Monetizing The Cloud

 

Monetizing The Cloud

Technology Project Financing Programs Create Positive Cash Flow

Balboa Capital, a division of Ameris Bank, enables a complete technology project financing alternative which follows the traditional monthly SaaS business model with the additional benefit of accelerated positive cash flow!

•  Accelerate Sales Cycles
• Control Your Sale
• No Cost, No Obligation Credit Clearinghouse
•  Improve Profit Margins
•   Increase Cash Flow

Additional Information: 

·         Every Proposal Should Include Financing Options

·         Introduce Financing Options at Top of Sales Cycle

·         Provides a pathway to move Capital Expense (CAPEX) to more preferential Operating Expense (OPEX) To Accelerate Sales Cycle

·         Provides Client with Potential Section 179 Tax Benefits

·         Improves Your Cash Flow Position: Turn Annuity into Up Front Cash Payment

·         Reduce Churn and Increase Client Retention

·         More Profitable, Long-Term Subscriptions

·         Mitigate Subscription Risk/Cancellation

·         Bank Commensurate Rates Eliminate “Rate Shopping” Delay Tactics

·         Simplify Operations to Eliminate Billing and Collection Issues

·         Predictable Monthly Payments Match Costs to Expected Benefits

·         Significantly Reduce Customer’s Out of Pocket Expenses

·         Preserves Working Capital and Bank Credit Lines

·         Include ALL project costs including Consulting, Implementation, Conversion, Migration, Extended Maintenance and Service/Support

·         Generate Additional Revenue/Profit Center

·         Eliminate Steep Discounting Practices 

Contact Dean Morrison for Additional Program Information:

 Dean Morrison

Business Development Manager

o. 954-825-0395 x 155

m. 954-224-3390

e. dean.morrison@balboacapital.com

What is a trademark

Balboa Capital Provides Excellent Information That Informs Our Valued Vendor Partners and End User Clients

https://www.balboacapital.com/blog/what-is-a-trademark/

Whether you are launching a startup or have been in business for many years, protecting your company is a vital step that can help prevent problems in the future. You can do this by hiring a good business lawyer, selecting the appropriate business legal structure, having a reliable accountant do your bookkeeping, and obtaining business insurance coverage. But what about protecting your business name and logo? Doing so offers you certain levels of legal protection if other businesses use your brand name and identity, which can confuse your customers and damage your reputation. Of course, we are talking about trademarking.

A trademark is a legal “mark” that protects your business’s name, logo, service mark, and any symbols relating to your company’s brand. In addition to helping protect your business from copycat branding and fraud, a trademark can help differentiate your business in the marketplace and make it unique. This Balboa Capital blog post features an overview of trademarks, including how they work and how to apply for one.

Trademark definition.

In the blog paragraph above, we provided a general trademark description. However, there is much more information to become familiar with. First, a trademark can be a word (or words), name, logo, and symbol used to identify a brand and its products and services and legally distinguishes it from other brands. In some instances, companies also register brand attributes like shapes, sounds, scents/fragrances, and colors. Businesses with legally approved marks often incorporate the little registration mark on their company logos.

Second, a brand name, logo, or related mark must meet specific requirements to qualify for trademark protection. For example, it needs to be distinctive and used in commerce, and the mark needs to be available. If another business has already trademarked a similar mark, a company will face an uphill climb when trying to trademark it. Many applications are denied when their marks are too similar to those that already have legal protection.

Third, trademarks are protected by law and may only be used on or in connection with goods and services which fall under the trademark owner’s control. So, suppose a company copies the name or logo of another company in the same industry. In that case, the holder of the original mark will most likely win a legal dispute.

How to register a trademark.

Many small business owners avoid trademarking their brands for a variety of reasons. Some do not understand why a mark is needed, while others think getting a mark is too expensive and time-consuming. No matter the reason, running a business can be risky without legally protecting the name and logo mark. In addition, trademark lawsuits can arise without warning and can be quite costly.

Registering a trademark is a reasonably straightforward process. And although it requires a nominal investment, it can give business owners peace of mind in knowing that they are legally protected should another company use their names and marks. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website is an excellent place to start. It features robust search functionality that lets users look for existing marks in the USPTO database.

Another option is hiring a business attorney specializing in intellectual property (IP). These attorneys are experts in the field of trademarking and can submit completed applications on time and provide business owners with updates on the status of their applications.

How long does it take to get a trademark?

