Nearly every business has at least some sort of IT requirement. Here’s an overview of what you need to think about when choosing IT for your business.
What is connectivity?
In IT terms this is about connecting devices to each other so they can pass data between them. For some businesses this might involve little more than connecting a single computer to the internet, and hooking-up a printer. For others, it might require creating networks of computers, routers, servers, storage devices, etc.
What sort of hardware and connectivity do I need to run a small one-person business?
If you’re a one-person band – or to use a buzz-phrase, a ‘micro-business’ – you may be able to get along very nicely with just a few pieces of kit.
Basic kit
Your basic requirements are probably a computer, a portable storage device, and a printer.
If you’re only going to have one computer, opt for a laptop / notebook over a desktop as this gives you more flexibility, e.g. you can take it to a customer’s premises.
Select a model that’s been designed for business use – more fashionable-looking machines can prove to be flimsier ones.
Printer
Make sure you get a printer that also scans and copies. It helps if it can connect wirelessly to your computer so that you don’t need to bother with a cable.
Before you choose a printer, check-out the price of ink refills – or as they’re called in the trade, ‘toner cartridges’.
Some printers are inexpensive, but you get stung when you need to buy more ink. It can be more cost-effective in the long run to get a printer that’s more expensive but has cheaper ink refills.
Back-up
Backup your work to an external storage device at least once a week. Losing your computer would be bad enough, but losing all the work that’s on would be even worse.
Try to keep two copies of anything that’s important. If you remove files from your computer to save space, remember to copy them to two external devices. Ideally, keep these in separate places.
Here are the websites of some of the companies that provide backup software:
What hardware do I need to run a business that has several people?
If your business employs a few people, chances are you’ll have outgrown the kitchen table or the spare room and have your own workspace.
Checklist: What software do I need?
You may need software that’s specific to your industry. For example, 3-d designers might have CAD software, online retailers may have e-commerce software, and so on. Here’s some information on the types of software that nearly all businesses need. Login to save this checklist to your profile for future use. (To register to join and enjoy the benefits of membership click on the link at the top right of the page. It will only take a few minutes to create your profile).
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What phone and internet arrangements do I need?
Here’s how you can connect to the outside world
Dedicated business line
If you’re running your business from home, you might be able to manage with your existing domestic phone line and internet connection.
But maybe you’ll need to consider getting a dedicated business line and upgrading your broadband. Almost certainly, you’ll need dedicated business email – maybe one of the free ones, like:
VoIP services
You could sign-up with a VoIP (voice over internet protocol) service like Skype, or Google+ Hangouts.
These services let you communicate over the internet, for free, with other people who are also signed up – such as customers, suppliers and associates – using text, audio and video.
You can also buy credit to make and receive Skype calls from your computer – calling a landline or mobile this way is normally cheaper than the usual rates.
Business broadband package
If you’ve got your own premises, to connect to the internet you’ll need a business broadband package that comes with a higher level of support than for a domestic service.
You could also get your broadband supplier to provide a separate line for VoIP. This will enable you to have a number of different phone numbers through just the single line.
Checklist: What sort of support will I need?
Here are the key things you need to consider about IT support. By logging in you can save this checklist to your profile for future use. (To register to join and enjoy the benefits of membership click on the link at the top right of the page. It will only take a few minutes to create your profile).
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