subject: How Can Companies Reduce Technology Costs [print this page] Several companies whether small, mid-sized or large scale have recognized the need to rein in their expenditure and operate with better efficiency. Limiting IT expenditure in particular is often on top of their cost reduction list of things to do. Technology is indispensable in most industries, but is expensive to acquire. Many big businesses operating on a global scale cannot do without adequate IT infrastructure. Purchasing a simple computing tool like a computer can also be a huge expenditure, as several units are required by a business. That is why reducing IT costs can have a significant impact on the bottom line of businesses. Using computer rentals can be a good way to reduce IT costs. Here are some more great ways to control excessive expenditure on technology.
Take Stock of Software & Hardware Inventory
Investing in new and advanced technology may pave the way for drastic improvements in productivity but such improvements should be measurable. Software applications that have been acquired but used only minimally should be done away with. This will ensure that only performing assets are retained for further use and maintenance. Businesses can get an IT assets analysis done to figure out such redundancies.
Retain IT Staff
Hiring and training new IT personnel is an expense that can easily be avoided by retaining the existing employees. It is important to remember that IT executives are paid well on an average but require enough opportunities to grow. Adequate in-house training can help them improve their skills and assigning them projects across departments will help widen their experience and areas of expertise. Identify employees who can be transferred to new divisions rather than recruiting anew.
Look for Alternative Equipment Sourcing Options
Not all hardware needs to be bought. Even large corporations have recognized the need to downsize their purchase of computers, peripherals and other equipment. Computer rentals are fast becoming a reliable sourcing alternative and cost significantly less. This is one of the surest ways to manage an equipment inventory without overshooting the budget. Computer rentals offer very affordable options and stock a wide range of products ranging from basic to high end models. Companies can easily acquire advanced technology at a small cost with equipment rentals.
Use Green Technology
Introducing green technology strategies is like killing two birds with one stone. Companies can combat the energy crisis and reduce their business expenditure at the same time by putting some effective energy saving measures in place. Computer power management solutions can go a long way in reducing unnecessary power consumption. Server capacity can be used more efficiently by virtualization. Businesses can run optimally even with 60% of server capacity by simply transferring workloads to servers that are not used sufficiently.
These measures can be easily put into practice by small and medium scale businesses as well. Maintaining a strict inventory, retaining staff, using reliable computer rentals and conserving energy are only a few of the many ways that companies can employ to effectively reduce their technology costs. Other innovative ways like software demand management can also be explored.