Once a trademark application is submitted, it takes approximately three to six months for the USPTO to review it and verify the information. Please note this is the first step of the process, as it entails multiple steps. The business will need to meet various legal requirements. Not all applications are accepted, and business owners whose applications are rejected will be notified. The entire application, review and decision-making process takes between one year and 18 months.

When an application gets approved, the USPTO registers the trademark. The business owner must pay specific fees and meet scheduled deadlines to keep the mark active (live). Additional forms, called maintenance documents, need to be filed several years after the registration date. Therefore, business owners must stay on top of what must be done once their applications are approved. If a trademark is not renewed on time and expires, another business might be able to claim ownership of the same business name.

Conclusion.

Sorting through the ins and outs of trademark law can be difficult, not to mention time-consuming. Every small business has its own situation regarding branding, logo design, slogans, and products and services. So, hiring an IP attorney might be worth considering if you want to ensure everything is done according to trademark laws. Of course, an attorney can also help ensure that your trademark application is free from errors and includes all necessary information for the USPTO.

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

Relationships are the Cornerstone of our Culture

It is with great pleasure that I have joined Balboa Capital, a division of Ameris Bank.

Updated Contact Information

Dean Morrison

Balboa Capital

9900 W. Sample Road

Suite 300

Coral Springs, FL 33065

email: dean.morrison@balboacapital.com

personal email: deanleaseman@yahoo.com

Mobile Phone: 954-224-3390

Office Phone: 954-825-0395 (ext) 155

CUSTOMER FINANCING PROGRAMS LEVERAGE MORE SALES!

 

 

R&D Government Credit and Incentive Program

                           Recovery from Government Credit and Incentive Program

For Finance and Leasing Companies plus Businesses

Business Group Resources works with CPA's and Tax Specialists that are entitled to from governmental credits and incentive programs.  Since 2004, Business Group Resources, in partnership with Business Incentive Solutions has built up a successful record.

Richard Toral, Regional Vice President, reports his company has helped more than 6,000 businesses claim these lucrative credits and incentives from federal, state & local agencies, and help them get the dollars back that are due them. 

“Through recent changes, the R&D credits are available to a broad range of companies, he noted. “We work with equipment leasing and financing organizations of all sizes who sell their products to businesses and business owners.  Generous referral fees are available to create a revenue stream without any heavy lifting on your end.”

Richard Toral
RichardToral@businessgroupresources.com
714.307.2442

Prime Rate at 5.50%: Great Time To Investigate Dimension's Discount Rate Program

 

Fed raises rates by 75 basis points to double down on inflation

That makes the cumulative increase since June the steepest rise since the early 1980s.

Federal Reserve officials raised interest rates by 75 basis points for the second straight month, delivering the most aggressive tightening in more than a generation to curb surging inflation -- but risking a sharp blow to the economy.

Policy makers, facing the hottest price pressures in 40 years, lifted the target range for the federal funds rate on Wednesday to 2.25% to 2.5%. That takes the cumulative June-July increase to 150 basis points -- the steepest rise since the price-fighting era of Paul Volcker in the early 1980s. 

The Federal Open Market Committee “is strongly committed to returning inflation to its 2% objective,” it said in a statement released in Washington, repeating previous language that it’s “highly attentive to inflation risks.” The FOMC reiterated it “anticipates that ongoing increases in the target range will be appropriate,” and that it would adjust policy if risks emerge that could impede attaining its goals.

Criticized for misjudging inflation and being slow to respond, officials are now forcefully raising interest rates to cool the economy, even if that risks tipping it into recession.

Higher rates are already having an impact on the US economy. The effects are particularly evident in the housing market, where sales have slowed.

While Fed officials maintain that they can manage a so-called “soft landing” for the economy and avoid a steep downturn, a number of analysts say it will take a recession with mounting unemployment to significantly slow price gains.

The FOMC noted Wednesday that “recent indicators of spending and production have softened,” but also pointed out that job gains “have been robust in recent months, and the unemployment rate has remained low.”

The latest increase puts rates near Fed policy makers’ estimates of neutral -- the level that neither speeds up nor slows down the economy. Forecasts in mid-June showed officials expected to raise rates to about 3.4% this year and 3.8% in 2023.

Investors are now watching to see if the Fed slows the pace of rate increases at its next meeting in September, or if strong price gains pressure the central bank to continue with super-sized hikes.

The US consumer price index rose by 9.1% in June from a year earlier, topping forecasts and hitting a fresh four-decade high. The price gains are eroding earnings and sowing discontent with the economy, creating challenges for President Joe Biden and congressional Democrats ahead of the midterm elections.

