Crucial IT Tips for New Startups

Creating a startup business is funny – plenty of people talk to you about the mental attitudes you’ll need – grit, determination, resilience – and so forth. Still, fewer people are willing to make some solid predictions about the infrastructure you’ll need to have in place.

You can have the best attitude in the world – but without the right equipment, you’re facing a very steep uphill battle.

For most modern startups, IT is the backbone they must have in place – but what exactly will you need? And how can you make sure the costs involved don’t knock your plans off their feet?

Here, we’ll consider some of the most critical IT steps you should take as a startup – and explain some of the benefits involved.

Don’t let moving premises interrupt your business

Starting up is sometimes done with new premises from the get-go, but often, it involves working from any temporary or borrowed location before you set down your own company roots.

Whether this is the case for you—or if you’re already outgrowing your initial premises—you’re likely to be staring down the barrel of putting your business on pause while the new location is up and running. If this involves moving your equipment and your team, that might be a very small pause, but then again, if it involves waiting for your internet provider to put a new line into your office, you could be looking at weeks or even months of downtime.

For many businesses, this just isn’t feasible, so they hold off, make do with what they have, and potentially choke their growth.

There are IT solutions that mean this just isn’t necessary. If your internet requirements are fairly limited, you can set up an enterprise 4G router that’ll get you online with the addition of the appropriate SIMs from a reliable cellular network provider. Then again, if you’re looking at running a significant number of systems, a rapid site-deployment option might be right for you.

A rapid site-deployment set-up is essentially a plug-and-play enterprise-level internet connection in a box. It’s configured by a specialist communications company and powered by a series of 4G SIMs, with their connections bonded to provide a powerful conduit to the internet or your network. The best bit? It’ll have you up and running in days—not months.

Have the right support in place

So, are you setting up a small-scale network to build your business? It’s a significant step – but it often leaves a bitter taste in your mouth when you look at the ongoing cost involved. Part of that ‘running cost’ is unavoidable, including power, systems upgrades, etc., but most outgoing is based on staffing costs.

Even a small business network requires the attention of someone to ‘keep the lights on’ – and that’s got to be someone with the right qualifications, ongoing training, sickness, and holiday cover – and much more. It’s not uncommon for the cost of simply staffing your network to be £40,000+ yearly.

If that’s the kind of annual financial blow you’d instead not take, you’ll be delighted to hear that there’s a much more cost-effective (and arguably better) option:

Outsourcing your IT support.

An increasing number of businesses of all sizes are choosing to outsource their IT support – and there are plenty of good reasons to follow their lead. Firstly, there’s no requirement to employ staff – yet you’ve got access to a team of people who know your systems inside out. You won’t have to worry about the costly ongoing training and accreditations IT staff require, nor will you ever have to worry about arranging appropriate cover for your mission-critical systems should an in-house team be off. Ultimately, it represents an exceptional business asset to have useful networking knowledge just a phone call away.

You need to make sure your systems don’t let you down whichever way you go. Downtime costs businesses an incredible amount of money – and when you’re starting out, you need to ensure you’re operating as efficiently as possible.

You don’t have to cut corners on IT

If you’re not familiar with recent IT developments, you could be forgiven for not being aware of the ‘as a service’ revolution that’s changed the way businesses buy their IT equipment and services.

In recent years, there’s been a boom in the establishment of initially small startup businesses. Startups generally share one key consideration when they open their doors – money is limited, and its important value is maximized at every turn.

This historically meant that IT represented a massive point of contention. Generally, IT was an upfront spend—software licenses and equipment needed to be bought and paid for before you configured a server or typed a document—so the question was: Do you spend big on IT and hope that the business can grow to accommodate it? Or do you cut corners on IT and hope you can grow around these less-than-perfect circumstances?

Now, things are very different – and it’s because of the ‘as a service’ model. When you buy a product as a service, you’re not buying outright – instead, you’re essentially renting or paying-as-you-go.

A big component of how tech giants have been able to provide this kind of service relates to cloud computing. Rather than solely having a piece of software installed locally, you can access the most up-to-date version of that software remotely—paying nothing more than a per-person per-month charge for as much or as little of the overall package you need.

It’s not just software available on this basis either. Increasingly, businesses are paying companies like Microsoft to set up virtual services on their behalf that remove the need for email servers, storage servers, and much more. Using a service resource like this gives you the agility to scale and adjust your IT requirements in an ever-competitive marketplace.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key IT infrastructure components should a new startup prioritize?

When launching a startup, prioritizing the right IT infrastructure components is critical for ensuring smooth operations and scalability. Key components include:

• Hardware: Invest in reliable computers, servers, and networking equipment. Consider whether cloud-based solutions or on-premises servers best suit your needs.
• Software: Choose essential software tools for productivity, communication, and project management. Cloud-based software can provide flexibility and reduce upfront costs.
• Networking: Establish a robust and secure network infrastructure, including routers, switches, firewalls, and Wi-Fi access points, to ensure seamless connectivity.
• Data Storage: Implement scalable storage solutions to manage your data effectively. Cloud storage offers flexibility and ease of access, while physical storage can provide added security.
• Security: Prioritize cybersecurity measures to protect your data and systems from threats. This includes firewalls, antivirus software, encryption, and regular security audits.
• Backup and Recovery: Develop a comprehensive backup and disaster recovery plan to protect your data from loss due to hardware failure, cyberattacks, or natural disasters.

