Busting the most common IT headaches, without breaking the bank.

Does your server crash on a weekly basis? Do your PCs switch themselves off for no apparent reason? Do your files and emails frequently disappear into the ether? Is the IT guy getting fed up of the sight of you?

In this day and age, having efficient and smooth-running IT systems can be the difference between a successful and failing business. Installing the latest technology is a major investment, which more often than not pays off.

But is it always necessary? Many companies get drawn into the IT arms race when they can quite simply avoid it. Innovation in technology is happening at a frightening pace but that doesn’t mean that businesses can’t operate effectively without splashing out on the latest and greatest IT solutions on the market.

We bust the most common IT headaches in the workplace, without you having to break the bank:

The sky is the limit

Have you ever felt like bashing your head against the wall when your computer plays up? Well, if you think replacing your old server with a super-fast one is the solution, think again. Leave the jammed network and the unwieldy server that keeps crashing behind and move towards cloud computing to avoid the data overload. It allows you to scale your usage so if cash flow is slow, you can opt for a cheaper subscription, just like Sky TV without the movie channels.

Boost your immunity

Computer hackers, virus attacks and technical glitches are more likely to hit a growing enterprise because they have fewer resources to deal with them. This coupled with an anti-virus system that brings back limited results and takes hours to scan is a recipe for a disaster.

Don’t be a victim of something that can cost your business hundreds of pounds because you don’t have a disaster recovery plan in place. Step up a gear and ensure all staff know the plan, back-up your company data, and always invest in a spare hard drive to use in case of emergency.

Pollution solution

Tablets, laptops, netbooks and smartphones are blurring the lines of business and personal life. SMEs are now faced with the reality that an increasing number of employees prefer to conduct business on their personal devices, and this can often cut costs for the company too so make sure your systems are compatible with these devices.

But don’t overlook the negative knock on effects they can bring without the right measures in place. You should regularly review the security of your IT/digital assets both physically and virtually to avoid a virus that can spread like wildfire.

Using a basic cloud service which will protect company data from any inadvertent loss caused by technical faults on the device is a good idea, as imposing restrictions or checks on staff devices is ill advised.

Brain train

If you think IT support is your friend, you must be living under a rock. The amount of calls they get from staff about broken printers and login problems are enough to make them slam the receiver down before you can say help!

Skilled people are very mobile which is why it is crucial to make a succession plan. So, take the IT manager off speed dial and start documenting systems and processes so that you can solve the occasional problem yourself without sending them into exasperation.

Let’s face it; being told to turn your device on and off isn’t going to be the high-point of your day anyway.

Signs you don’t need an update

• IT generally works well apart from a few minor hiccups from time to time;

• Staff training could help to maximise the company’s current IT usage and potential;

• IT dilemmas are not directly affecting workplace productivity and efficiency;

• Latest innovations might not dramatically differ from the technology currently in place;

• Stopgap measures, such as increasing memory, will solve all the problems;

• Can it wait? The cost of IT is constantly reducing and businesses can often benefit from playing the waiting game.