Why Your Startup Doesn’t Need to Worry About the IT Gap
What is information technology (IT)? It is how your startup uses computers to store, retrieve, transmit, and manipulate data.
You might be most familiar with the term IT when you call a “computer guy” to fix your computer or set up your email. For your startup, IT is an integral part of your business operations. But the question for us today, is do you need to stress about it?
In this article, we look at why your startup doesn’t need to worry about the IT gap.
Decoding the IT Gap
Leaders in IT, some of your startup employees, and even you may be aware of an IT skills gap. This usually occurs for businesses when they can’t hire or even afford to pay a dedicated IT person.
Many startups don’t have the resources to find, hire, and retain someone with relevant IT skills.
The biggest concern for your startup is how you address any IT gap your startup has.
Defining the IT Gap
For your startup, this IT gap may be the difference between what your business needs and what your current employees are actually able to accomplish.
For different businesses, this gap may mean different things. For you, it may mean someone to set up a database, or it may simply mean someone to set up your computer network.
Because IT is vital in the 21st century, it may seem like you’re behind the curve if you don’t have a dedicated IT staff. That isn’t necessarily true.
Why You Don’t Need to Worry About It
You have multiple resources for filling the “gap,” such as independent contractors and freelancers. In addition, if you hire younger staff, they may be able to fill it for you.
Your basic, beginning needs are most likely not huge in the beginning, and you can find multiple resources to get you started. To help you, here’s a quick checklist to help you overcome any IT gap, so you don’t have to worry about it.
Checklist for Startup IT
The most important things you need for your startup are computers. Depending on your work, you have a variety of options. Here are some basic tips:
- Every employee needs their own device.
- Choose Windows or Apple systems, depending on your workflow.
- Desktop computers are cheapest, but laptops and tablets are more flexible.
- Employees may need smartphones or tablets — again it depends on your work needs.
- Don’t always go with the cheapest computers. If your staff is doing graphic design or video work, they need something more powerful.
- You need keyboards, mice, and monitors if you’re going the desktop route.
- Your office needs one big printer that you can usually rent.
- Consider different types of software depending on your needs. For example, a subscription to Office 365 covers just about everything you need in the beginning. It also provides your network.
- You also need a business wireless account to get everyone online.
- Don’t forget the security suite for all of your computers to keep viruses and hackers out.
When it comes to saving files, look to the Cloud. This way everyone has access to the files at any time and from anywhere. They’re also backed up for you on a regular basis which is incredibly important for your startup.
To Conclude
You don’t need to worry about the IT gap in the early days of your startup. Leverage the knowledge of your employees. If you need to, look for an independent contractor or company well-versed in startup IT needs.
You can usually hire one of these companies on a short term basis to handle any needs you can’t take care of on your own.
