With more businesses aiming to facilitate working from home where possible, IT management is becoming a key consideration. In order for your employees to work with data and software off-site, your business will first need to enable a number of processes.
Every business is different, so there is no single setup that will work for all. However, there are several key IT features that make working from home effective, safe and reliable. These five IT features are what most businesses will need to get started.
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
A virtual private network is essentially a security feature that will allow your employees to access systems and data safely. If your business deals with sensitive client or customer data, or is subject to compliance requirements, a VPN process is essential. Without this key IT feature, data and access to your system becomes more vulnerable to attack.
Hardware Devices
It is important that the hardware your employees use is fit for purpose. A router and devices necessary to access the internet are usually a must. Depending on the nature of your business, employees may need to use a combination of cell phones, tablets, laptops and desktops. Each device should access your business network via a VPN to ensure security.
Software Services
Without the right software, working from home can become difficult or impossible. Employees should realistically have access to all the same software they would on-site. This can be achieved through either locally installing software or providing access through cloud hosting. In the case of the latter, employees are not putting sensitive data at risk by having it stored on a physical device. Cloud hosting is accessible on multiple devices including laptops and cell phones.
Helpdesk Service
When working from home, employees do not have easy access to IT support. Rather than risking unnecessary downtime, you may wish to consider facilitating helpdesk services. Employees can request password resets, help with troubleshooting and have any necessary software or upgrades installed remotely. There are also numerous other benefits of a helpdesk service that are more business-specific.
VoIP Calling
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a cost-effective way to provide employees with the ability to make and receive calls at home or on the road. This IT feature must be set up correctly in order to work. If your employee’s internet and router are not configured to allow VoIP calling, it can result in a poor customer experience. When considering VoIP, always use a company that understands the needs of your business and will ensure that the setup provides optimum benefits.
Other IT Considerations
If employees can work from home, they can also work while on the road. When thinking about the IT features that you want to facilitate, consider all the roles and tasks your employees will need to undertake. For instance, some employees may need to print from on-site networked printers. This requires both printers being able to communicate securely over a VPN. It is also worth recognizing that employees from different departments will need separate security protocols and access.
For some businesses, setting up these features without the help of a specialist IT management company may not be possible. If this sounds like your business, it may be time to call in the experts from ClubDrive. We can provide IT solutions for all your work-from-home or on-the-road needs.
Reach out to ClubDrive if your employees need remote access to data or systems for any reason. Our IT management team can facilitate any level of connectivity and networking for fast, safe and efficient computing.