Member Article

Choosing the right information technology

IT is part of almost every business’ day-to-day life. Whether used simply to improve communications or to revolutionise entire working practices, IT enables companies to work more efficiently and take advantage of new opportunities to improve competitiveness.

The more information a business has about itself and its customers the better. With effective use of IT, companies can achieve a whole host of objectives, from identifying and targeting their most profitable clients, to managing relationships and cash flow. IT can reduce the administrative burden on employees to free up vital time to concentrate on the core strengths of the business – driving forward innovation and new ideas, lowering running costs and ultimately affecting the bottom line.

To simplify the process of choosing or upgrading an IT facility for the region’s businesses we’ve launched a new interactive online tool ‘Setting up an IT system’. Providing impartial advice, this new tool will help companies select the most appropriate and value-for-money IT system for their organisation. Setting up IT systems can be quite daunting, particularly for those just starting out in business who may not have any IT experience and cannot afford to hire an IT specialist for their business.

Understanding specifications for internet connections, hardware components and network requirements, as well as getting to grips with the right equipment such as laptops and monitors can be a complex and confusing process. With so many conflicting sales messages in the market, it’s important that North East businesses understand exactly what is needed to optimise their business performance.

This interactive tool uses a short questionnaire to identify the main use for IT within the business and then assesses whether a simple or more sophisticated system is required. The resulting step-by-step guide recommends the type of IT system that will demonstrate long-term value for money.

Naturally, there’s no ‘one-size fits all’ solution so by offering impartial advice on what businesses need to consider and highlighting the best options available, the tool ensures that business owners will be in the best position when speaking to IT suppliers.

This tool is just one of the features on the website’s newly enhanced IT and ecommerce section, which also includes other tools, advice and guides on web development, IT risks, data protection and online filing as well as a broad range of areas of business support. The website enables you to access key information at the touch of a button 24 hours a day, seven days a week and we realise this is no substitute to professional advice so we’re always at the end of the phone.

For further information, visit www.businesslinknortheast.co.uk or call 0845 600 9 006.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .