Tech Tools for Post-Pandemic Success

Technology has assumed a new role over the last several months, and many tools have proven invaluable in aiding businesses to remain connected, secure, and operational despite social distancing restrictions and other government mandates. Many businesses have used technology to pivot around the demands of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the question of how to create a framework for success after we return to normalcy still looms large. While they aren’t necessarily an end-all solution to all of the challenges the pandemic has created, remote work, security, and ecommerce tech tools will play a pivotal role in shaping the economic success of businesses post-pandemic.

Remote work tech tools

Remote work technology has been a critical component of success for businesses that have shifted to working from home since the beginning of the pandemic. When you can stay connected with your internal teams and customers regardless of where you’re physically located, it’s easier to maintain a work-life balance without worrying about missed business opportunities.

Video conferencing tools like Zoom and RingCentral, for example, give you the ability to present to a client or discuss quarterly forecasting with your team without needing to be in the same room. Instant messaging tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams make it possible to communicate in real-time about work-related items. They also enable a sense of office culture usually reserved for the water cooler. Similarly, project management tools like Monday.com and Asana keep everyone focused and on track to meet deadlines, thereby eliminating the need for time-consuming status updates.

These tools are valuable even if most of your team returns to a traditional office environment after the pandemic restrictions have been lifted. They make it easier for your teams to collaborate and operate more efficiently, which is important even when they’re in close proximity to one another.

Recommended: UCC Tools are Helping Remote Teams Effectively Collaborate

Security tech tools

Security concerns have escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic because of widespread technology adoption, and experts predict that this trend will only continue. Thankfully there are a few basic tools that will help protect your business from IT security threats now and in the future, especially when they’re combined to create a robust strategy.

First, endpoint protection suites like Malwarebytes and Webroot shield your laptops, smartphones, and other network-connected endpoints from malware attacks like viruses, ransomware, and spyware. Sometimes sophisticated malware can slip past these defenses, though, meaning reinforcements are necessary. Even if an endpoint device is compromised, single sign-on and multi-factor authentication tools like Okta and OneLogin stop threats from spreading to the rest of your business. However, the most impactful security tool is your employees. Training your staff to recognize potential threats and react appropriately is the best first line of defense to protect your business’s systems and data.

These tools were vital for preventing costly security breaches well before the pandemic, and they are proving to be more important than ever during the pandemic. As technology becomes a more integral part of normal operations, the security measures needed to protect your business will help make sure nothing gets in the way of your success.

Recommended: Antivirus vs. EPP vs. EDR: How to Secure Your Endpoints

Ecommerce tech tools

When businesses were required to close their doors, many leaned on ecommerce tech tools to reach customers without requiring face-to-face contact. Regardless of what kind of business you have, ecommerce solutions will help you expand your customer base and create new opportunities to connect with them.

First and foremost, many existing websites can tap into ecommerce with a few modifications. Some content management systems (CMS) like Squarespace and Wix have ecommerce features baked in, so you can create a fully functional online store with minimal effort. For websites that require more customization, WordPress plugins like WooCommerce and BigCommerce provide seamless integration with the rest of your site.

Not a retail store? You can still benefit from an ecommerce strategy with online appointment scheduling software like Bookafy or restaurant ordering and reservation applications like ChowNow and Tablein. Even when COVID-19 is a distant memory, your customers will enjoy the added convenience of interacting with your business online, and you’ll benefit from having more analytics to track performance.

Recommended: How to Add Ecommerce to Your Website

Success in a post-pandemic world

While much of what our world will look like post-pandemic remains an open question, there are a few ways you can shape your future. Remote work, security, and ecommerce are by no means new technology trends or concepts, but they have seen tremendous growth in the last several months and are expected to continue growing. Investing in these tools will help create a framework for your business’s success regardless of what the economic landscape looks like when the pandemic is over.

Kaiti Norton
Kaiti Norton
Kaiti Norton is the editor of Small Business Computing. She is passionate about creating relatable, research-based content that helps small businesses thrive.

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