November 4, 2024 | By christa

Share

How to Choose the Best Hardware for Your Growing Business

• Hardware

Growing a business is an exciting journey, but it comes with its own set of challenges—especially when it comes to technology. As you expand, ensuring you have the right hardware can make a world of difference in how smoothly everything runs. But let’s be real: choosing the right equipment can feel overwhelming. That’s why tapping into the expertise of your Managed Service Provider (MSP) is important. They can guide you to the best hardware options that fit your needs and help you avoid those costly mistakes that can come from buying tech that just doesn’t cut it.

Step 1: Know Your Needs

Picking out new tech can be fun, but before you add anything to your cart, take a moment to figure out what your business needs.

Ask yourself:

• What daily tasks will this hardware do?
• How many users will be relying on this hardware?
• What essential software do we need to keep things running smoothly?
• What’s our budget looking like?
• Will we need portable options for remote work?

Did you know that around 82% of small businesses fail due to cash flow problems? Investing in hardware that doesn’t meet your needs can definitely contribute to those issues, which is why understanding your needs is critical to help steer your IT purchases in the right direction.

Step 2: Lean on Your MSP for Support

Think of this as step 1.5: Don’t be afraid to reach out to your MSP as you evaluate your needs. Your MSP isn’t just there for emergencies; they know the ins and outs of what will work best for you. Armed with knowledge about your operations and answers to the questions we just covered, your MSP can offer valuable insights and tailored recommendations. Plus, they can help you make the most of your budget, ensuring your technology supports rather than hinders your growth.

Step 3: Consider Your Software Requirements

Not all software is created equal, and each type has its own hardware needs. Whether you’re working with design software that eats up resources or simpler tools for day-to-day tasks, your MSP can point you in the right direction. 

Fun fact: Businesses waste about 30% of their IT budgets on unnecessary tech. Your MSP can help you steer clear of that waste.

Step 4: Assess Compatibility with Existing Systems

Before making any purchases, check how the new hardware will integrate with your current systems. Is your existing software compatible with the new hardware? Are there any connectivity issues you need to consider? 

This is another area where your MSP shines; they can help ensure that new devices won’t cause headaches down the line. Remember, a smooth integration can enhance productivity, while poor compatibility can lead to frustration and wasted money.

Step 5: Future-Proof Your Investment

You don’t want to invest in something that’ll be outdated in a few months. Talk to your MSP about future-proofing your hardware. They’ll guide you toward scalable options that can grow with your business. Investing in solid equipment now can save you from those costly upgrades later. 

The Bottom Line

Picking the right hardware for your growing business can be a chore. But with the right MSP by your side, you can make confident choices that fit your goals. Their expertise can give your productivity a real boost and let you focus on growing your business. So, make a point to check in with your MSP at every stage of the process.

LeadingIT is a cyber-resilient technology and cybersecurity support provider. With our concierge support model, we provide customized solutions to meet the unique needs of nonprofits, schools, manufacturers, accounting firms, government agencies, and law offices with 20-200 employees in the Chicagoland area. Our team of experts solves the unsolvable while helping our clients leverage technology to achieve their business goals, ensuring the highest level of security and reliability.