What amazing times!
The economic crisis is truly upon us! The trick now is to focus on efficiency.
SMB's now have the technology resources available to them, which historically only large businesses had, but they need to watch how they implement them.
All too often I see routine IT upgrades with little thought toward improving business workflows or enhancing information management.
Streamline processes. Improve information management. Leverage your workforce, your biggest expense. That is where the return is. That is where the opportunities lie.
Poorly planned IT infrastructure is a massive burden to any business, large or small. The true cost reflects not in the initial purchase and support of deadweight systems, but in the reduced profit of running an inefficient business.
By the same token, well planned infrastructure, coordinated with a clearly defined long term vision, not only pays for itself in reduced ongoing costs. The return is derived from a better functioning, more profitable business.
Technologies such as SharePoint, RemoteApps, VMware and Centralised Storage have matured, have become VERY cost effective and are radically changing the business landscape.
These technologies, coupled with a team who can design and support them, can make impressive improvements to a business.
There are no more excuses.
These are exciting times.
Paul Ryan - Director, Geidi Pty Ltd