High inflation had briefly fueled speculation that the Fed would lift rates by a full percentage point this month. But those bets got dialed back after Fed officials voiced wariness and key readings on consumer expectations for future inflation were better than expected.

Importance of Being Humble

 

 

              Have we lost the ability to think that hard work pays off?

 

We live in a world of instant gratification and everyone expects to be able to get what they want without working for it. I don't understand this philosophy. When did working hard for something become old school? In order to be the best athlete, business person, doctor, or overall awesome human being, you must work your ass off!

Many people will say that working smart is a better way, which it can be, but you can't just work smart without working hard, to get what you want.

If you think Warren Buffett, Steve Jobs, Einstein, Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky, and Greg Lemond got to where they are by just working smart, you are mistaken. They are some of the hardest working individuals to ever walk the planet. To be the best and to reach your goals, the number one thing is working your ass off!

                          

               Confidence Remains High in Secured Lending Industry

NEW YORK, NY ─ Confidence in the asset-based lending market was positive in the first quarter but banks and other lenders are watchful of an economy that shows a mix of highs and lows, according to data released by the Secured Finance Network.

SFNet surveyed bank and non-bank asset-based lenders (ABLs) on key indicators for its quarterly Asset-Based Lending Index and SFNet Confidence Index.   

SFNet CEO Richard D. Gumbrecht, said, “Though the U.S. economy is showing deteriorating signals, the asset-based lending industry is healthy and has proven to be resilient to economic challenges so far,” Indeed, the report said that as other credit markets become less attractive for borrowers, “asset-based lending is becoming more attractive and demand for new lending is solid, demonstrating the continuing value of the industry. An increased reliance on ABL is expected as economic headwinds continue.” 

The most positive expectations among lenders were centered on demand for new financing, client utilization and hiring. But they indicated declining expectations in overall business conditions and portfolio performance.

Survey highlights 
For banks, asset-based loan commitments (total committed credit lines) were up 2.3% in Q1 compared to the fourth quarter of 2021. Outstandings (total asset-based loans outstanding) increased by 13.5% based on 38 survey respondents’ data representing $100 billion. This is a return to pre-pandemic levels, according to the survey report. 

Non-bank trends were largely parallel, the survey analysis revealed. Commitments inched up 1.6%, but the change in outstandings was up 10.5% from the previous quarter. 

In terms of credit-line utilization rates for both bank and non-bank lenders, there was an increase for the fifth consecutive quarter. The Q1 utilization rate for banks was 40.8%, up from 36% last quarter. The rate was higher for non-bank lenders: 57.6%, compared to 50.8% the prior quarter. 

“The non-bank utilization rate now exceeds pre-pandemic levels,” the report said, “while the bank utilization rate has yet to reach that benchmark but is moving closer. As other credit markets become less attractive, utilization rates should continue to rise.” 

Portfolio performance remained an area of strength for both banks and non-banks, according to the Q1 Asset-Based Lending Index. Banks again reported three-year lows for criticized and classified loans and non-accruing loans. Gross write-offs also declined for banks. 

Non-banks also showed strong performance in their portfolios: 90% reported a decrease in or consistent level of non-accruals. 

“A key question is whether such strong portfolio performance can continue,” the report said. 
The asset-based lending market may face new challenges in subsequent quarters amid major global events, including rising energy and commodity prices caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, continued supply chain disruptions and threats of recession. 

“High energy prices and supply shocks have helped sustain a historically high level of inflation that is unlikely to decline quickly,” the report said. 

Still, the ABL market has persevered in all sorts of economic environments over the years. 

“It’s not all gloom for the U.S. economy. The labor market remains a bright spot, with strong job growth and the unemployment rate holding at 3.6%,” the report said. “Manufacturing also has proven resilient to high energy prices and surging input costs, with capacity utilization at its highest point in more than decade. And importantly, consumer spending remains strong, sustained in part by left-over fiscal support measures from 2021.” 

Three Insights from the Fed's Latest Economic Snapshot

 Three Insights from the Fed's Latest Economic Snapshot

Growth Figures, Housing Boom, Groceries to Become Cheaper

The Benefits of A Professional Financing Partner

 

We just returned from the very successful Automate Conference in Detroit.  In speaking with many of the vendors at the show, I was surprised by how many leave the financing decision up to their customer, in other words, they don't proactively take control of the sale by bringing in an expert that is an advocate for them to accelerate sales cycle and close the deal.  There is a "real" need for vendors and sales representatives to own the financing process from the top of the sales cycle.  Below represent some of the main qualities and value points that we bring to the table:

• A professional who understands all aspects of the financing and leasing process.
• A professional who can simplify the process but is willing to explain the complexities when needed.
• A professional who is fully available when needed to train, encourage, and support vendor sales professionals.
• A professional who is capable of pre-qualifying transactions to save time and money for all parties.
• A professional who is willing to think and act outside of the commodity box and offer unique services and products.