By focusing on these components, startups can build a solid IT foundation that supports growth and resilience.

2. How can startups effectively manage IT costs without compromising quality?

Managing IT costs is a major challenge for startups, but it can be achieved without sacrificing quality through strategic planning and smart choices:

• Leverage Cloud Services: Utilize cloud-based software, storage, and computing power solutions. This reduces the need for expensive hardware and offers flexible pricing models.
• Open Source Software: Consider open-source alternatives to proprietary software. Many open-source tools are free and provide robust functionality for various business needs.
• Scalable Solutions: Invest in scalable IT solutions that can grow with your business. This avoids the need for costly upgrades as your startup expands.
• Outsource IT Services: For specialized tasks like cybersecurity, network management, or IT support, consider outsourcing to managed service providers. This can be more cost-effective than hiring in-house experts.
• Vendor Negotiations: Negotiate with vendors for better pricing, especially if you commit to long-term contracts. Volume discounts and bundled services can also reduce costs.
• Energy Efficiency: Implement energy-efficient practices to reduce utility costs. Use energy-saving settings on devices and invest in efficient hardware.
• Regular Audits: Regularly audits your IT expenses to identify and eliminate unnecessary costs. This helps reallocate resources to more critical areas.

By implementing these strategies, startups can maintain high-quality IT services while controlling costs.

3. What cybersecurity measures should startups implement from the beginning?

Cybersecurity is paramount for startups to protect their data and maintain trust with customers and partners. Essential measures include:

• Strong Password Policies: Enforce strong, unique passwords for all accounts. Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of security.
• Firewalls and Antivirus Software: Install and regularly update firewalls and antivirus software to defend against malware and other cyber threats.
• Data Encryption: Encrypt sensitive data both in transit and at rest. This ensures that it remains unreadable even if data is intercepted or accessed without authorization.
• Regular Updates and Patching: Keep all software, including operating systems and applications, up to date with the latest security patches and updates to fix vulnerabilities.
• Employee Training: Educate employees about cybersecurity best practices, including recognizing phishing attempts, safe browsing habits, and properly handling sensitive information.
• Access Controls: Implement role-based access controls to limit access to sensitive data based on job responsibilities. Use the principle of least privilege to restrict access to only what is necessary.
• Incident Response Plan: Develop and regularly update an incident response plan to address and mitigate the impact of security breaches quickly.

By establishing these cybersecurity measures from the outset, startups can significantly reduce the risk of cyberattacks and safeguard their operations.

4. How can startups ensure their IT systems are scalable as they grow?

Scalability is crucial for startups to accommodate growth without major disruptions. Here are key strategies to ensure scalable IT systems:

• Cloud Solutions: Use cloud-based infrastructure and services that allow you to easily scale resources up or down based on demand. This includes cloud storage, computing power, and software.
• Modular Architecture: Design IT systems with modular architecture, enabling easy addition of new components or services without overhauling the entire system.
• Load Balancing: Implement load balancing to distribute workloads evenly across servers. This ensures optimal performance and prevents any single server from becoming a bottleneck.
• Microservices: Adopt a microservices architecture where applications are built as a collection of small, independent services that can be developed, deployed, and scaled individually.
• Automated Monitoring and Management: Utilize automated tools for monitoring and managing your IT infrastructure. This allows for proactive detection and resolution of issues before they impact performance.
• Scalable Databases: Choose databases that support horizontal scaling, allowing you to add more servers to handle increased loads rather than upgrading a single server.
• Regular Performance Testing: Conduct regular performance testing to identify potential scalability issues and address them before they become critical.

By incorporating these strategies, startups can build IT systems that grow seamlessly with their business, ensuring continued efficiency and performance.

5. What role does IT play in enhancing customer experience for startups?

IT is vital in enhancing the customer experience by providing efficient, reliable, and innovative solutions. Key aspects include:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Implement CRM systems to manage customer interactions, track sales, and provide personalized service. This helps build strong customer relationships and improve satisfaction.
• Website and Mobile App Performance: Ensure your website and mobile apps are fast, user-friendly, and accessible. Use IT tools to monitor and optimize performance, reduce downtime, and improve user experience.
• Data Analytics: Use data analytics to gain insights into customer behavior, preferences, and trends. This information can be used to tailor products, services, and marketing efforts to better meet customer needs.
• Omnichannel Support: Provide multiple channels for customer support, including email, chat, phone, and social media. Use IT solutions to integrate these channels for seamless customer service.
• Security and Privacy: Protect customer data with robust cybersecurity measures. Transparency and effective communication about data use and protection can build customer trust.
• Automation: Automate repetitive tasks and processes, such as order processing, invoicing, and customer support, to improve efficiency and reduce errors.
• Feedback Systems: Implement systems for collecting and analyzing customer feedback. Use this feedback to improve your products, services, and customer interactions continuously.

By leveraging IT to enhance these areas, startups can significantly improve the overall customer experience, leading to higher satisfaction, loyalty, and growth.

The article was originally published on August 16, 2018. Updated on July 13, 2024.