How SMEs Can Build a Strong IT Infrastructure on a Budget
- Written by News Feature
Your IT infrastructure is one of the fundamental building blocks of your business. 21st century commerce cannot survive without access to the internet and computer-based technologies, and the more efficiently these perform, the higher your output will be.
However, many SME owners feel that they’re disadvantaged by a lower budget. The biggest commercial ventures spend millions of pounds each year on updating and refining their equipment and processes, so it’s easy to feel like you’re lagging behind.
This doesn’t have to be the case. Although your resources may be limited, you can still build a perfectly serviceable foundation for your business. To help you out, here are three tips that you might like to try…
#1: Buy Second-hand
Technology is constantly being improved and updated, but this doesn’t mean that older versions are incapable of meeting your business’ needs. From computers to servers to printers, most IT-related accessories can be bought second-hand if you’re restricted by your budget. Companies like Pinnacle Data usually have an extensive selection of models for entrepreneurs to choose from, ranging from new to refurbished options, meaning that there’s something to suit every bank balance.
#2: Only Buy What You Need
As obvious as it sounds, you can also save money by only buying what you really need. Those in the retail sector can be adept at convincing us that we must upgrade even when we don’t have to, and they have a real talent for selling business owners items that they don’t require, especially if they’re not particularly tech-savvy themselves. Thus, unless the need to use a particular accessory or piece of machinery actually arises, don’t be enticed into blowing your budget on it.
#3: Take a Chance on Graduates
Finally, a great way to build a strong IT department is to take a chance on graduates. As an employer, you already know that you have to pay for experience, but those who have a history of doing well aren’t always more talented than fresh-faced youths straight out of university. Young professionals are actually likely to be more familiar with up-to-date technology than their older counterparts, so employing one of them could be a real boon for your business. What’s more, they’ll be willing to accept a lower entry-level wage, which is fantastic news for your bank balance.
As simple as these three steps sound, they can make all the difference for businesses on a budget, helping them to create a strong IT infrastructure at a fraction of the normal cost. Why not put them into practice today to see how they could benefit your venture?