10 Business Technology Resolutions for 2013

With the New Year already upon us you’ve probably already thought through some of your business goals for the year, but you should also consider some technology resolutions for 2013.

Here are ten to consider:

Review Your Data Backup and Restoration Strategy

If you don’t have a backup strategy, it’s time to put a reliable plan in place.  Your data is the most valuable, non-personnel asset in your company.  Make sure it is protected from errors, equipment failures, and disasters.

Test Your Backup Plan

The best backup plan is worthless if the restoration part doesn’t work.  If you’re using tapes or external hard drives, it is time to take a look at better, more reliable options.  Cloud back up and disaster recovery options are more reliable and more affordable than ever before.

Update Your Website

Is the content on your website getting stale?  Take some time to review the content, pictures and other media that is on your site.  Update product info, the About Us page, and consider adding a blog or news/updates section.  Review and update your Privacy Policy (if you don’t have one, add it.)  Also, while you’re there, update the copyright date in your footer.  If it still reads Copyright 2008, you may want to consider adding a formula that changes the date automatically.

Update Your Anti-Virus Software

Has your anti-virus software expired?   Do you even have protection at all? Don’t wait until it is too late. There are many options depending on your network size and configuration. Slate can get you fully protected in no time.

Plan for Hardware Refreshes

Take an inventory of your computers and equipment and plan ahead for replacing old technology.  Consider upgrading the RAM and hard drives for newer machines that could use it, but replace computers over 3-4 years old.

Update Your Software

Take a look at the core software that your company is using and determine if upgrades will add functionality and updated support.  Bring your copies of accounting, Office and Windows software up to date.  If you’re still using Windows XP, consider upgrading to Windows 7 or 8.  2013 is the last full year that Windows XP will be supported by Microsoft.

Review and Update Your Technology Policies

Every company with employees should have an Acceptable Use Policy, “Bring Your Own Device” Policy (if applicable) and a Data Protection, Handling and Management Policy.  These policies set forth guidelines on how your employees are expected to use company and personal assets while on the job and what steps should be taken to protect sensitive data.

Your website should also link to a Privacy Policy to notify visitors that their visit may be tracked, what you will do with that information and how you will protect the data.

Clean Out Your Email Inbox

Take everything from before 2012, archive it and store it somewhere that you can get it if needed.  If you can, archive everything over six months old and run the archiving process once a month.

Make a Social Media Calendar

Jot down some ideas for special promotions or events and put them on a social media calendar to remind you to post information to your blog, Facebook and Twitter accounts.  Come up with a list of article ideas and put them on the calendar to write later.

List Your Top 5 Tech Headaches and Resolve to Fix Them in 2013

Are your employees complaining about slow PCs, printers not working or out-of-date software?  Put them on a list and discuss them with your tech support person.  If you don’t have a reliable tech support contact, give us a call at            (303) 997-0339 and we would be happy to discuss your needs with you to ensure a productive and prosperous 2013.

Happy New Year!