Michael Kraner President Michael Kraner is the President of Primary Support, an information technology firm specializing in premium consulting, full service support, and customized solutions to companies of all sizes. Primary Support’s mission is to help companies enhance their technical efficiencies to gain competitive advantages that will help increase their business productivity and profitability. Primary Support also has a special small business unit focusing on the unique needs of emerging companies.

[ CLOSE THIS WINDOW ] Ignore IT and Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye: Common Issues and Important Resolutions by Michael Kraner Does your company have high speed Internet access? Do you communicate with co-workers via email? Do you use an Office Suite to create company documents? If you answered `Yes' to any of these questions, then your company is dependent on technology. And odds are that your business is in need of an IT overhaul. Whether you're in the business of insurance, industrial engineering or interior design, your company's future depends on the strength of your technology systems today. New technology, faster systems and the most recent advancements can conquer enemies like viruses, hackers and human error. But many accomplished business builders still don't understand or appreciate the importance of a safe and effective technology system. For those who are still in doubt of the power of IT, here are some common practices that will most definitely lead to a technology meltdown and devastation of your bottom line: #1: Training is Fundamental "We have an IT guy on staff. He seems to know what he's doing. I trust him." An untrained IT hire is as effective as a vegetarian chef at a steak house. No matter how well intentioned a novice IT employee may be, the lack of certifications and experience may lead to many devastating downturns. Making ill-informed hardware and software purchases today do nothing but cost the company more money later when appropriate equipment is commissioned. Furthermore, misidentifying and not prioritizing data that is crucial to the company's continued prosperity can contribute to data loss and inadequate business continuity plans if disaster should strike. #2: Out With the Old "I've been using Windows 95 and it's worked for this long, there's no reason to change my system now." A great way to wash your business right down the drain is to rely solely on old methods of operations. Just because it worked once, doesn't mean that it's your best or safest alternative today. Since technology is vital for every communication and collaborative effort, the most efficient system will lead to greater productivity. Developing up-to-date network infrastructure and providing high-speed Internet connections is no longer a perk, rather the most sophisticated technology is a common and important business essential. #3: Planning Is Good Backup "Business has been so good the past few months, I don't have time to worry about my technical infrastructure. I'm too busy winning new clients now." The only protection a company has against any ill-conceived intentions or unimaginable mistakes is a pro-active approach to technology. Proper planning, communication and scalable solutions are the key to implementing a solid IT foundation.  The key is to be proactive. Every business should approach IT the same way as they handle basic business practices like accounting; technology is a way of life, and is as important as balancing the books. Avoiding the basics, like a firewall or backup, is like swimming right after eating - only bad things could happen. Close the door to intruders, mistakes and computer viruses now and you may protect your company's assets later. #4: Alarm Me "All this server stuff is just too expensive. I probably don't need it anyway." Safety and security cost money. For example, home burglar alarms are more expensive than adding another lock to your front door, but think of how much more effective a screeching siren and an instant call to the cops will be if faced with a possible intruder. A complete and constantly monitored technology system can act as a shield from unwanted intruders. A firewall is the siren, the lock, the police and a barking dog all rolled into one, allowing you to finally sleep soundly. #5: Penny Wise, Pound Foolish "Why should I pay some outside consultant to come in here and tell me what my business does and does not need?" To be competitive and customer focused, a successful business must have a functioning technology structure. But developing an IT department and staffing it with trained professionals requires a cost that many companies can't bear. Consider outsourcing technology consulting; network administration, security and desktop maintenance is their job. This approach is both cost and time efficient, allowing you to continue managing your business, safely and securely. Furthermore, having an ongoing relationship with an IT outsourcing firm makes solving any IT emergencies less difficult later. Not only are they familiar with your system, but they may have even built the network. This level of familiarity during a crisis is easily worth the cost of maintenance. Conclusions Technology is as important a part of business today as preparing good proposals or presenting competitive bids. But without the proper IT planning, a virus, hacker, human error or natural disaster may push your company into the business history books. For companies big and small, the cost of IT infrastructure and maintenance is an investment that will certainly pay off. You may consider the above five depictions as comical and obvious pitfalls, but after looking hard at your own company's IT approach, you may begin to identify with one too many of these blunders. Plan ahead now, and prosper in the future.