If there is one common thread running through most predictions for 2012, it`s that no one really
knows quite what to expect, except that it`s going to be another “tough” year.
The problem, says Andre Joubert, GM of MWEB Business, is that after successive “tough” years,
many businesses have little in the way of reserves to cushion them against unexpected but
significant expenses.
“In today`s fragile economy, what could be a minor crisis in other circumstances – such as a server
crash and loss of data due to a glitch in the back-up system - could well turn out to be the proverbial
straw that sends the business into terminal decline. With a little preparation, these crises can be
avoided,” he adds.
“Businesses should do everything they can to `work smarter`, reduce overheads and save time.
While long-established business practices might still do the job, an effective and affordable
alternative could help to transform a surviving business into a flourishing one.”
MWEB Business has come up with 10 tips to help businesses better navigate the uncertain times
that lie ahead:
1. Security breaches of your network can cause everything from minor irritations such as slowing
down your data traffic, to potentially business-destroying disasters. Ensure your business is
protected against hackers, crackers, malware, viruses and any other nasties that lurk on the Internet,
by implementing a security solution that won`t let you down.
2. Exploit the cloud. There is a multitude of innovate, business-enhancing cloud-based services such
as Hosted Exchange, CRM and SharePoint, along with virtual server hosting and online back-up
services – find them and use them.
3. Ensure your business has sufficient Internet bandwidth to be able to exploit the Internet without
incurring cost penalties for unexpectedly exceeding your cap. Uncapped and unshaped is the way to
go.
4. When opting for uncapped Internet access for your business, choose the best possible quality of
access to avoid being tied in to potentially slow connections (those that are heavily shaped and/or
throttled) that will negatively impact your productivity.
5. Ensure your Internet service provider has sufficient redundancy built in to their infrastructure to
ensure their failures don`t become yours.
6. Skills development is going to become increasingly important as the battle for business survival
intensifies. Educate and train yourself and your staff cost-effectively by making use of the many
training courses available on the Internet.
7. Back up. Data loss happens: hard drives crash, motherboards short and human error results in
critical data being erased. Thanks to cloud computing technology and the availability of affordable,
uncapped broadband connectivity, automated off-site back-up has become a viable option for
businesses of all sizes.
8. Upgrade your server and utilise the fastest, most powerful machine possible – and ensure it is
housed in a data centre that`s fully protected against power failures, fire, flood, theft or malicious
physical or cyber threats.
9. Don`t compromise on server power and capacity. If you can`t justify the cost of a larger server
that`s required for short periods or projects; or you can`t afford a back-up server, opt for a virtual
hosted server – a server when you need it without the expense and the hassle of investing in your
own hardware.
10. Avoid those “dead” hours of the day when you have to be away from your desk. Fixed mobile
convergence (FMC) technologies allow you to do anything you would be able to do as easily as if you
were sitting at your desk in your office, regardless of your physical location.
“MWEB Business understands the needs of businesses in South Africa and works with customers to
develop and implement the most appropriate and cost-effective IT solution for their specific needs,”
Joubert concludes.
MWEB Business
Founded in January 1998 as the business division of MWEB, MWEB Business provides
comprehensive solutions in areas of Internet access, application services, network support and
consultancy services to businesses.
We are dedicated to helping our business clients leverage the power of the Internet by providing a
comprehensive solution for all their Internet needs, along with the expertise and skills to successfully
implement their ventures online.
MWEB Business has provided Internet services to 8 000 business clients, including Pick n Pay,
Mango, FlySAA, Netflorist, and many more.
Editorial contacts
MWeb Business
Daphne Mphaga
(011) 340 7170
(011) 340 7170
dmphaga@mweb.com
Troika PR
Marilyn de Villiers
(011) 884 0775
marilyn@troika-iw.com