In a new study commissioned by Microsoft and performed by Freeform Dynamics Ltd. finds that IT support companies enable better business productivity and efficiency, and those small businesses that use hosted services perform better financially than other small business that do not. Despite the global recession, most small and medium businesses surveyed in 2010 reported an increase in revenue over the year 2008.

Those companies that reported growth view technology as critical to their business success. In fact, over 55% of those surveyed say that IT is critical, up from 35% in 2008. And of the companies that embrace IT, 60 percent saw revenues grow over the last 12 months.

What does this say about technology and its implications for business success?
Specifically, this study indicates that small businesses are beginning to see the real benefits and value of cloud computing, with over 40% saying they use hosted technology of some sort. Over one half of those using cloud computer stated they have increased revenues by 30% or more, in contrast to 90 percent of respondents not using hosted technology that saw decreases in revenue.
The research director for the report, Dale Vile, stated: “Our assessment of the report tells us that an increased focus on IT correlates with good performance in all the size categories surveyed. The whole picture corroborates the notion that technology and hosted services can provide tangible business advantage, even for smaller companies, and it’s not surprising to see that investment in IT and hosting go hand in hand with good financial performance.”

Overall, the report describes the advantages of hosted or cloud technology:

1. Reduced Costs
2. Reduced IT Maintenance
3. Increased business value
4. Increased productivity
5. Increased competitiveness

Here at Sky Technology, we drink our own medicine.

We are using our own cutting edge hosted solutions to manage and grow our business. Also, we have numerous successful, local (and a few national) businesses that are saving significant money, increasing productivity, and generally becoming an updated efficient model of business 2010 style.

Our economy has changed, what are you doing to adapt?

Not sure? Need guidance? Let us at Sky Technology help you equip your business for success.  630-960-9200

Businesses are constantly changing.  Is your company’s backup and disaster recovery plan changing with your business needs?  Do you know what your disaster recovery process is?  Does your company have a plan if something catastrophic happens to your company’s technology?  I can’t tell you how important this is.  Studies show that approximately 60% of small businesses that have a catastrophic data loss (without backup) are out of business within 24 months.  That is pretty serious.

If you have a disaster recovery plan, then you are preventing such events from disrupting your normal business operations – or at least you were at the time you created the plan.  But how long ago was that?

As your business has grown, it is likely that the products or services you offer (or at least the way you deliver them) has changed as well.  For example, the increase in technology-based processes over the past few years has likely increased your reliance on the availability of your network, computers, servers, and the data on them.

These changes usually require an updated approach to your disaster recovery plan.  As a result, we recommend a regular review of your plan.  If you make changes, they should be tested and documented so all employees (or vendors) can be trained accordingly.

Finally, keep in mind that reviewing your disaster recovery plan is not a one time event.  Because changes in your service/products, or the way you deliver them, are likely to continue.  This review should be conducted on a regular schedule.

That is something our unlimited, flat-rate clients enjoy for no additional charge.  We are constantly monitoring their business processes and any changes in their technology are appropriately included in the disaster recovery process.

If your company does not have a proper plan in place – or if you are not even sure what disaster recovery means and the reason why you need it, contact us today at Sky Technology: 630-960-9200.

We can help save your business from disaster.