. Hiring and retaining IT staff can be challenging and costly for small businesses. You may not have the resources or the need to hire a full-time IT team, but you still need someone to handle your IT issues and projects. Outsourcing your IT can help you fill the gap by providing you with access to a team of experienced and certified IT professionals who can handle any IT task or challenge.
   
7. Compliance issues. Depending on your industry and location, you may have to comply with various regulations and standards regarding data privacy, security, and quality. Failing to comply can result in fines, lawsuits, or loss of customers.
   
8. Scalability challenges. As your business grows, so do your IT needs. You may need more storage space, processing power, or functionality to support your expanding operations and customer base. But scaling up your IT infrastructure can be complex and costly if you do it on your own. Your IT partner can help you scale up your IT infrastructure easily and affordably by providing you with cloud-based solutions that are flexible, scalable, and cost-effective.
   
9. Lack of innovation or competitive edge. Technology constantly evolves and creates new opportunities for businesses to improve their products, services, processes, and customer experience. However, keeping up with the latest technology trends and innovations can be difficult and time-consuming for small businesses. An IT managed service provider can help you stay ahead of the curve by providing you with the latest technology solutions that can give you an edge over your competitors.
   
10. Lack of strategic IT planning or alignment. Having a strategic IT plan is essential for any business that wants to achieve its goals and vision. A strategic IT plan helps you align your IT investments with your business objectives, identify gaps and opportunities, prioritize projects and initiatives, measure results and outcomes, and optimize your IT performance and value.

If you are facing any of these IT problems, don't worry. You are not alone. Many small and medium-sized businesses struggle with the same issues. But you don't have to struggle anymore.

We are a leading IT managed service provider based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, offering a wide range of IT solutions and services to small and medium-sized businesses across Canada. We have over 30 years of experience and expertise in delivering IT solutions that are tailored to our client's needs and goals. We are committed to providing you with the best IT support, service, and value.

Whether you need help with network maintenance and security, hardware support, or strategic IT planning and alignment, we have you covered.

Don't let IT problems hold you back. Let us help you solve them.

Contact us today for a Free Consultation.

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