If you own a startup or a small business, you are probably aware that creating your niche in the market, especially in major metropolitan cities, can really be challenging. That’s why in today’s fast and highly competitive world, startup and small business owners certainly need all the help they can get to keep up with not only bigger competitors, but other small businesses as well.
In big businesses and enterprises, managing work-related data and information is all done using big data computing capabilities. This allows these companies to get the job done faster, while letting them manage their businesses more efficiently. According to Alex Viall, director of Mustard IT (providing IT support services to London companies), such advantages should not accrue to larger businesses alone. Even small businesses and startups can gain computing leverage against bigger competitors by using big data as a tool to help them improve their processes. Wouldn’t you want the same for your business?
Finding the Right Big Data Solutions
Below are some of the primary features that an SMB must look for in big data services:
Choice and Flexibility
A big data solution intended for large organizations can be very costly, as it usually requires the client to junk their existing systems. It also exacts a heavy toll on the company’s IT department, which will simply not work for a small-scale business.
In a scenario where an SMB’s HR department would wish to automate some of its data-gathering processes, for example, the concerned department would typically act on its own. It would lay out the requirements, justify the cost, do the research, and find the best solutions to meet its needs – independent of the IT department. This would lead to a variety of solutions already set up within the company that may include HR software, recruitment programs, and other customized solutions.
The ideal scenario is for a small business to find a big data solution that will allow them to acquire only the capabilities they need, without having to gut out the systems that they already have in place. While the solution must have everything the client could possibly need in one complete package, the service provider must not force the company to change the systems it has already implemented.
Simplicity
A small business big data solution must be easy to implement and use. It should be up and running in just a matter of days or a few weeks at a maximum. The promised capabilities must work harmoniously and seamlessly. Likewise, if the client needs to integrate a new feature to its existing systems, it must be done in a cost-efficient manner, meaning without the need to get the services of expensive specialists. The system must be simple enough to have minimal staff training requirements and IT department involvement, since these cannot be afforded by all small businesses.
Cost
The price must be reasonable and justifiable. The client must pay only for the features that they will use. The ideal licensing strategy is one that will allow them to scale up only once their needs increase. A small business experiencing rapid growth can find this approach particularly beneficial.
Simply put, the cost and software investments must be aligned with the company’s expansion and growth.
Harnessing the Power of Big Data for Your Business
As you can see, big data is not just for big businesses and enterprises anymore. With so many IT firms offering big data services, it would be easy for the small business owner to utilize and take advantage of the numerous benefits it offers.
However, you will need to know more about it before you can fully maximize its potential. Be sure to do some research about big data computing and enure that you hire the right IT firm to set it up for you. This will help you avoid inconsistencies and other problems, which can be costly and time-consuming, if they get out of hand in the future. You also have to make sure that your analytics solutions and data models will fit your business’ specific needs.
Furthermore, make sure that you have the right budget to get everything done properly. As with investing in other business ventures, not having enough funds before investing in big data computing may result to a lot of problems in the future.
Last but definitely not the least, make sure that you and your employees are properly educated and trained in handling big data. Making yourself and your workforce skilled is essential to guarantee that your transition to big data will be a great success. This will also help you save money in the future as your company can handle troubleshooting and system development when the need arises. So do some research, ask the right questions, choose the right IT firm, and review everything before jumping into the world of big business data.
How can you harness this power and maximize your data’s potential for your business? I would advise asking a trusted IT company and learn more about it now.