The Verse - Volume 22
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Tech Tips - Small Business Money-Saving Tech Tips

As small business owners, we know how important it is to save money when it comes to purchasing supplies and equipment for the business. We have also learned – the hard way – that cheaper is usually not better, but that the best value is what we should be after. So getting the “most bang for the buck” is what small business owners want and need. Since technology is necessary to conduct business today and most small business owners are not technology experts, the task of buying computers, servers and other technology equipment can be quite a daunting task. To help you get the most out of your technology dollars, keep the following tips in mind.

Avoid Buying Blunders
The best way to avoid a buying blunder is to ensure that you know what technology you really need and what the best price is for that technology. If you are the do-it-yourself type and you have lots of time, pour yourself into researching best of breed technology through the myriad resources available to you in books, magazines and especially the Internet.

If you’re like most small business owners and time is your most valuable asset, hire a qualified Network Engineer to assess your current technology situation, make recommendations of what you should buy and then help you to purchase it. For most small businesses, this can be accomplished in a day or less of a Network Engineer’s time. At Kansas City bill rates for Network Engineers, this consulting will most likely cost $1,000 or less.

Just like going to a doctor when you’re sick, a lawyer when you have legal issues and a mechanic to fix your car, consult a technology professional when it’s time to purchase technology. If you are buying several thousand dollars of hardware and software, the money you spend with a good consultant will come back several times over in the savings in cost, time and headaches.

Look Into Leasing
At prices for technology have come down, the value of old technology has plummeted. Since that computer you are buying today will be virtually worthless in 3 years, it might be a good idea to lease. Many options are available to the small business owner from Dell’s in-house leasing program to finance companies that will let you spread out the cost of your hardware, software and even the service cost to install your technology. The leasing fees are expenses, so they give you the same tax benefit as depreciating the equipment, but you don’t have to put all the capital up when you buy.

Keep Up Updates
Just like changing the oil on your car, maintaining your technology will save you big bucks in the long run. Since computer viruses can wreak havoc on a small business network, it is essential to not only purchase antivirus software, but to regularly update that software. Computer hackers come out with new viruses almost daily, so your antivirus software should be updated at a similar rate. Virtually all antivirus software programs can be configured to update automatically. However, do not miss your antivirus software renewal, which typically is once per year. If your subscription lapses, the software will not continue to update.

Windows Server Operating System updates and patches need to be regularly applied to keep your system running properly and to correct security deficiencies in the software. One word of caution, sometimes applying Microsoft patches can alter other settings in your network. Again, it’s probably best to consult a professional to properly update your server.

Opt for Outsourcing
Since so much bout technology requires that one be an expert to work with it and few of us can be expert at our businesses and technology, we usually have to bring in help in dealing with technology. Many small business owners assume this means another employee, with all the issues that come along with additional headcount. A good Network Administrator or Network Engineer can have a salary of $50,000 per year, plus benefits, payroll taxes, vacation, etc. Fortunately, outsourcing your technology support is an excellent option.

To find the right support provider for your organization, ask yourself about what you need. Do we need to keep the price down no matter what? In that case, look for a sole proprietor, since the rate will be the lowest with that group. Is response time most important? Well, one person can only be in one place at one time, so don’t go the sole proprietor route; look for a group with enough technicians to respond in a rapid manner. No matter what type of provider you’re looking for, be sure to ask other small business owners what firm they use, look for a provider that carries the Microsoft Certified Partner or Microsoft Gold Certified Partner designation and get client references! Call at least three client references and ask about their experience with the support provider.

The saying goes that a fool and his money are soon parted. Often, technology can make us feel pretty foolish. Be sure to follow these tips and you’ll be able to get more bang out of your technology buck.