An Overview of Common Tech for SMBs & Nonprofits
This article is the first in a series, where we’ll break down the most common types of tech used by many small businesses (SMBs) or non-profits to help you better understand each type of tech and how it impacts your day-to-day operations. We’ll also be providing tips and tricks to help improve how you run and manage your business or organization using technology.
Let’s break these down into a few general categories for simplicity: Internet or Networking Devices, Compute (or Computing Devices), Applications or Software, and Peripherals or Miscellaneous
Internet or Networking Devices
Many homes and new businesses have an all-in-one device installed by the Internet service provider or “ISP”. These devices are usually a gateway, router and wireless access point wrapped into one plastic box with some blinking lights. As you dive more into the business world these all-in-one devices may not be able to keep up. Eventually, they will end up being replaced by a few plastic boxes with more blinking lights. We will explore this more in depth but for now, we will use the all-in-one box as your source for network connectivity and internet.
Compute (or Computing Devices)
The name is kind of a clue (and, no ‘Compute’ is not a typo). Your laptops, desktop (computers) and in today’s world Mobile devices such as iPads and tablets can fall into the ‘compute’ bucket. This is your primary means of connecting to the web for research, purchasing, and yes social media and entertainment. You will also run any software here as well as connect to other devices. While other business tech gear is important, these are the devices you use daily so they must be up to the task of running a business.
Applications or Software
Traditionally software was run on your computers such as Microsoft Word, Point of Sale (P.O.S.) systems and other types of productivity software but the landscape is changing quickly. Today, ‘Cloud’ (or ‘online’ based) software such as Office 365, Google Workspace and Adobe CC are becoming very commonplace. This cloud-based subscription model of software is also known as Software as a Service (SaaS). There are inherent advantages to both, however, we believe, small businesses and non-profits in particular can benefit greatly from the use of online or cloud-based software. When we take a closer look at this category, we will illustrate why.
Peripherals or Miscellaneous
This category can be thought of as a catch-all for a variety of devices. Examples include printers, scanners, speakers, webcams, mice etc. Depending on the user and or company needs these devices will vary. Some may be wired while others may be wireless such as printers or headphones that can connect and print or play audio via “WiFI” or Bluetooth connectivity.
While this is not an exhaustive list of all things technology it is normally what is found in many small organizations be it a business or non-profit. Our series will continue with a deeper dive into the basics of what internet or network components are, how they work (what they do and how they do it), a look at some great starter options and some tips on how to make the most of a basic starter system, as well as how to know when it’s time to upgrade!
Empowering Customers, Simplifying Technology
‘Empowering customers’ is part of our ethos. We believe helping customers understand the technology used in their day-to-day lives can make technology the force multiplier it’s supposed to be rather than just something else to go wrong.
