Many folks may start the process of buying new technology with the wrong questions. For instance: “Should I get a computer or some kind of mobile tablet thing?” or “Where should I look for the computer?” or “Should I buy a Mac or a PC? Apple or Android?” While it’s true that there are several things to consider when introducing new technology to your business environment don’t make the mistake of trying to decide which device to buy, before you understand the need to be filled.
Here is the truth about technology: there is no perfect answer. Much like a favorite sports team, folks tend to wear blinders when it comes to really looking at the tech they like. For some, it has become so serious that we might have to add technology to the stigma regarding religion and politics in casual speech. The best answer will be to determine the best technology depending on how you plan to use it.
Just like so many things, technology is really a tool. It’s actually not too different from a hammer (which I know many folks would like to take to their tech devices from time to time). And just like with a hammer, there are lots of choices. There are flooring hammers, rubber mallets, sledge hammers, tack hammers, the “regular” (claw) hammer, and many more. Now imagine you only have money for one kind of hammer today because it costs between $500.00 and $1,500.00. Which hammer might you buy?
The process that might have kicked in to answer this question is exactly the same one to use when adding or replacing technology. It really is that simple. What hammer will I be able to use most often on any given day? Not what hammer is the lightest, had the best commercial, has the craziest fan base or any other thing that has a way of creeping in on technology spends.
One way to help is to know the right questions to ask yourself when you are considering a new technology purchase. Otherwise once the shiny newness wears off, what you have left is an expensive paperweight which is about as useful as wielding a sledgehammer to hang a picture. Here are a few things to consider when choosing and adding new technology to your business:
1 - How do you plan to use the device(s) in the coming months or years?
Will it be used for email, writing documents, surfing the web, blogging, education, running a select group of applications, at the office, away from office, …? As you can see, there are many considerations and each can play into picking the right technology for you or your organization.
2 - How will this device work on my network?
Not all technology plays well with all other technology. Will the device work with all the printers needed? What about the company email platform? Will it be able to use the anti-virus solution you have in place for your business? What about the backup solution? If you pick the wrong thing, it can be made to sort of work in some cases, but is that the best answer?
3 - How will I connect this device to my network?
Most new devices are being connected wirelessly – this means you need to consider your wireless infrastructure or, in many cases, lack thereof. Many of you are already seeing this: things just seem slow. Yes, sometimes it is the provider, other times it is number of devices, type of devices, how device is being used and more. Added to that is the need for proper security. Don’t forget that small businesses are a big target for hackers now days.
I have just scratched the surface, but perhaps I have at the very least shown you a different way to look at things. If you need someone that has years of experience buying, implementing and supporting various types of technology, contact us today – I am sure we can help.