Unlike large businesses, those of us in small business do not have a dedicated IT staff to turn to every time our network crashes or a computer starts smoking. What’s a small business owner to do?A recent article on SmallBusinessComputing.com looks at some of the options available for small businesses who are looking to better manage their IT needs, and some of the things you should be thinking about before making a decision on IT management. Including strategy:

While the bare essentials of keeping computer systems healthy and humming are most crucial for small businesses, it’s not the whole picture. Who decides which technology you use? The second biggest concern around IT expressed by small business owners in a survey conducted by McCabe’s firm was that they might miss new solutions that could help their business.

Ensuring you’re using the latest and best technology you can afford requires knowledge, expertise and a commitment of time and resources. Who decides when you should upgrade essential infrastructure such as network equipment, servers and PCs?

Hanging on to old computers may seem like a good cost-containment measure, and an easy way to avoid the issue, but if you hang on too long, Stahl pointed out, old gear can cost you more in lost productivity and increased IT management than you would pay for new.

Small businesses need someone to analyze these issues and make recommendations or decisions.

Click the link below for the complete article!

IT Management 101 for Small Business