In today’s digital world, sourcing tech for a small business can be a very intimidating prospect. You’re going to have a pretty large and complex IT infrastructure by the time you’re close to those overarching goals, and one of the most important things you’ll need to think about is the computers you and all your employees are using. Here’s a list of some of the most important factors to consider when sourcing these all-important tools.
What You’ll Use It For
The first and most important thing you need to think about when you’re sourcing computers for a business is what you hope to get out of them. What is it you want when it’s all dusted off? Not just the end of the purchase process – but after you’ve integrated the new tech and have been using it for some time. There are various things you should consider when looking for computers that will bring your whole business that much closer to its overarching goals. Think about the way you’re using your current computer network, the kind of programs you depend on, the operating system your software requires, and any other relevant details. This will help you come up with a set of priorities for your future purchasing decisions.
Mac vs PC
You’re going to need to think about this age-old argument to ensure you get the best computer network possible for your business. Despite what you might have heard, the basic operation of Macs and PCs aren’t all that different, and the differences that are there are negligible. However, there are bigger differences in the kinds of software you’ll be able to use easily on each of these computers. As a rule of thumb, most businesses should go with PCs, as these are more compatible with the typical programs you’ll be using to manage the basic operations of any venture, in any niche. However, if your business is a little more “arty” in what it does, for example if you’re running a graphic design firm, you may be better off getting a MAC. If you’re unsure, just do some digging into how compatible your mission-critical software is on each option.
Memory
Aside from the processor in a given computer, the main thing which will influence how quick and easy it is to use is going to be the amount of memory it has. If you don’t want to have any issues with speed or storage, it’s recommended that you buy computers with options for extra memory. A model with a massive hard drive can be a little expensive right now, especially seen as you’re getting these machines for the entire business. However, you can still buy computers that are very flexible in terms of adding memory. A computer’s motherboard will have RAM slots in pairs of two, which can hold extra RAM chips, increasing the machine’s overall capacity for data. You can also source components like an industrial grade SSD, which will replace the hard drive of a computer completely for a more robust and energy-efficient option. Whatever your business’s needs, lean towards an option that will give you a lot of flexibility, and allow you to add more memory to your computers as and when you need it.
Costs
Like a lot of small businesses, your budget may be pretty stretched as it is. This can make it tempting to go fishing for bargains, and save money by purchasing clearance items rather than brand-spanking new ones. Don’t give in to this temptation! Once you’ve followed the previous advice, you’ll have a clear idea of what your business needs in the way of an IT infrastructure. Then, after checking out the market, you’ll have a ball-park figure on what you need to spend for your computer network to accommodate for your needs. If this figure is over your budget, go back through some of the considerations we mentioned above, and look for non-essential features that you can afford to miss out on. Just try not to penny-pinch too much here. The computers at your business are going to be absolutely essential to its continued success, and being too frugal can really come back to bite you. On the other hand, if you spend a little more on your IT infrastructure to begin with, you’re more likely to get a greater return for your investment.
If planning your business’s IT infrastructure was causing you headaches, I hope that this post has made things clearer. This is a facet of your business you really can’t afford to screw up, so don’t rush through the acquisition process!
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