IT is everywhere these days. From the washing machine to aeroplanes to mobile phones and if we are honest we couldn’t live without it anymore. So why then when it comes to IT in business people regard it not as a necessity but rather as a luxury?
I have come across businesses over the years where the mentality is “it has always worked so why change it now?” when the network is not fit for purpose and literally on its last legs. After trying to explain to the client why I would change the network I am usually met with “no money”. Now I know all about working within a budget but I would argue for stuff like IT there are times when you just have to bite the bullet and spend money. I say this for the following reasons:
1. You computers are on their last legs
We have all seen this. The machines are old and full of junk which needs cleaning out and they usually have the bare minimum of memory too. Using these machines is affecting employee productivity. Faster and better equipped machines will allow you to access your files, communicate by email and accomplish your daily tasks a lot faster which in turn means you get more done. How frustrating is it to click on a file and waiting minutes for it to open?
2. No backup strategy is in place
What would happen to your business if it lost all its data? Mine would not last very long and I am sure the same would be said of yours. So why don’t people take backups? Every business requires some form of data backup whether it be external hard drives or central storage (Server or NAS box) and if correctly implemented should run automatically without any user input.
3. The office network is not fit for purpose anymore
The 4 port switch might have been ok when you first started out but what happens when you increase your staff numbers above 4? Or when you start sharing files across a network and your cabling is not up to the job? When you start using your network to its capacity it is time to start thinking about upgrading rather than just sit on what you have as this will (and does) affect employee productivity.
4. Mobile computing
Mobile computing has really taken off over the last couple of years and it is not hard to see why (working from anywhere employees are more productive) but is your IT up to the job? Online storage (eg Dropbox) makes sharing and accessing files a doddle. Hosting your emails online rather than on an onsite server means you can get your emails on your smartphones, tablets or laptops while reducing your running costs (ie no server using electric, no license costs or IT repair costs).
So you see IT is a necessity to all businesses and not just an add on which makes life easier. Next time you have to wait 10 minutes for your machine to boot up just think – could this be done better?
About the Author
Hi I am Chris Wakefield the owner of ComTech IT Support. I provide Windows and Linux based IT Support, laptop repairs and computer repairs to both business and personal clients in and around Stirling.
For a list of what I can offer you why not visit my website www.comtech247.net where you will find a list of my services, testimonials, blog and much more.
Loading ...
