Utilize Cloud-based Tools and Services

One of the most effective ways to cut down on IT expenses is by leveraging cloud-based tools and services. Cloud solutions offer scalability, reduced infrastructure costs, and simplified maintenance. If you haven’t already done so, consider migrating your essential IT systems, such as communication tools, project management platforms, document collaboration software, and customer relationship management (CRM) tools, to the cloud. This eliminates the need for expensive on-premise infrastructure and provides remote workers with seamless access to necessary resources. Additionally, cloud providers often offer cost-effective subscription models that align with your usage, allowing you to pay only for what you need.

Use Agentless Solutions 

Security and monitoring solutions that require agents add unnecessary costs. The requirement to install software agents or components on target systems and devices means IT time is wasted on tasks that don’t provide significant value to the business. They also introduce additional friction on the user side, and IT time is spent addressing tickets when agents stop working, there are incompatibility issues, or reduced performance. Modern agentless solutions are non-invasive, require minimal installation and maintenance, and have the ability to do real-time monitoring. 

Implement Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Policies

Consider implementing a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy, which allows remote workers to use their personal devices for work-related tasks. This policy can help reduce hardware procurement and maintenance costs for the organization. However, it is important to establish clear guidelines and security measures to safeguard sensitive data and ensure compliance with data protection regulations. Solutions like Sonet.io can help you set up remote workers on their own devices in seconds, while still enabling fine-grain security policies to be put in place and protect against data leaks. 

Stop Shipping Thin-Clients 

BYOD helps reduce costs associated with buying and shipping laptops and mobile devices, but some job roles still require you to ship thin-clients to provide access to servers. By implementing an alternative solution for server access through their existing devices and web browsers, remote workers can get secure access instantly. This not only reduces upfront hardware and shipping costs but also streamlines maintenance, leading to long-term savings. IT teams can stop wasting time on logistics and focus on higher value tasks. 

Prioritize Cybersecurity

Investing in robust cybersecurity measures is essential when onboarding remote workers. While cutting costs is important, compromising security can lead to significant financial and reputational damage. Implementing single-sign-on and multi-factor authentication, zero-trust access policies, and regular security awareness training can help mitigate risks and protect sensitive data. By implementing tools that have content inspection capabilities, including the ability to analyze content that is being downloaded, uploaded, copied and pasted, data exfiltration threats can be minimized. Choosing tools that are easy to implement with no-code policy editors can help ensure that you have the right security solutions in place, without spending unnecessary time (and money) setting up and maintaining the tools. Proactive cybersecurity measures will prevent potential breaches and save you from expensive incident response and recovery processes. 

Eliminate VDIs

Virtual Desktop Infrastructures (VDIs) come with distinct costs. The initial investment in hardware, software licenses, and infrastructure upgrades can be substantial, as VDIs demand robust servers, storage systems, and network resources to ensure smooth performance. Ongoing expenses encompass maintenance, updates, and technical support, which can strain IT budgets over time, and they also lack robust security features. User experience also hinges on adequate network bandwidth, potentially necessitating additional investments to guarantee seamless connectivity. By eliminating VDIs and adopting more modern solutions IT teams can reduce their costs significantly. 

Use Proxy Alternatives 

Implementing proxy servers introduces a range of costs that organizations need to consider. Initially, there are expenses associated with acquiring hardware or subscribing to proxy services, along with software licenses and setup costs. These costs can vary depending on the scale of deployment and the specific features required, such as caching, content filtering, or security protocols. Ongoing costs include maintenance, monitoring, and updates to ensure optimal performance and security. Additionally, proxies can introduce latency into network traffic, potentially requiring investments in higher bandwidth connections to mitigate any slowdowns in data transfer. Comprehensive configuration and ongoing management demand skilled IT personnel or third-party support, which may incur additional labor costs. While proxies offer benefits like enhanced security, privacy, and control over network traffic, there are alternatives that are more cost-effective with the same security benefits. 

Consolidate Tools 

Tool consolidation offers a compelling array of cost benefits to organizations seeking to streamline their IT teams and enhance efficiency. By reducing the number of disparate tools and software applications in use, companies can significantly cut down on licensing fees, maintenance costs, and support expenses. Consolidation minimizes the complexity of IT infrastructure, leading to decreased administrative overhead and more efficient resource allocation. Training costs are also reduced as workers become proficient in a smaller set of tools, allowing for quicker onboarding and increased productivity and less IT tickets that need to be resolved.

Leverage Self-Service Knowledge Bases and Training Materials

Developing comprehensive self-service knowledge bases and training materials can significantly reduce the time and effort spent on individual onboarding sessions for remote workers. By providing remote employees with easily accessible documentation, video tutorials, and FAQs, you empower them to troubleshoot common issues independently. This approach not only saves IT support costs but also enhances productivity and self-sufficiency among the remote workforce. Observability tools can help you identify if there are common areas where remote workers are getting stuck and prioritize what type of training might be needed. Additionally, encourage remote workers to share their own tips and tricks, fostering a collaborative learning environment while minimizing the need for extensive one-on-one training.

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Transitioning to a remote work model requires careful consideration of IT costs. By adopting the strategies outlined above and eliminating unnecessary costs, organizations can effectively reduce IT spend while onboarding remote workers instantly. As remote work continues to shape the modern workplace, prioritizing cost-effective IT practices is vital for organizations aiming to thrive in this new paradigm. By implementing these strategies, you can successfully onboard remote workers while maintaining a lean IT budget and maximizing efficiency.

How can Sonet.io help? 

Organizations that have adopted Sonet.io are realizing 10X cost savings when onboarding remote workers. With Sonet.io IT teams can set up remote workers in seconds, without requiring agents, proxies, VDIs or shipping devices. With one central solution, secure access to SaaS apps, desktop apps and servers can be provided to workers using any browser on any device, in any location. Observability capabilities provide real-time visibility across the entire workforce, and fine-grain security policies can be implemented quickly.  

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To see how the solution works, book a demo at: sonet.io/demo 

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