Spring time is here! Traditionally it’s time to clean the windows, the bottom of the drawers and cupboards in the kitchen and all those other things you have been meaning to get around to. Spring cleaning doesn’t just apply to the home though – it applies to your IT too. Working your way through these 10 tips could help save you hundreds of pounds on your IT budget.
1. Software Audit
Have you recently done an audit of all your software licences?
If not, then it’s worth starting here.
If you have reduced staff recently or changed the type of software you use, the chances are you now have unused software licences. Cancelling unwanted subscriptions could save you hundreds of pounds a year.
2. Consider a Virtual Server
Did you know that servers have a warranty end of life of about 5/6 years?
Your trusty old server may have given years of service but a new one is going to perform much better and be more power efficient. A virtual server can replace multiple servers by having many operating systems running on the same piece of hardware so virtualising can massively reduce costs. At G5 we provide proactive support and maintenance for virtual and physical servers to help you reduce downtime and keep costs low.
3. Move to the cloud
Cloud what you can! Services such as email servers that once had to be purchased as an asset can now be purchased as a monthly cloud-based service. It may not work out cheaper in the long run, but it can make life easier when it comes to your IT budget. Instead of having one huge upfront cost and being left with redundant hardware at the end of it; you now have smaller re-occurring monthly costs plus the added benefit of having the most up to date software.
4. Save electricity
Don’t waste electricity: Simple but effective! Are employees switching off their PCs and monitors at the end of the day? If not, then we can recommend software that does this for you. Estimated savings can be 20-30% on your electricity bill and reduce your carbon footprint. A simple but great way to save money and the environment.
5. Check your Telecoms bill
If you currently have your internet and phone services with the same provider, then splitting them could save you hundreds. Better still, you can save up to 70% by upgrading any ISDN phone lines to VoIP. ISDN phone lines will be phased out in the next few years anyway so doing it sooner will mean you save money sooner. These are not only a third of the cost of a traditional phone line but also a fraction of the price when it comes to calling. You could also make use of free internet services such as Skype.
6. Video Conferencing
Video conferencing dramatically reduces travel costs but even if you are already using a video conferencing system, is it able to take calls from all platforms such as Skype for Business? If not, then it might be worth upgrading it to further reduce costs and enable more efficient communication and working.
7. Set mobile phone limits for Staff
Staff mobile phone bills can be reduced by enforcing policies such as blocking international numbers. Your provider should be able to advise on how to cut costs or you can talk to us for more information.
8. Outsource your IT
Are there any IT services that you could outsource? Make use of consultants like us to gain the expertise you need without recruiting expensive permanent staff.
9. Check your versions of Office
If all your employees have different versions of Microsoft Office, then this can lead to compatibility issues and reduced productivity. Microsoft no longer support Office 2013 and have moved onto Office 2019. If you haven’t already upgraded, then you could be leaving the door open to cyber criminals so now is the time to consider making the move to Office 365. Benefits include: enhanced security, access to your email from anywhere anytime, predictable monthly costs and no more costly software upgrades.
10. Ensure your operating systems are current
Check your computer operating systems, if you are still running Windows 7 or 8 then you are leaving the door open to cyber criminals. Microsoft no longer support Windows 7 and 8 so now is the time to upgrade to Windows 10. Most PCs and laptops have a useful life of 3-4 years, any longer and they start running more slowly and require more maintenance which leads to frustration and reduced productivity for your employees. Call us today if you aren’t sure what operating system you have.
