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Are You Missing Out on the Full Benefits of IT?
 A lack of support and SME specific software
are just two factors that are preventing
small businesses from gaining the full
benefits of IT. Yet even without these
issues, hundreds of thousands of smaller
businesses are throwing away money by not
making IT purchases knowledgably.
A report by Cisco Systems shows that 42% of
small businesses feel left in the lurch
after buying technology; this is mainly due
to poor after-sales support and insufficient
training. 41% of small businesses also felt
that they were forced to adopt technology
designed for large businesses, as opposed to
having products available that are tailored
to their size.
One worrying aspect of the report was that a
large number of start up businesses choose
their technology based on a hunch or ‘gut
feeling’! This means that the odds of the
company getting the most from their
technology are very small indeed. If you are
not researching your technology purchases,
then you could find yourself with
insufficient or expensive equipment that
costs you money.
Bernadette Wightman of Cisco Systems said,
“Start-up businesses must do more with less,
and simply cannot afford to make ill
considered judgements around IT. In order to
realise the potential productivity and
customer service benefits of their
technology, small businesses need
specialized advice on matching budget and
specific technology needs, combined with
flexible financing plans which require only
a minimum initial investment.
One possible solution for small businesses
is leasing. This allows you to have all the
technology you need, whilst reducing the
level of investment needed. Leasing also
makes it easier to change technology if your
IT requirements change or expand on a
regular basis.
Although the purchasing and support of
technology can be difficult, the benefits
are clear to see. 77% of small businesses in
the research said that technology improved
their customer service, while 76% improved
productivity, and 45% said it allowed them
to compete on a level playing field with
competitors.
For more information on how IT and
technology can improve your business, visit
our portal here.
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