Contact me to discuss how our customer financing programs add significant value to help leverage and close more sales.  Dean Morrison, 954-224-3390, dmorrison@dimensionfunding.com

Top Trends Driving Technology Providers in 2022

 

The top trends driving technology providers in 2022

GUEST COLUMN BY RAJESH KANDASWAMY

SHAR

Technology’s impact on society and national economies continues to intensify, in turn increasing the business responsibilities of technology service providers and what their customers expect from them.

This deeper entrenchment in business has also made technology providers much more sensitive to factors beyond information technology. It’s no longer sufficient for them to address client needs and provide quality products. Rather, they have to be aware of the broader economic, social and technological forces that have come to form a large bearing on their business.

Such forces make up this year’s top trends for technology service providers, or TSPs for short (below).

 

Co-innovation ecosystems

Technology innovation is at the heart of every TSP. However, in the digital world — with much stronger interconnections among technology providers, customers, partners and governments — traditional siloed innovation practices such as research and development and basic product development will not be enough to survive.

Instead, a co-innovation ecosystem is an emerging approach that accelerates the development of solutions to industry problems, spreads risk and cost across the participants, and drives adoption of the end solution. It enables internal, external, collaborative and co-creative ideas to be converged and directly tied to value creation with the “shared revenue/value” among ecosystem stakeholders and participants.

Engagement, co-creation and compelling experiences for value creation are at the core of co-innovation. Product development and the value of co-innovative organizations are thus difficult to replicate by competitors.

In fact, by 2023, 30% of all revenue-bearing emerging technology solutions will be developed via co-innovation ecosystems, enabling vendors to become more competitive and expand into new markets.

Sustainable business

Sustainable business is a strategy that incorporates environmental, social and governance or ESG factors into decision-making. It is underpinned by sustainable technology, a framework of solutions that enable ESG outcomes.

Growing sustainability-driven product investments and deployments are taking place across numerous categories such as sustainable IT — for example, cloud sustainability or green software development — smart energy infrastructure and circular product innovation.

In the end, tech providers that can quantify their offering’s positive contribution to customers’ sustainability objectives will increase their win rate by 20% by 2025.

Talent agility

The post-pandemic pace of TSPs’ business can no longer be accommodated by rigid and fragmented talent management processes. This is where talent agility comes in – the ability to support talent needs for business agility through a combination of skills and talent supply analysis, and by connecting fragmented existing and new talent pools without borders.

Talent agility will affect six key areas of TSP business: products and services, customers and buyers, operations and processes, competitive landscape, and partners and ecosystems.

By 2025, 30% of TSPs will create a single talent network to connect up to six separate talent pools, up from fewer than 5% today.

 Techno-nationalism

Digital sovereignty laws and regulations are growing in scope and accelerating in most major markets, giving a short-term window for market expansion to solidify a presence for TSPs.

As competition across country borders and purview declines, and more restrictive digital usage laws expand, prices are expected to increase, creating revenue opportunities for those with scale and reach. Governments, too, will become increasingly aware of the value of citizen data.

By 2026, nationalistic and protectionist value-based economic systems will grow 10 times globally, disrupting more than 80% of all technology companies’ go-to-market and product strategies. Product leaders will need unique, digitally distinctive operating architectures that are compliant to social, legal and economic zones by region.

Democratization of technology

The democratization of technology empowers non-IT workers to select, implement, produce and custom fit their own technology. Product leaders must embrace the new opportunities this trend offers and meet the needs of a new set of citizen developers and business technologists, or struggle to deliver compelling solutions and experience eroding market positions.

After all, by 2024, 80% of technology products and services will be built by those who are not full-time technical professionals.

Intelligent applications

Intelligent applications use data and machine learning to generate a continuous learning system that provides adaptive and contextualized experiences. For example, emerging intelligent applications might generate new financial products and services based on customer data or create new customer experiences such as autonomous business operations in retail stores or automated workflows and fleets within mining.

