3 Solutions to Help Austin Businesses Stay Competitive

Ah, Austin. From it's eclectic music scenes and downright frigid natural swimming pools to the massive amounts of tech and startup companies dotting the ever changing horizon, it's safe to say this city never fails to impress. And it's grown, rapidly even. While many sources say the "property boom is over" (famous last words), this city's growth has brought new ideas, culture, and even businesses to the booming 2.5 million people living in The Live Music Capital of the World. And many businesses need what the newcomers have to offer - but are they backed by the right tech provider to be successful?

So what do you do in you're new in town? What about those companies who are firmly rooted in Austin history? Regardless of how long you've been a part of this great city of ours, in order to get your business booming, you must be able to leverage the right technology.

tried and true Tech Solutions for businesses in Austin

Secure Managed Services

We get it. Both new and legacy business owners are hesitant to outsource any of their business functions. This could be a result of the pride that these owners have in running their own business, or it could simply come from a fear of failure. With more than a few local companies failing because of a lack of capital/profitability or getting kicked out by the next new guy (or COVID), it’s easy to understand why so many entrepreneurs are wary of investing their money in third-party managed services.

Despite the skepticism from some owners, managed services can help your budding business. 

• Enhance Productivity: Running a business requires a lot of long hours, hard work, and constant communication. It’s true that in order to build a stable foundation for your business, you need to have a strong team supporting you. Utilizing managed IT services that enable hassle-free tech support and scalable communication solutions for your either your small or growing staff is a great way to ensure that your current and future team members aren’t busy dealing with pesky tech issues instead of helping your business flourish.

• Improve Sales: Generating sales is becoming increasingly more difficult due to the sheer amount of competition that businesses have in Austin. Your bottom line directly contributes to its ability to thrive and expand, meaning that no sales equals no growth. With that said, when a startup uses the right tech to improve their customer touchpoints, they can provide better service to their clients, driving more sales and increasing profits. 
• Increase Credibility: The last thing you want as a company is for a data breach to completely destroy the business that you worked so hard to build. Outsourced IT security services are designed to help you defend your business's network against malicious hackers and other cyber threats that could tear down your enterprise’s reputation, or worse – its entire existence. Plus, the extra layer of protection that third-party providers have to offer doesn’t just bode well for your own safety; it also reflects positively on your business in the eyes of consumers.
  

Cybersecurity Protection

In 2025 and beyond, Austin businesses, whether legacy institutions or emerging startups, must prioritize cybersecurity investments to defend against a rapidly evolving threat landscape.

• AI-Fueled Cyber Attacks Are Rising: As the city cements its status as a national tech hub, it also becomes a more attractive target for cybercriminals. The rise of AI-fueled cyberattacks has dramatically increased the speed, scale, and sophistication of threats. Malicious actors now use generative AI to craft convincing phishing emails, automate vulnerability discovery, and launch adaptive malware that can bypass traditional defenses. Without modern cybersecurity solutions, businesses risk severe financial losses, operational disruptions, and erosion of customer trust.
• The Future of Cyber Threats is Evolving: Looking ahead, the threat landscape is expected to grow more sophisticated with the integration of AI-driven attacks and the proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices. For Austin businesses aiming to scale, attract investment, or maintain customer trust, robust cybersecurity measures are a strategic necessity. Proactive investment in threat detection, employee training, and incident response planning not only mitigates risk but also positions a company as a responsible and resilient player in the market. In a city known for its innovation, staying ahead of cyber threats is essential to sustaining growth and competitiveness.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 and PowerBI

For Austin businesses navigating rapid growth and transformation, financial and ERP software like Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and Power BI offer a powerful combination of operational efficiency and data-driven decision-making.

• Cloud-Based ERP: Business Central streamlines core functions like finance, supply chain, sales, and customer service into a single, cloud-based platform which is ideal for companies scaling in Austin’s fast-paced economy. It enables real-time visibility into operations, automates routine tasks, and ensures compliance with evolving regulations. This centralized approach reduces silos and empowers teams to collaborate more effectively, making it easier for businesses to adapt and grow in a competitive market.
• Highly Integrated and Visible Reporting: Power BI complements Business Central by turning raw data into actionable insights through interactive dashboards and visual analytics. Austin companies can leverage Power BI to monitor key performance indicators, identify trends, and make informed decisions faster. Whether it’s a startup tracking customer acquisition or a legacy business optimizing inventory, Power BI helps uncover opportunities and mitigate risks with clarity and precision. Together, these tools provide a scalable, intelligent foundation for businesses to thrive in Austin’s innovation-driven environment.
  
  

Finding the Best IT Services in Austin, Texas

While there is no definitive answer on which managed service provider (MSP) you should choose for your Austin business, there are two important questions that you should ask all of your prospective providers:

1. Do you have experience with other businesses like mine? 
   Seeking out a provider that has previously worked with other startup, financial, legal, etc. companies means that they’re familiar with the unique needs of your unique business and can tailor their plan to your needs.
   
   
2. How do you stay on top of technology trends, standards, and updates? 
   Be sure to look for an MSP that is able to drive results for your business via the latest technology while upholding a high level of IT standards.

Are you interested yet? Book a call with one of our representatives if you'd like to learn more about abot Centre can help your team not just get the job done, but accomplish both those long and short term goals for your team. Let's talk soon!