How can businesses find out what technology is right for their business before shelling out the cash and finding it doesn't meet their needs?
Marc Barber, Smallbusiness.co.uk
Advances in technology, particularly since the emergence of broadband in 2001/02, have worked to the advantage of small businesses. Start-ups can communicate with customers and market their services more effectively and cheaply than ever before.
First and foremost, decide what you need the technology for. Is it word processing? Number crunching and accounts work? For both of these it's easy to shop around and get the cheapest deal by visiting high street stores, surfing the web or speaking to IT dealers who specialise in software for businesses.
If you're going to take your sales and marketing campaigns seriously then you should invest in a database too. This will enable to build up a list of customers and filter data accordingly before sending out direct mail/email shots or to accept payments for products or services online.
Don't forget that if there are other people in the business, they may need access to information as well so you will need a server – again this can easily be acquired as part of a package.
If you're looking to set up a website then check out Microsoft Office Live Small Business, BT Trade Space or packages like Mr Site.
All of these try to keep setting up a website cheap and manageable for that computer illiterate individual who's been bitten by the entrepreneurial bug.
John Wright, chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses
It is important that you research all the technological advances aimed at your business to find the right one. Shop around as you would for a loaf of bread, and ask your peers and other similar businesses you have contact with about their systems. Without the knowledge of the technologies available in the market you will be poorly advised and could make a costly mistake.
Once you have found the product you think is right for you, ask for a two week pilot to ensure it is right for you. If you do go ahead and buy, make sure your purchase has a cooling off cancellation period in case it is not appropriate to your business.
If you have the resources, employ a technology expert who can explore the market for you. It may seem like a big investment initially, but it could save you hundreds of pounds in the longer term.
A cheaper alternative is Which? - the money saving advice and consumer magazine that offers up to date information on products. Presenting independent advice, a price and product comparison and a review of products, it is an invaluable tool to find the right technologies for your business.
Eric Friend, Business Link adviser
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is part of almost every business's day-to-day life. However, whatever level of ICT and e-commerce solutions you use, it's important to get them right. Before you buy ICT equipment and services, you need to understand the ways that technology can help your business and save you time and money. Defining your requirements is vital to selecting the right system for your business needs. And you should also select technology solutions that can grow as your business grows.
Some of the areas to address are:
- How will your ICT systems be managed day-to-day?
- How can ICT help your company to communicate more effectively?
- How will you keep your systems and data secure?
- What kind of training and development will your staff need?
- Do you understand ICT regulations and policies?
Whether your company is large or small, the answers to these questions will help you to define your company's ICT strategy.
There is a tool on the Business Link website that will help you to identify the best IT system for your business. Business Link advisers can offer impartial guidance to help you identify your specific requirements, and to draw up a shortlist of potential suppliers for your consideration. You can find the tool on the IT and e-commerce pages at businesslink.gov.uk/it.
Business Link innovation adviser Eric Friend specialises in assisting businesses with their ICT and e-business strategies. He is a qualified Chartered Engineer and an experienced project manager. He started his career with British Gas where he went onto run a team of 60 staff. He was also involved in developing the company's IT and business systems in the late 80s and 1990s.