Enterprise stakeholders intuitively embrace the principles and promises of intelligent applications, and will only continue to do so. In a recent Gartner end-user survey focused on emerging technology adoption, the mean investments in intelligent applications over the past 12 months was $408,000, and the mean value of planned investments in intelligent applications within 2022 is $618,000.

Distributed enterprise

Organizations are shifting toward “distributed enterprise” to support hybrid work, remote delivery and digital experience at all touch points. In this business model, there is growing demand for technology solutions and tools that can support a predominantly non-office workplace and accelerated digital transformation initiatives to support distributed delivery for clients.

Tech providers must respond to these shifts by prioritizing technologies and product capabilities that blend the digital and physical worlds. By 2023, 75% of organizations that exploit distributed enterprise benefits will realize revenue growth 25% faster than competitors.

Composable business

Composable business is a concept where leaders can quickly build new business capabilities by assembling digital assets in an organization that is architected for real-time adaptability and resilience in the face of uncertainty. It impacts all facets of tech providers’ business as it enables enterprises ability to respond to the market and seize digital opportunities faster and cheaper.

Seven percent of respondents in the 2022 Gartner CIO and Technology Executive Survey indicated that they have already invested in composable enterprise, but an additional 60% expect to have done so by the end of three years.

Composable business is certainly a market shift but does open up new markets for TSPs.

Beyond intellectual property

Historically, protecting and controlling ideas and inventions equaled advantage. IP strategies such as patents represented a powerful way of generating value and are the cornerstone of traditional high-tech strategies. But their role is changing.

“Beyond IP” recognizes the rise of alternative approaches for realizing value from ideas, inventions and other proprietary assets. Rather than creating proprietary IPs with finite boundaries to be defended, new leaders seek a pool of ideas and insight with fluid boundaries whose value increases through application that builds the next set of ideas.

IP and intellectual capital or IP/IC protection strategies based on “fixing ideas” into patents and so forth will reduce the value of the IP/IC by up to 50% over the next five years.

Unlimited capital

Unlimited capital is the trend in which there is such an abundance of capital competing for investment in private companies, that tech providers have access to virtually unlimited amounts of capital at a low cost. Startups that can successfully demonstrate product market fit can raise dramatically larger rounds of financing at earlier stages of development, allowing them to accelerate growth without regard to capital efficiency or risk.

Rajesh Kandaswamy (@rajeshakan) is a distinguished analyst vice president and fellow at Gartner Inc. who advises C-level executives and product leaders on the strategic impact of emerging technologies. He wrote this article for SiliconANGLE. Join Rajesh and his colleagues at the Tech Growth & Innovation Conference, taking place virtually July 12-13, 2022.

Benefits of Using Proactive Customer Financing at "Point of Sale"

 

Increase Your Business by Offering Point of Sale Financing

When it comes to manufacturing and reaching your customers, business-to-business sales tend to be a little different than business-to-consumer. Your product, whether it’s vehicles, equipment, or software, is essential for businesses to operate. However, manufacturers often run into a problem. Small businesses that need the product or equipment your business is manufacturing often cannot afford the entire upfront cost of your product or it would negatively impact their working capital. This barrier not only hurts the small business who could significantly use your business to expand their own, but it also creates a barrier to your sales and ability to reach all business owners in your market.

One solution to expanding your business-to-business sales is to offer financing at the point-of-sale for your clients. According to a Forrester Research Study, businesses that offer to finance can expect up to a 32% increase in their sales. Like any business, the one you own could surely benefit from a nearly one-third increase in your sales, right? The problem is, how can your business afford to offer credit or financing to your customers and let the product walk out the door without full payment? Third-party financing vendors can help you!

Benefits of Point of Sale Financing to Businesses

Your business owner customers love POS financing because they can get a quick decision due to expedited underwriting and an electronic application process. Many customers also see benefits through these financing methods compared to trying to secure a small business loan outside of your company through traditional lending.

How often do you have customers checking out your equipment, fleets, software, or other business products, just to leave empty-handed when they find out the cost of what they need? Many of these business owners plan to obtain a small business loan to make a large purchase; however, how often do they return? Offering customers the ability to immediately purchase the equipment, software, or technology they need to grow their business through POS financing is a surefire way to increase your sales and customer base.

Another benefit of capturing the sale through POS financing is the added opportunity to up-sell the business owner. When customers obtain financing from some third-party financing companies, they can turn the large upfront costs into a monthly payment. Manufacturers have the opportunity to offer the business owner a chance at better technology, the upgraded model they were eagerly eyeing, or adding on the bonus of automatic yearly or multi-year subscription software services to the sale. The Forester Study referenced early also showed that most of your business clientele would increase their order value by up to 75% when they qualify for POS financing.

