Five technology checks you can do during a quiet summer period

For many businesses, summer provides a rare opportunity to take a step back from the day-to-day rush and focus on projects that are all-too-easily postponed during busier periods.

It might be reviewing systems, updating processes, or just tackling jobs that have been on the to-do list for months.

Whether you’re preparing for future growth, improving resilience or getting ahead of upcoming changes such as the PSTN switch-off, a little planning now can save a lot of time, cost and disruption later.

1. Check whether your phone service is affected by the PSTN switch-off

The UK’s copper phone network is being retired, with the last services due to be switched off by January 2027.

That really isn’t very far off now, and with technology projects often taking longer than expected – especially when multiple users, locations or systems are involved – there’s now little room for delay.

If your business still relies on traditional phone services, now’s the time to understand your options and plan your next steps. Many organisations are already moving to cloud-based communications platforms like CloudComms, which offer modern calling features and can easily scale as requirements change.

At Zen, we’re already helping businesses prepare for the switch-off. And while we’re not in panic-decision territory yet, we highly recommend that you make now the time to get your phone service sorted out.

2. Review whether your connectivity still fits your business

The broadband connection that worked perfectly when you had five employees may not be the right fit if you now have twenty. The same applies if you’re relying more heavily on cloud applications, video meetings, online payments or remote working than you were a few years ago.

While it’s true that your busiest periods are the best time to judge if your connection is still cutting it, a quieter period can give you the time and space to ask a simple question: does your connectivity still support the way your business operates today?

That might mean upgrading to full fibre broadband, choosing a speed boost if you’re already a full fibre user, adding 4G backup for extra resilience, or exploring a leased line if internet access has become business critical.

You can find out more about internet access from Zen here.

3. Give your website, hosting and domains a health check

Your website is often the first impression that potential customers get of your business.

Yet it’s surprisingly common for organisations to lose track of domain renewals, outdated contact details or hosting arrangements that haven’t been reviewed in years.

Take a few minutes to check that your domains are correctly registered, renewal dates are up to date, key contacts are accurate, and your website still reflects how your business operates today.

It’s not the most exciting job on the list, but it can make an important difference.

4. Carry out a basic security audit

Cyber threats don’t take a summer break, and many businesses are surprised by how much risk can build up through small oversights.

A quieter period can give you a good chance to review some of the basics:

• Are employees using strong, unique passwords?
• Is multi-factor authentication enabled where available?
• Do staff only have access to the systems they genuinely need?
• Have former employees been removed from business accounts?
• Is your team aware of the latest phishing and scam techniques?

Many security incidents don’t happen because of sophisticated attacks. They happen because simple issues go unnoticed for too long.

A short security review now could help prevent a much bigger problem later.

5. Think 12 months ahead

Technology upgrades are usually easier when they’re planned rather than rushed.

This simple question – where do we expect to be this time next year? – can be surprisingly useful.

You may be planning to hire more people, open a new location, launch new services or simply support a growing customer base. Whatever your plans, it’s worth considering whether your current technology can support them.

You don’t need to make every decision today. But spending a little time thinking ahead can make future upgrades smoother, less disruptive, and easier to budget for.

Use quieter periods to get ahead

The projects that get postponed during busy periods rarely become less important.

Taking a little time out to review your technology now can help you be better prepared for future changes and reduce disruption along the way.

Whether you’re preparing for the PSTN switch-off, reviewing your connectivity, enhancing your security or planning for future growth, Zen can help you make the right choices at the right time.