Acquiring technology is among the first steps any entrepreneur takes when starting a small business. It may start with a computer, printer and software before quickly growing to storage, networking and more software. The technology purchases in those early days tend to be more on a need to buy basis.

I recently worked with leaders of a small business to identify the technology the growing retailer would need as it prepared to move into a larger location. The company’s move provided the leaders an opportunity to step back and re-evaluate their technology wants and needs.

The process proved beneficial for the business and allowed them to open their doors at a larger and better location. So what does a small business really need? Here’s a look at how to figure it out: 

• What are your mission critical items?
  Identify what tasks you need to perform to continue to operate as a business and tackle them one at a time. For a retailer, it would be the ability to take credit cards. That includes the software as well as reliable Internet and a redundant path to allow payments to be taken even if the primary Internet line fails. That may be a phone line or a second Internet line. For other businesses, it may be the ability to access certain software from anywhere. That application may need to be hosted in a way to ensure a guaranteed uptime.

• How will you secure your information?
  Every business needs to worry about security. Start by not collecting personal identifiable information that your business really does not need. It’s rare, for example, for a business to need a customer’s Social Security Number. The information you use for your business is often your customer’s information. Treat it with great care. Does your Line of Business (LoB) software store credit card information? Are you compliant with PCI standards that regulate how credit card information is kept? Determine how and where you will save your data. For many small businesses, it’s preferred to enlist a third-party hosting provider with the expertise and resources.

• How will you secure your network?
  Networks have become as commonplace in business as computers. It’s critical that businesses take the necessary steps to control access to their network, especially with the influx of mobile devices. That includes setting terms and conditions for employees and for guests. Small businesses are at the greatest risk of a security breach. Hackers prey on small businesses. Every presentation I’ve heard a technology manufacturer give recently has highlighted the need for businesses to invest in technology to manage their network. Cisco’s Meraki line of networking equipment is among the best options for small businesses. It provides out-of-the-box security, scalability and management of devices on the network. (See what these apps do).
  
  
• What is your disaster recovery process?
  Small businesses cannot afford to go offline. The minutes, hours – or even days – lead to a loss of revenue that can hit a small business hard and some cannot recover from. Disaster recovery is different from backups. (See how a business prepares for a disaster).

The bare minimum technology needed for a business to operate has grown significantly over the past decade. Technology has become critical for business operations. It can help even the smallest businesses become more efficient and even grow. Technology has become more complex. It’s not as easy as getting a credit card machine anymore. Now Internet performance needs to be considered and a backup plan needs to be in place. Take the time to invest in the technology you need to thrive as a small business. It will pay dividends.