A Tech-focused Checklist to Work Smarter in 2025
As the new year approaches, it’s a perfect time for businesses to reflect on what’s working, what’s not, and where a little tech intervention can make all the difference. While hitting the gym or reigning in that shopping addiction might be on your personal list, these resolutions focus on setting your business up for success in 2025.
Here’s a checklist of resolutions to help you work smarter, not harder, in the new year.
1. Lock Down Your Data with Cybersecurity
Cyber threats are more sophisticated today than ever, and small to mid-sized businesses are prime targets. A breach could compromise your operations, your reputation, and your customers’ trust. If you don’t feel confident that your current security is cutting it, we recommend upping your game in 2025.
At Emergent, we help businesses fortify their systems with a variety of environment security assessments that identify vulnerabilities and optimize security performance.
From customized backup plans and disaster recovery strategies to expert monitoring and high-availability setups, our Remote DBA team provides the expertise and coverage you need to stay protected.
This year, make sure you prioritize security! Reach out to us if you need help getting started.
Watch to learn how to set up an extra layer of protection on your Azure Virtual Desktop using screen capture protection.
2. Harness the Power of AI with Microsoft Copilot
If your business isn’t already utilizing AI to work smarter, then adopting it is a must for 2025. Microsoft Copilot, built into tools like Word, Excel, Teams, and Outlook, is here to help make your life a little easier in the new year.
With the power to draft emails, summarize meetings, create reports, and automate tasks, Copilot can give your team more time to focus on what matters most—whether that’s closing deals, brainstorming your next big idea, or simply being more available for clients.
This year, your organization should let AI handle the busy work so your team can work faster and smarter. If you’re curious about how Microsoft Copilot can fit into your workflow, we’re here to help you explore the possibilities.
Listen to hear about how AI is expected to shape the software engineering landscape.
3. Refresh Your Digital Presence with a Modern Website
Your website is the digital face of your business and often your first impression for potential customers. This is your first opportunity to wow them and gain their trust, or to leave them unimpressed and looking elsewhere. A slow-loading, outdated, or non-responsive site simply won’t cut it in 2025, as users expect mobile-friendly designs, fast loading speeds, and easy navigation.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or modernizing an existing site, investing in a high-functioning website will help you stay competitive (and proud of your digital footprint) in the new year.
Check out how our team can create an online presence that’s professional, impactful, and ready to grow with your business.
Watch as Emergent Software wins the Umbraco award for ‘best editing experience’ for our work on the Kalahari Resorts site.
4. Leverage Cloud Technology for Scalability and Savings
Are you still relying on an on-premises server? Or maybe you’re juggling local backups? It’s time to think bigger. Moving to the cloud is a must for creating a business that’s future-ready—scalable, secure, and accessible from anywhere.
In 2025, your team could leverage the cloud to seamlessly collaborate, work from anywhere on any device, and handle surges in demand without breaking a sweat.
Need a cherry on top? Switching to the cloud often means reducing IT management overhead and cost.
Our cloud migration experts make the transition hassle-free, whether it’s a simple lift-and-shift or a fully optimized setup tailored to your needs. Say goodbye to hardware headaches and hello to streamlined operations.
Learn more about how Emergent Software can ensure a smooth cloud migration for your business!
Watch to hear from one of our Senior Azure Architects as he explains what you should expect when migrating to the cloud.
5. Turn Data into Gold
Your business owns a goldmine of data, but chances are you’re not using it to its full potential. Numbers on a spreadsheet are one thing, but actionable insights that drive growth? Now that’s a game-changer for your business.
From customer preferences to operational trends, data can uncover the insights you need to make sales, save money, and take your business to the next level. This year, make it a goal to transform your data into the powerful decision-making tool that it can be.
If you need help on this one, our data engineering and analytics solutions can transform your raw information into valuable business intelligence. Get in touch to learn more.
You may also like: 5 Signs Your Business Has Outgrown A Data Management System of Spreadsheets
6. Boost Teamwork with Microsoft Tools
Tired of version control chaos and scattered communications? Make 2025 the year your team works smarter with dedicated productivity apps and storage.
Here at Emergent, we prefer the Microsoft 365 suite. You can leverage Microsoft Teams to streamline collaboration and store Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files in SharePoint, ensuring everyone always has access to the latest document versions.
Outlook, of course, helps you manage your email and calendar, but with Microsoft Copilot (as mentioned in #2) you can also draft emails, summarize meetings, and automate repetitive tasks.
At Emergent, we’re a certified Microsoft Solutions Partner with a talented team of Office 365 consultants and project managers. Get in touch to if you want to chat about how you can leverage Microsoft 365 in the new year!
Watch to learn where to find updates and information on Microsoft Teams’ latest features!
Watch to see how Microsoft Teams’ project management tools can help you recap your meetings.
7. Automate Repetitive Tasks and Reclaim Your Time
On your personal checklist for 2025, chances are you have a resolution or two that involves spending more time on a hobby, prioritizing health and wellness, or connecting with loved ones. That’s why this tech-focused resolution is one of our favorites. It requires you to spend less time on menial tasks so you can spend more time on meaningful ones.
This year, we urge you to automate manual tasks like invoicing, data entry, and follow-ups, so you can focus on more important business and personal goals.
Learn how Emergent Software can help you reclaim your time this year!
8. Scale with the Right Content Management System (CMS)
Managing your website content should be seamless, not stressful. To help you grow organically, build authority in search results, and connect with potential customers, your CMS should allow you to add, edit, and scale content effortlessly.
As an Umbraco Contributing Platinum Partner, we recommend Umbraco for its flexibility, scalability, and user-friendly features. However, our team is skilled in using a variety of CMS solutions, including Umbraco, Sitecore, and WordPress. Each platform empowers you to take control of your site once it’s live, keeping you in the driver’s seat.
If you need help implementing a CMS that supports your goals, simplifies content management, and grows alongside your business, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team!
9. Custom Software Solutions: The Ultimate Tool for Unique Challenges
Not all business problems have a one-size-fits-all solution. If you feel that making do with off-the-shelf tools will no longer cut it in 2025, we recommend you upgrade to a custom software solution. No matter what you’re trying to achieve—whether you’re looking to automate a process, create a client portal, or develop a proprietary application—using custom software ensures that the solution works for you and your business.
Learn more about how Emergent Software tailors custom software solutions to help businesses like yours meet their goals.
Watch to learn how Emergent Software can help with your custom software development needs.
10. Looking Ahead: Partner Up for Success
Setting ambitious goals is the easy part; achieving them is where the challenge lies. But you don’t have to go it alone. At Emergent Software, we specialize in helping small businesses tackle big changes with confidence. Whether you’re ready to dive headfirst into these resolutions or just need help getting started, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Let’s make 2025 your most productive, efficient, and tech-savvy year yet.
Ready to get started? Connect with us today.
