How Technology Can Save Your Business Money

Politicians are fighting again about whether or not to raise taxes on businesses. Small businesses are feeling the economic slump like everyone else; and a tax increase—on top of an existing mixture of declining incoming revenue and increasing costs—is the last thing they need. Business owners are looking for efficient ways to save money. Making changes in technology, specifically information technology, can help. Here are some ideas:

Use VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)

VoIP is essentially phone service through the Internet. It’s cheaper than standard phone service as it doesn’t require multiple lines: all calls can just go through a single broadband connection. The cost of making telephone lines secure is unnecessary, because Internet transmissions are already digitized and can be easily encrypted. Also, calls can be sent over existing networks instead of paying for both data and voice networks.

Use open source software

Instead of paying hundreds for licensed software, consider using open source software, which is free (or inexpensive). Most licensed software, from office suites to antivirus software, has high quality open source equivalents.

Use social networking sites

Businesses can advertise over social networking sites like Facebook or Twitter. This can reduce the amount of money it takes to attract customers.

Use web conferencing

Not every business meeting needs to be done in person. Regular use of Skype or similar web conferencing technologies (like TokBox, GoToMeeting.com and others) can cut the costs of business travel.

Use staffing agencies or freelancers

While not an IT change, the use of staffing agencies or freelance workers can save business a wad of money. A good IT staffing agency can provide qualified applicants who don’t need as much time and resources to train. The agency has already done the work of finding someone who can do the job well. Freelancers and temps are also good when business is slow or poor and a full-paid workforce isn’t needed.

Use laptops

Laptop computers use a lot less energy than desktop computers. Their portability means work can be done at home or in a café (if possible), which could potentially reduce the energy costs of regularly using an office building.

Small-to-midsized businesses (less than 500 employees) account for over half of the employment in the United States. To remain solvent, to hire people, and to maintain a profit, businesses need to spend less money than they bring in, which is difficult in a bad economy. Making changes regarding the use of IT can save money and keep the finances in the black—and that’s definitely good for everybody.

About the guest author: Lean Jaffy specializes in helping businesses find ways to become more effective through the use of technology. If you don’t have the technical skills to run these systems, consider looking at an agency like Modis to help you find a talented IT professional to add to your staff.

This is an original article published on SEO Desk with exclusivity.

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