Tech solutions from Samsung help small businesses adjust to the new normal

Content created in partnership with Financial Post

In a tough year for the economy, small businesses have borne the brunt. For companies looking to become more productive, flexible and secure, having the right technology is essential. That can be a challenge. Small businesses don’t often have dedicated tech teams, and rely on what has worked in the past.

“In many cases they’re behind the curve in technology investments,” says Dan Kelly, president of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.

He says that as part of their rebound, many small business owners are now keen to expand their tech toolbox. Trusted brands such as Samsung can provide the technology that will help them transform.

With employees working outside the office or in modified work environments, many businesses have needed to quickly equip workers with basics such as laptops and cellphones. Access to multi-functional technology can make a big difference in ensuring efficiency.

“Reliable business technology has become crucial for optimizing workflow, especially when workforces are decentralized and geographically scattered,” says Jennifer Safruk, Vice-President, Mobile Business for Samsung Electronics Canada.

Ms. Safruk cites the benefits of the ongoing partnership between Samsung and Microsoft, which includes access to Microsoft Office. That enables seamless productivity experiences across many Samsung devices, applications and services.

The Samsung DeX is well suited to the new work environment. It’s a feature that allows handheld devices to connect to a monitor, keyboard and mouse. Galaxy users to easily go from remote working to a desktop-like environment.

Samsung recently re-entered the laptop space with its Galaxy Book Series, featuring Galaxy Book Ion, Galaxy Book Flex and Galaxy Book S. The series offers small business owners a range of price points and devices to suit their needs.

Each device has its own business advantages. For instance, the Galaxy Book Flex can turn into a tablet, with a Bluetooth-enabled S Pen. The QLED display of the Galaxy Book Ion is ideal for crisp presentations and video conferencing.

Both devices feature Wireless PowerShare, so users can charge their Qi-compatible smartphone on the trackpad. The Galaxy Book Series laptops also include Microsoft Windows 10 Home, offering access to a wide range of business-related applications.

The S Pen that accompanies the Galaxy Note20 5G and Note20 Ultra 5G is another plus for staff. “From note taking to controlling presentations, it’s a powerful productivity companion,” says Ms. Safruk.

Software such as Samsung Notes auto-saves and syncs across a Galaxy mobile or tablet for easy access to important files. The Galaxy Note20 Series 5G also features the Your Phone application for easy syncing of messages, photos, notifications and calendar reminders to a Windows 10 PC. To help businesses stay on top of tasks, the device makes it easy to issue reminders across all platforms, including Outlook, To Do and Teams.

Remote technology has added convenience for businesses, but the increased reliance has also amplified security concerns. Companies need to be proactive in managing cybersecurity.

“This is a big challenge when you have people working outside the office, if you haven’t set up all the right protocols,” says Mr. Kelly.

Ms. Safruk says choosing secure devices from the start can help businesses to avoid many risks. The Samsung Knox Security suite, for example, is pre-installed on all Samsung smartphones and tablets, and most wearables. The suite offers end-to-end protection in hardware and software, to help keep data more secure in real time.

Another feature, Samsung Knox Manage, allows users to restrict devices to keep confidential company data secure, and to perform remote troubleshooting.

The Galaxy Book Series and Galaxy Note20 Series 5G reflect this same commitment to security, and feature Biometric Authentication that lets users unlock devices with their fingerprint.

“Keeping business assets and data secure remains a top priority,” says Ms. Safruk. “It’s crucial that business owners have added peace of mind knowing that their important assets and customer data are better protected.”