In today’s fast growing technology world, today’s newest tech may be an antique tomorrow. Here’s how to choose what and when to purchase or upgrade your systems can easily become confusing. Please read below for some tips which you should consider while purchasing or upgrading this summer.

When purchasing new hardware, one should consider his current needs as well as his needs down the road. Striking the right balance between what is needed at the moment plus what the expected needs over the next 3-5 years may be difficult, but coming up with the right mix will allow you to purchase the necessary equipment and save money in the future.

Choosing the proper backup system is integral for a business to survive after a disaster occurs. When choosing a backup system, some things to keep in mind are:

– Frequency of backup as well as the option of automatic backups

– Ability to take images of the entire server(s) and computer(s)

– Ability to install the images on the new computers (dissimilar hardware)

– Amount of time the restore will take

Ensure that your network equipment is up to date as well as having high speed internet connectivity. By saving a few dollars and keeping your DSL line, you will be receiving a slower Internet speed which will slow down your business (and you may actually be paying more for DSL than cable!)

Do you leave your front door opened?

Most business spend a lot of money on protecting their office.

The same consideration should be taken into account when securing the network within the office.

This also includes taking the necessary precautions in accessing your network from outside the office, such as procedures for remote access and not allowing employees to take files out.

A couple of months ago our Internet provider, Optimum went down for almost a month due to a wiring issue near our building. While other businesses in our building were unable to function without phones (VoIP) or Internet, we at Avenue M Computers were able to be up and running due to our backup Internet connection.

We pay extra to have additional service ready at a moments notice, but we think keeping our phones and Internet up and running are a top priority!

This applies to hardware as well. Having an extra PC or parts available at a moments notice will help prevent downtime when your current hardware fails.

What type of printer should one purchase?

Printers for the home are quite inexpensive so many businesses will opt to get them for the office as well. However, the ability to print and scan in bulk generally does not last very long on the home printers. Consider an office-grade printer if you do a lot of printing and scanning.

In conclusion, when operating a business you must take the necessary steps to provide the fastest and securest methods for you and your employees to work. Additionally, you must set up the necessary precautions to avoid and minimize the downtime. There are many options for each of the items discussed above. Over the summer is a great time to look over your systems and perhaps upgrade just one of the items mentioned above.