Tech Tips Blog

Do Small Business Owners Need These 10 Tech Tools?

  

 Email Article  

Tweet  

  

  

 delicious  

  

I saw online recently an article titled “Ten Must-have Technology Tools for Small Business Owners” and thought it would be worth reviewing.  I’d also encourage you to check out the article here:

http://www.ctv.ca/generic/generated/static/business/article2112994.html

I have to be honest it’s a nice wish list but I’m not sure it all qualifies as must haves. So let’s get started on the authors top ten list.

1. A secure IT infrastructure:  this is vital for any size business.
2. Access to the cloud: most businesses already have some access which has become just a part of life but I’m not sure I agree with his premise of using the cloud as an outsourced IT dept.
3. VoIP:  necessary, I don’t think so but it is a nice wish list and if you already have a legacy system that works fine for you and your customers why switch.
4. A solid web presence: I think this is reaching a bit.  It’s more of a necessary marketing tool than a technology tool.
5. Social media:  everybody’s gaga over FaceBook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc but is it a “must-have” technology tool, I don’t think so. They are necessary marketing tools and you have tto finds the right mix for your business, employees and customers.
6. Online or web conferencing: nice to have but most small business owners we meet do business locally or regionally so meeting face-to-face is not a big issue.
7. Managed Business Continuity Service:  with our reliance on our IT systems, this is critical but I’m biased since we are a managed service provider.
8. Managed services expertise:  I agree with his reasons but again I’m biased since we provide this service.
9. Business grade internet:  Connecting to the internet for a business is critical since so much of what we do comes through the internet.  With cable companies and telecom companies offering new and faster speeds for a fraction of a T1 line, not having it is a big mistake.  Plus the hardware to get you there has become less expensive over the years.
10. Mobile technology: with the advent of tablets and smartphones plus employers willing to let employees telecommute, this has become critical.

I do believe he makes some valid points and it does get a business owner thinking of what he/she should have to keep their business competitive.  Is he stretching the definition of technology tools a bit when he’s talking about the website and social media?  I think so.  For most local small businesses that we run into there is much of this that’s a nice wish list but they’re growing fine without it or need to make some minor adjustments to their IT network.  Again, I’d encourage you to read the original article and let me know what you think about it.