Almost every business has now adopted some form of cloud. In 2020 the shift has accelerated as many businesses scrambled to adapt to remote working, changing workplace environments, and plans to permanently change the way they work forever.

For small to medium businesses (SMB), the majority of this change takes the form of migrating their data and identity services to Microsoft 365. The ongoing maturation of the Microsoft 365 ecosystem combined with it's various collaboration and productivity tools represents enormous opportunity for SMB's to better leverage technology.

Much has been publicised in 2020 about increasing cyber attacks on Australian businesses. Data shows that the number of attacks has in fact increased by 30%. Amongst the conversation, businesses have been urged to adopt Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Whilst most people have generally been exposed to this in some form, many remain unclear as to the true purpose & meaning.

As an IT Managed Service Provider (MSP) we regularly receive calls and referrals from businesses actively looking for a new IT support provider. Whilst every situation is different the reasons largely revolve around a desire for better service, more proactivity and trusted advice and strategy with future purchasing decisions.

As an outsourced IT support provider involved with many small to medium businesses (SMB) we have deep insight into a variety of industries. As such, there are a number of observations we have made in 2020 in light of the pandemic which we believe are interesting lessons that are worth sharing.

The design and adoption of modern IT solutions has become a major focus in 2020. Small to Medium Businesses (SMB) are looking for innovative ways to improve their collaboration, communication and value they deliver to clients. The success of these innovations however is commonly more about the organisations ability to problem solve and brainstorm rather than the technology itself.

Asking someone if they value IT security is like asking someone whether or not they value profit. Predictably, 100% of the people you talk to will agree, but not everyone will know how to actually improve their results.

Thankfully you do not need to be a cyber security expert to adopt a more secure approach to how you handle your businesses data.

Some businesses were "lucky" that their IT systems allowed them to quickly adapt to the pandemic. But was it luck? or simply good preparation, planning, and risk mitigation?

No one would have predicted or prepared their business for a global pandemic prior to 2020. Traditionally, disasters are considered to be fire, flood, or the proverbial truck driving through the office wall.

Annual MSP 501 Identifies Best-in-Class Global MSP Businesses & Leading Trends in Managed Services
JULY 28, 2020: Premier Technology Solutions has been named as one of the world’s premier managed service providers on the prestigious 2020 annual Channel Futures MSP 501 rankings.

Does your IT Managed Service Provider help you excel in business?

Traditionally small to medium businesses (SMB) have considered IT as simply a cost of doing business. This generalisation categorises technology along side utilities, maintenance, and other basic services such as office cleaning.

As we emerge from the crisis period of COVID-19, businesses are beginning to plan ahead. Forward thinking businesses are revising their forecasts and setting goals for the coming financial year.

There has never been a more unpredictable road ahead for most small to medium businesses.