Computers have entered the work environment slowly but surely. They've become a necessary 'hazard' in many workplaces. There's just no getting around it. For you to compete in today's market, you need computers.
But did you know, that your computers can BE an asset to your bottom line of your business? I'm sure it doesn't feel that way when you are in a rush to finish a project and your computer starts to act up. But it is possible!
Boy Scouts Know Best - Always Be Prepared!
Really, the Boy Scouts do know best. Their motto is to 'always be prepared'. To a Boy Scout, being prepared means:
- Having the right equipment to get the job done.
- Having the right skills to use the equipment.
- Being prepared when disaster does strike.
Now, if you take on the Boy Scout motto, then you will be able to have computers that are assets and not liabilities.
How do I do that you might ask?
Today's computers have dropped dramatically in price over the last few years. Unfortunately, so has the quality in many cases. So we need to protect you against computers that may just not be up to snuff, so to speak.
First thing I suggest is standardize the installation of desktop software. This is done in three easy to do steps:
- Research the best practices of an application to the operating system it will be loaded on. This is critical with the new Windows Vista platform.
- Record the exact installation instructions so they can easily and quickly be repeated if necessary.
- Store the installation software and licenses in a secure, locked cabinet. Have your staff sign the software out and in if necessary. Lost software is a huge and expensive problem.
Organized Access To Company Information
Regardless of the solution desired, the information needs to be accessed in a manner that just makes sense. This is important for internal requirements as well as external timely access to your company information to your customer base.
One thing that I've begun to really see as a benefit to a company like yours is web applications. This off loads company information to one spot where it can be easily managed and provides a single source of information for all aspects of a company.
Web applications have come a very long way in the past decade and their usefulness has only begun to be discovered by enterprising companies. Here are some of the potential benefits:
- The look and feel of web applications are approaching their desktop application cousins.
- Development costs can be greatly reduced. For the licensing of a generic desktop application, you can consider purchasing a custom-built solution that perfectly fits you and your business.
- No duplication of data that can lead to misinformation or outdated information. Since the web application becomes the authority source of the information, all of your personnel have access to the same information.
Protection of Company Information
Your information needs to be protected. This protection should cover against information loss or corruption to situations such as:
- Accidental Deletion - It happens. We make mistakes. With the proper safe guards in place, this simple but potentially disastrous situation can be corrected.
- Outside Threats - Spyware, malware, trojan horses. I'm sure either you or someone you know has a good horror story. Again, with proper information protection, let the worse happen. You can sleep at night.
- Physical Threats - No matter how hard we all try, the impossible can happen. Anything from systems theft to natural and man-made disasters proper pre-mitigation can protect one of your company's most important assets. The digital data.
What Should I Do?
If you are asking yourself this question, I would welcome the chance to address your personal questions and concerns. Please feel free to fill out your contact information below and I'll personally get back to you. There is no obligation or cost for initial consultations.
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