Replace, Upgrade, or Update?

used with permission from HP Technology at Work

As the year winds down, now is a great time to do a technology inventory. Assess your existing business technology to determine what needs to be replaced, upgraded, and updated. That way, your business will be ready to hit the ground running next year.

When conducting your tech check, consider the following areas:

Connectivity

A fast, reliable internet connection is critical not just to business success, but to doing business at all. How good is your internet service?

• At the office: Do you need to upgrade to faster internet connectivity? Is it time for a new router, extenders, or other devices to improve wireless connections?
• On the go: Improve security, save on data costs, and work more efficiently by upgrading to notebooks and tablets that come with mobile broadband service preinstalled.

Hardware

Newer desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones are more powerful, with more storage and faster speeds. This means greater security, productivity, and efficiency.

• Are you still using consumer PCs? These models are right for some situations, but many modern consumer-grade processors and mobile operating systems prioritize battery life over processing power. Business-class notebook PCs often offer both better performance and longer battery life, allowing you to work faster and longer while on the road.
• Do employees need to collect information on the road or in the field? Speed things up by providing tablets for capturing data on the go. Look for a detachable with included keyboard for maximum flexibility.
• Consider providing employees with work smartphones so you can implement device management software for greater security.
• Keep the hardware costs of upgrades down by purchasing devices that serve more than one purpose, like a single device that lets you switch seamlessly from a handheld, to a lap dock, to a desktop experience.
• Or, consider using a subscription service that provides updated hardware for your business every few years at a predictable cost.

Peripherals

Assess your business’s printers, scanners, copiers, and fax machines. Can you streamline critical business processes by upgrading to newer models?

• If you have multiple machines scattered all over your office, eliminate cord clutter and simplify daily tasks with a multifunction machine that can print, copy, scan, and even fax.
• Look for printers that offer both Ethernet and wireless features. These are easy to network and allow employees to print from mobile devices.¹
• If your printing needs have grown beyond a multifunction device’s capabilities, investing in an enterprise-quality printer can boost your business’s efficiency considerably.
• Support mobile printing without compromising security. Look for a solution that lets you manage security and printer access while allowing users to print from their smartphones and tablets as easily as from a PC.² Or upgrade your existing printers with technology that enables wireless direct printing.¹

Security

Small businesses are especially vulnerable to hackers, disaster, and data loss, making cyber-security more vital than ever.

• Do you regularly back up business data, and is it easily accessible in case of an emergency? Using secure cloud storage and backup protects your business information and can keep your business operational in a disaster.
• Your printer may be the weakest link in the security of your computer network. Deep printer security features embedded in some HP printers offer three key technologies designed to thwart attackers’ efforts and self-heal.³
• Is your mobile workforce at risk of “visual hacking?” Protect them by using laptops with built-in privacy screens.⁴

Tech support

IT support is essential to grow your business. Do you have the resources you need in this area?

• Is it time to expand your in-house IT department?
• If you don’t have in-house tech support, do you have third-party support that can repair equipment, retrieve data, and assist with problems?
• Go beyond basic assistance. Enlist IT support that can help you strategize, select, and plan for the technology solutions your business needs to grow.

[1] For wireless direct printing, mobile device may require an app or print software. Wireless performance is dependent on physical environment and distance from the printer. Please note that while your mobile device is directly connected to the printer, access to content that requires Internet support (such as web pages or documents stored in the cloud) may not be supported while in HP wireless direct mode.
[2] Feature is supported on select printers and may require purchase of an optional accessory. Mobile device needs to be connected directly to the Wi-Fi network of a wireless direct–capable MFP or printer prior to printing. Depending on mobile device, an app or driver may also be required. Learn more athp.com/go/businessmobileprinting.
[3] Based on HP review of 2015 published embedded security features of competitive in-class printers. Only HP offers a combination of security features for integrity checking down to the BIOS with self-healing capabilities. A FutureSmart service pack update may be required to activate security features on the HP LaserJet M527, M506, M577. Some features will be made available as a HP FutureSmart service pack update on select existing enterprise printer models. For list of compatible products visit: https://h20195.www2.hp.com/V2/GetDocument.aspx?docname=4AA6-1178ENW. For more information visit: www.hp.com/go/LJsecurityclaims.
[4] HP Sure View integrated privacy screen is an optional feature that must be configured at purchase.