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Telecoms Advice:
Telecoms Advice is an independent website for the owners
and managers of small UK businesses, similar SMEs, and
individual and corporate remote and Small Office Home
Office (SOHO) workers who need to know about the practical
applications, benefits and costs of using
telecommunications, the Internet and similar Information
and Communication Technologies (ICTs). |
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Business Europe:
A trusted source of business news from an
independent organization. Plus you can read practical business
advice guides for help with: operating systems, procurement and support, security and privacy, networking and telecoms,
import/export and
legal. |
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 Obviously,
we all seek for the right advice, best price and best
maintenance or support. But what should you really look out
for?
Some IT companies only sell what they
know: The advice you receive may be only what the company
provide and that may not be the best solution for your
circumstance. Always get 2 or 3 companies to quote and advise
for your company.
No ROI on investment: Most businesses that purchase
software and hardware do not fully utilise it. It's like
buying a new van for the business only to use it for one trip.
With today's increase of CRM (customer relationship
management) this is becoming more and more apparent. To over
come this invest in training. Make sure
that your solution provider offers training and instruction or
use a training company.
Check it out: Always search for the title or name of any
software or hardware before purchase. This will give you an
idea of the kind of problems, reviews and product information
that the web is posting, and
that your IT supplier may have failed to tell you.
Budget for Support and Maintenance: Some businesses
take finance options with major IT and communication
installations but fail to fully understand the cost of
ownership. Ask your IT supplier about the purchase price of
equipment plus the cost of operating this equipment over its
projected life span. A fully trained IT expert would
understand this type of questioning.
If it's important then go business: If your business
relies on a computer, printer or communications device then
make sure you get the support right. After all, if your
business phone line went down you'd expect BT to be there in
24 hours so you should aim for the same service.
When buying hardware such as PC's or network installations
with a server environment, buy from a company that provides
business hardware and services. Buying 'consumer' based
products that save you pounds do not usually come with the
support and timelines required for businesses. When buying
from big corporate companies why not ring their technical
support number before you purchase to see how their support
service response is.
Back it up: Remember that the word warranty can
basically mean hardware and the small print will say that you
are responsible for the data you create. Invest in backup.
Prevent human error and spend extra in an automated backup and
ask for guidance in using the backup from your IT supplier.
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Microsoft bCentral:
Some of the best advice you can get is from those
who make the products that businesses use. They invest
thousands to find out what businesses need and how those
needs can be made easier. Microsoft is one of the best
sites on the web for business information, especially when
it comes to IT and communications.
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In 2005 the DTI decided to provide improved access to
IT and Communication business advice by merging it's own content and
services with the DTI-backed national Business Link portal.
Information on IT, Communications and Security can be found on the
Business Link web site:
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Help
through British Standards
Setting up your IT systems and communications
