subject: What technology should YOU buy for your business? [print this page] What technology should YOU buy for your business?
To everyone who is in business, the computer requirements of your business are one of the biggest headaches that you will ever face. Not only is it hard to work out what you require but everyone has an opinion on what you need.
To make it more difficult everyone has someone who "knows" computers and they all have an opinion as well.
I am not trying to preach and we all have an opinion, but I wanted to put down all the information in one place that I have gleamed from looking after other people's computers and networks over the past 12 years.
The information here is from personal experience and 30 Years in the Computer industry. From main frames and teletype in the 70's and 80's to windows for workgroups in the 90's to the newest operating systems around today through to the emerging technologies of cloud computing and netbooks.
The technologies have always had a place in business but they are tools of the business much the same as a hammer or nail gun is to a builder. You need the toolsto getyour job done.
The main criteria for a business is to allow the business to drive technology, to generate more revenue and eventually more profits. It should never bethe other way round,technology driving business is a no no. The moment you allow the technology to drive the business then the cost of your infrastructure will double or even treble. Your business will end up with a hotch potch of different systems and your staff will experience loss of productivity both of which have a direct bearing on the bottom line.
The trouble is computing for business comes down to common sense, the old adage of "have a need and fill it", but fill it with the best solution available but taking all of the criteria for your business into account.
Ifyou are starting a business, your business is expanding or you have been in business for a while and want to get the technology to start working for you then you need to get the Technology correct. Every business has different requirements within the Information Communication and Technology (ICT) space. The difference between a brick laying business and accounting business is what pressure you will put on the ICT components of that business.
It is no use buying the latest and greatest computer, highest level graphics card, fastest speed processor and largest Hard Drive when all you need to do on the computer is email and word processing.You will be purchasing equipment that will not benefit your business and in some cases can be detrimental to the bottom line.
It can also go the other way if you have a requirement for 3D graphics rendering then the cheapest computer from a department store is not going to do the job. Speaking of the department store yes they are cheaper than a network and Support Company but they are aimed at the home market and this includes the operating system. If you are purchasing from a retail store always ensure you get "professional version" operating system software and a decent warranty so that you are not without the tool when something happens to it.
No matter where you purchase a computer from, it will always have an operating system. You canspecifically ask for it to be removed or you do not agree with the license agreement when you first start it.Even a Linux environment has a standard of licensing that allows you to use the distribution.
No matter what your business in today's world you need access to the right technology. Think about your requirements before you purchase the equipment for your business as an incorrect purchase could cost you dearly in the long run.
