Small businesses need to change with the times

BY Staff Writer at Sage

It can sometimes seem as if every other day there's an announcement for a new gadget or piece of software that is purported to completely redefine the business world. In truth, innovations are adopted gradually, as companies slowly experiment with emerging concepts and practices.

The technology and services that stick around must continue to evolve in order to satisfy the diverse needs of many markets, as well as proving cost-effective. Small businesses may not always be first in line to try out a new device or program, but it's imperative that owners recognize when a trend might be a game-changer in the future.

According to a press release by Sage, there are three technology strategies organizations can take advantage of to improve their performance. While these ideas may not be hot off the presses, they're still in the early stages of adoption among businesses of all sizes.

1. Hybrid cloud – More companies are moving to the cloud now that owners understand the benefits they can gain from a flexible system. However, not every business is ideal for making a complete transition to the cloud. Some organizations have legacy systems that are integral to operations but aren't modern enough to survive the migration. Others have information they prefer to keep in-house. Thankfully, the hybrid cloud combines both private and public cloud environments, establishing itself as a solution for small businesses who would like to get the best of both worlds. This allows companies to separate their infrastructure and run their systems in the most effective way.


2. Mobility – Small businesses need to seize every opportunity to spur growth. In the fast-paced corporate world, customers and clients are increasingly on the go and businesses must embrace mobility to meet these demands. Mobile payments, cloud storage and smartphone applications are just a few ways companies can operate while out in the field to maximize profits and exposure.


3. Big Data – With so many devices on people at all times running programs and collecting information, the potential for small businesses to harness big data has never been greater. By analyzing everything from shoppers' preferences to their location, businesses can attain valuable insights to inform decisions on daily operations. Summaries of these statistics can save owners time and resources by highlighting strategies that aren't working and those that are.

Sage understands one size doesn’t fit all—not every business owner defines success the same way, and there’s a right solution for every business. Whether start-up, small, or medium-sized, we adapt to their every need, at every turn of their business development. Whether they’ve been in business for 20 minutes or 20 years. Get started today: www.Sage.com

Sources:

http://na.sage.com/us/our-news/press-releases/07/choice