Technology Budgeting and IT Myths Debunked
Every business struggles with budgeting; you are not alone. Budgeting for technology is tough no matter the business size but can be especially tricky for small businesses. Many small business owners view their office technology as a necessary evil, akin to paying taxes. Here are a few myths we hear about technology budgets and spending, and our answers to those little lies you’ve been telling yourself.
Myth 1: I’m Waiting for A Deal of A Lifetime
If you are worried that everyone else is getting some under-the-table, once-in-a-lifetime, steal-of-a-deal, stop worrying. Paying $400 for a $1,200 computer doesn’t happen. A $400 computer is precisely that. It’s not a deal. It’s a sucker’s bet. You think you’re going to be able to turn that $400 computer into a five-year workhorse.
Nobody buys a Kia Rio and expects it to run like an S500 Mercedes. Somehow, because all computers mostly look the same, people think they can purchase a $400 computer (that doesn’t have Microsoft Office, doesn’t have a warranty, but does have a slow, third-rate processor) and have the same experience as the guy who just bought the Mercedes.
You’re not going to drive the green and win the Masters with a persimmon wood driver made in 1974. It doesn’t happen. You’re not Happy Gilmore. You’re not going to get a fast, efficient, business-class computer for peanuts. It doesn’t happen (unless it’s stolen).
Myth #2: If I’m Going to Spend That Much, I Might as Well Buy an Apple
We see it quite a bit. Companies finally understand that they need quality computers, but instead of sticking with an operating system they know how to use, they go with an Apple.
Apple makes a quality product, but the business world primarily does not run on Apple. This means the networks, connections, and security you need to run your business are much harder to support. Don’t take this as an attack on Apple. I don’t care if you want to use a Mac. Just don’t think that they’re free of problems. If the business world ran on Macs, I guess my company would be doing Apple consulting. It doesn’t, and I’m not.
Myth #3: I’ll Just Fix it When It Breaks
The break/fix approach to technology is not a good option. You are just waiting around for your technology to have issues and die. This means downtime for your employees and probably money away from your bottom line. We recommend going the managed services direction, which is designed to minimize downtime and maximize your technology. It also allows you to know what issues are coming down the road. Your network is a crucial tool for your success and productivity, and you should budget accordingly.
Any competent IT consulting firm will review the operations of your organization, technology needs for each area, and business (and technology) strategy in the future. Your business strategy may involve growth and other initiatives that will rely heavily on new technology.
The trick for you is to hire a partner IT consulting firm that can help you make the necessary transformations without wreaking havoc on your bottom line.
Let Keystone help you plan your technology needs. We’ll help you determine what purchases might be business critical and how your technology spending can increase productivity.
