ByteSmart – we take the pain out of using technology by making IT simple for small businesses.

A recent survey of over 150 successful, small business executives by CDW Corp found that “…the strategic use of IT is one of the biggest challenges for small business growth, and one of the most important keys to success.”

Second only to recruitment and retention of employees, managing IT was a more significant challenge than understanding customer needs, covering external costs of doing business, and establishing and maintaining financial controls. 

There is no question that technology is getting more capable but complex at a dizzying rate.  In its simplest form, it is a functional tool to accomplish basic business tasks; however, it can be leveraged to accomplish so much more, an enabler of business growth, but only when directed strategically to match the organization’s goals and direction.

ByteSmart is aimed squarely at addressing that need – we are an advisor to small businesses by helping them to develop an IT roadmap with their use of technology, guided by their business goals, including the software that they use to run their business, the security and protection of their data and systems, and their use of communications and other business-enabling technologies.

ByteSmart – we take the pain out of using technology by making IT simple for small businesses.

About a month ago, I was invited to speak to the Delaware Professional Photographers association.  The subject of choice for the presentation on September 18th is Data Protection for Small Businesses – Securing Your Business Information.

Data protection is a hot conversation among small businesses today. As more and more organizations become dependent on technology, the risks interwoven with the loss of information stored electronically become greater and greater. Statistical averages show that of those small businesses that have a significant loss of information (data), a surprisingly high percentage of them, over 90%, will never fully recover. Besides data loss from systems that are not backed up effectively, electronic information is the target of a worldwide stage of hackers and associated organized crime. They are not targeting just the rich and famous in business anymore- your data is in their crosshairs.  The internet isn’t just the wild, wild west anymore – it’s a downright war zone.

Data protection isn’t simply a product that you buy. It is a plan that is developed and maintained. And interestingly enough, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. The presentation will address what issues to consider, related industry best practices, and some technology options in addressing this critical area of business today.  Check out what MSNBC had to say for some related food for thought.