By Jim Avazpour

The right technology is critical to small business success. Whether you're aware of an issue, such as slow network performance because of spyware, or there is a hidden threat such as an untested, unreliable data backup system, it's a good idea to continually assess the situation and make sure your technology is working as hard as it can for your business.

Things to watch for include:

• Is it taking longer than usual for employees to complete established computer-based tasks?
• Do you plan to add new software to the company's computers soon?
• Are you hiring new employees? Additional users can further weaken an inadequate network.
• Are employees spending more time reacting to unexpected IT problems?
• Are your employees or customers noticing your technological inadequacies?

Keep IT Environment Healthy
The benefits of a thriving IT environment are many: speedier operations for increased productivity, data security that brings peace of mind, remote data and application accessibility, greater employee collaboration and innovation and improved customer service. Perhaps the biggest benefit of a healthy technology network is how it enables a company to focus on and grow its core business.

To keep technology systems running smoothly, it is useful to consult a trusted IT advisor before making any network upgrades or purchasing new equipment. An IT expert who understands the latest technology can make recommendations that will best and most cost-effectively serve your business.

Core Functions for Productivity
When evaluating IT needs, you and your IT partner should cover the following seven core functions every company requires to ensure business continuity and optimal employee productivity:

1. End User Support-Most small businesses have a hard time justifying the expense of a full-time, "on-demand" internal IT manager. An alternative is to outsource this function to an IT partner who can deliver the benefits of a fully staffed internal IT department, such as a highly responsive technology help desk, at a fraction of what it would cost to operate internally.
2. E-mail-Most companies today can't imagine doing business without electronic communication capabilities. A business owner should strive for the most dependable, spam-resistant e-mail system available.
3. Data Backup-Data backup is the most neglected but most critical IT function, because data is arguably a company's most valuable asset. Companies should back up their data every day, as well as regularly test the backup files to make sure they are accessible. Most small businesses do neither.
4. PC Security-Viruses and security breaches cause costly network down time and lower employee productivity. The business owner, or an IT partner, should ensure every computer and on-site server is protected by the latest anti-virus software and security patches.
5. Network and Server Management-If a company's infrastructure is properly managed and monitored on a daily basis, a small business can virtually eliminate the hassle, risks and costs associated with traditional "break-fix" repair work.
6. Accessibility-Remote accessibility to data can increase user productivity by 25 percent. The key is making mobile computing secure and reliable.
7. Hardware-Sometimes it makes more sense for a company to own and house its IT infrastructure, and other times it doesn't. For a fast-growing company where space and reliable technology are at a premium, an outsourced IT partner can often do a better job and provide a class of service and equipment the business couldn't otherwise afford.

Technology can enable and speed growth or do just the opposite. If small business owners take a reactive stance, IT can tank their business. And while being more proactive when it comes to IT might initially cost more, entrepreneurs understand the value of sound investments. A strong, fast and secure IT network is one of the smartest investments you can make, and one that can actually open the door to more revenue-generating opportunities.

Jim Avazpour is president and CEO of Avazpour Networking Services (www.avazpour.com), an information technology consulting and outsourcing company in Overland Park's Corporate Woods. You can contact him at (913) 498.8777 or .