IT Services

What Tools Do You Need to Set Up a Virtual Workspace?

Posted on by Dan Lauritzen
man on his laptop working from his virtual workspace
27
Jul

Digital tools for remote work are picking up speed as increased workplace flexibility becomes the standard. COVID restrictions threw us in head first but now that we’ve gotten used to it, 92% of people surveyed by Owl Labs say they want to work from home at least one day a week.

But as most of us know, remote work comes with unique challenges. One of the biggest challenges that business owners and employees alike are facing is making sure that data stays secure when you’re not in a traditional office setting.

The good news is that there are plenty of great digital tools out there to help you do just that. Here are some of our favorites for setting up a virtual workspace.

1. A Good VPN

If you’re working remotely, chances are you’re accessing company data from a variety of different devices and locations. That’s why it’s important to have a good VPN (virtual private network) in place.

A VPN encrypts your internet connection and routes all of your traffic through a secure server, making it much harder for hackers to get their hands on your data. When your employees are working from dozens of different locations, it’s vital to have this extra layer of security.

Another emerging cybersecurity framework for the remote workforce is SASE (Secure Access Service Edge). This cloud-based cybersecurity solution creates more efficient access to applications and data, making it a far better option for protecting remote workforces and data in the cloud.

2. SAAS Setup and Management

If you’re not familiar with SAAS (software as a service), it’s a type of subscription software that allows users to access and use the software from a remote location.

There are tons of great SAAS products out there, but our favorites for setting up a virtual workspace are G Suite and Microsoft 365. Both of these platforms offer a variety of tools for collaboration, communication, and productivity, making them essential for any business.

SAAS setup and management can be a challenge, but there are plenty of great tools out there to help. A managed service provider can also take care of all the nitty-gritty details for you, so you can focus on running your business.

3. Cloud-Based Solutions

The cloud has been a game-changer for businesses of all sizes. It allows employees to access and share files from any device, anywhere in the world. And it’s not just for big corporations – cloud-based solutions are perfect for small businesses and startups too.

Here are just a few of the ways that the cloud can help you set up a virtual workspace:

  • File sharing and collaboration: Cloud-based file sharing platforms like Google Drive and Dropbox make it easy for employees to share files and collaborate on projects, no matter where they are.
  • Communication: VoIP (voice over internet protocol) solutions like Skype and Zoom make it easy to stay in touch with employees, customers, and clients. And cloud-based email platforms like Gmail and Outlook make it easy to manage your communications from anywhere.
  • Project management: Platforms like Asana and Trello help you keep track of projects and tasks, so you can stay organized and on top of things no matter where your team is working from.

4. VoIP

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a type of phone service that allows users to make and receive calls over the internet.

VoIP is a great option for businesses that have employees in different locations, as it eliminates the need for expensive long-distance phone plans.

5. Managed Service Providers

Managed service providers (MSPs) are companies that provide IT support and services to businesses. MSPs are a great option for businesses that don’t have the internal resources to manage their IT needs. They can help with everything from data security to cloud-based tool management.

There are tons of benefits to using an MSP, but here are some of the most popular:

  • Cost-savings
  • Scalability
  • Expertise
  • Flexibility

Partnering with an MSP is a great way to ensure that your virtual workspace is set up for success.

Build Your Ultimate Virtual Workspace with Simple Systems

Now that you know the basics of what you need to set up a virtual workspace, it’s time to get started! Whether you’re just getting started or you’re looking for ways to improve your existing setup, these tools will help you get the job done.

If you decide that you want to offload your IT needs to a managed service provider, Simple Systems has been providing the Salt Lake City area with around-the-clock IT support and services for years. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you build your perfect virtual workspace.

Dan Lauritzen

Dan is the Founder and CEO of Simple Systems, an IT support company based in Salt Lake City, Utah providing Managed IT Services for a host of clients with all the services of a full-time IT staff without the expense. Our primary goal is to provide the same service to our clients that we expect from others. Our work gets done quickly – we tend to delight and surprise our clients by finishing before the deadline. Simple Systems (SS) first opened its doors in 2007. Over the past 9 years, we have enjoyed working closely with 100’s of small businesses and home users around the Salt Lake Valley. In 2009, SS was honored to be nominated in the Utah Student 25. We are proud of this distinction and look forward to continued growth. In 2012, we opened our retail location in Holladay, Utah to provide home PC customers a more cost effective way to have service and support.