Digital and IT solutions have never been more accessible to businesses of any size. The wide adoption of cloud-based solutions has driven increased demand for both software and hardware. According to the US Chamber of Commerce, 86% of small businesses credit recent technology as their "lifeline." 1 in 4 are currently using AI.

While plenty of business IT tools can benefit SMBs, it's not always clear to business owners which are essential in today's market. So, we've created a list of absolute must-have digital and IT tools you need to stay competitive.

Network Security Software

Without a doubt, network security is vital for SMBs. It's a common misconception that enterprise-level companies are the only businesses hackers will spend their time on.  43% of small businesses are victims of a cyberattack. Hackers often see SMBs as easier targets since they may not have the resources needed to provide an adequate level of security.

Protecting your data is further complicated by the growing trend of hybrid and remote work over the years. While remote work has several benefits for employees and employers, it means adding an extra layer of security for all devices connected to your network.

An all-encompassing security platform featuring zero-trust access is imperative to protect your data, no matter where your employees are. For example, Cisco Duo features user-friendly two-factor authentication to guard against unapproved sign-ins and Continuous Identity Security that safeguards against identity threats 24/7, so you'll know exactly who is on your network.

Accounting Software

Every company, large and small, requires accounting to keep the books in order. A good accounting platform helps streamline your time so you can focus on running your day-to-day operations. Several accounting platforms on the market cover all manner of tasks, like payroll, taxes, bookkeeping, and more. With the right accounting software, keeping your finances in order is a breeze, taking the guesswork out of managing your business's money, and saving you from hiring an outside professional.

Xero and Quickbooks are two popular options out there that you can use in tandem, to ensure both employees and the IRS get paid on time.

Customer Relationship Management Software (CRM)

The relationship between you and your customers is an intricate one. With so many ways to contact businesses nowadays, managing all the separate channels, from social media to customer service lines, can take a lot of work. A CRM platform helps remove a lot of the guesswork by gathering customer data into one simple-to-read interface.

With a CRM optimized to your individual business needs, you can gain valuable insight into how your customer base interacts with your business, identify areas of concern, and make adjustments where they are needed. A CRM allows you to track trends, reallocate marketing resources, and more.

By now, Salesforce has become a household name and has everything a business could need to start tracking customer data. Others include the aptly named Less Annoying CRM which is specifically designed with smaller businesses in mind. Cisco's Unified CallConnector for Microsoft Dynamics CRM, provides additional information on inbound and outbound calls, along with call duration tracking and record creation.

Intranet Platforms

A cloud-based intranet tool can greatly reduce the amount of on-site storage you need by keeping all your content safely in the cloud. This also frees up concerns over server maintenance and securing your data.

But most importantly, a good intranet platform allows for better collaboration between employees and a streamlined workflow, keeping productivity high. Team members can easily share assets whether they are in the office, at home, or away on vacation.

Microsoft's SharePoint and Confluence are two intranet platforms that are widely used by companies worldwide due to their reliability and ability to handle content needs for large and small companies.

Video Collaboration Tools

SMBs that adopt hybrid and remote work environments need a stable way to connect employees and clients for meetings and to share company data safely and securely. This is where a good video collaboration tool comes into play.

Clearly, you want a platform with excellent audio, crisp video, and recording and playback capabilities, but another thing to look for is security. Hackers may also target video platforms to access sensitive data and user information.

Video collaboration platforms like Cisco Webex provide all this and more. Set up calls and meetings, send messages, create company polls, and more. Webex also features built-in, best-in-class security that authenticates every user to ensure your collaboration stays within the company.

While it's essential that every SMB should have a combination of these tools, finding the right fit depends on your company's individual needs. We're ready to help! Contact a Cisco expert today, and our team will help you find the perfect mix of must-have tools for your business.