Business owners also have the opportunity to secure funding without having to jump through the hoops of mountains of paperwork and applications, compiling information that lenders suggest, and dedicating the extra time to securing a loan. Through POS financing under $500,000, a business owner can often skip most of the paperwork in many cases and get approval with just a one-page financing application.

The ability to increase your average transaction dollar amount without reducing your margins substantially adds to the profitability of a manufacturing company or wholesaler.

Manufacturing companies often need a large amount of working capital in order to offer their customers in-house financing programs. However, there are third party financing vendors that your manufacturing or wholesale company can partner with to leverage these financing options at the point of sale.

Benefits of Using Third-Party Vendors for Financing

One of the most significant benefits of using a third-party vendor for your point-of-sale financing is the shortened time between the sale and collecting the total payment. When companies use third-party vendors for financing, there is usually no wait time between the sale agreement and payment in full. The business-owning customer is making their payments to the financing vendor who, in turn, fronts the payment to your business for the customer. The third-party vendor will make money from interest rates while you have peace of mind that you captured a more significant sale and a loyal customer through financing.

Another significant benefit of using third party financing vendors is the ability to approve customers for loans who may not qualify under traditional financing guidelines through banks or other lending institutions. Third-party vendors understand that not every business has working capital and cash flow that allows them to make large purchases. When business owners cannot qualify or get turned down by banks for traditional business loans, they usually think their options for financing are limited. Third-party vendors open up brand-new doors for your customers to expand or upgrade while also building their business credit and reputation.

Another difference between financing companies and a bank is that the bank usually requires a UCC on all of the business’ assets. Financing companies are generally unsecured because they only have the purchased equipment or software as collateral. Purchasers generally are not eager to have all of their business assets as security for a bank loan.

If your business is ready to take the plunge to finance business owners at the point of sale, and you want more information on how to make this possible through third-party vendors, contact Dean Morrison, 954-224-3390 or by email at dmorrison@dimensionfunding.com

A fundamental shift in the way businesses view their technology

 

In this blog post from Erik Mcfrazier – CEO at Pacific IT Support, and one of my colleagues from BCPA and IAMCP - he very clearly connects the dots to make the case that businesses are spending on IT as an investment and not as a cost.  

“Many businesses no longer see IT as a cost. They embrace it as an investment. They can see the direct correlation between creating robust, safe, and flexible systems – and their teams’ abilities to achieve more. Owners and managers are also placing more value on excellent, proactive technology …”  

Your ability to include creative and timely financing programs provides your clients with the ability to make these important investments in their business….I’m here to help you create messaging that will resonate with your clients and leverage more…and more profitable sales! Dean Morrison, 954-224-3390  

 

Businesses are spending more on IT this year

Posted by Pacific IT Support On April 29, 2022

By Erik Mcfrazier

 

As a business owner or manager, you know how important good IT is. Your business couldn’t function without it.  

Your IT isn’t just about computers and data. It’s everything from your phone system to your printers, to where you access your documents.

 And that’s without going into the measures you must take to keep your data and infrastructure safe and secure from cyber criminals. So, we weren’t surprised by a new forecast from IT research and consultancy firm, Gartner, which predicts businesses will spend more on technology this year.

 In fact, the global IT spend could reach an enormous $4.4 trillion. That’s despite rising inflation, the Russian invasion, and shortages in both chips and IT talent.  We believe there’s been a fundamental shift in the way businesses view their technology.  

  Two years ago, at the beginning of the pandemic, companies were forced to take unexpected urgent action to help employees work from home. In many cases that meant a large investment in devices, rapid changes to systems, and the adoption of new technology.

 And it’s worked out well for most. Businesses have adapted quickly, and many have embraced the changes on a more permanent basis. But it’s also made business leaders realize they need to be better prepared to respond to future potential disruption.

 This is the difference between a flexible and agile business… and one that stumbles at the first hurdle.

 Many businesses no longer see IT as a cost. They embrace it as an investment. They can see the direct correlation between creating robust, safe, and flexible systems – and their teams’ abilities to achieve more. Owners and managers are also placing more value on excellent, proactive technology support from a trusted partner.  

 To not only plan and execute big development projects. But also, to help reduce downtime and ensure systems are secure and running as they should be. If you’re reviewing your spend on technology and support, we can help.