How To Purchase Technology Wisely
One of the frustrating aspects of technology for small business owners is the rate at which it evolves. After having purchased a new server, they soon may find that the software they purchase shortly after requires more horse power than the server can deliver. It may be as simple as more memory or more involved like the latest operating system. The key to purchasing hardware and software is knowing what your future plans are for your technology. It is not a decision to make in the now but with an eye squarely focused on the future.
There are many things to consider when ordering a server. The standard requirement for minimum memory of a server depends on many things, the type of server, the type of role it will server, the amount of applications it will run and the number of people accessing what on the server. That also applies to the drives, not only how large, but how many, how fast and configured to operate in which manner for the sake of redundancy and disaster recovery. Then the question becomes, should the technology support 64bit technology, should the operating system be 34bit or 64bit? This question can be answered once it questions of server role and use is determined. But since technology only moves forward, 64bit should be seriously considered.
End of story, picking a server is not as easy as picking a car. The roads have remained essentially the same since Roman times; technology has evolved since you read the first sentence here. The best a small business owner can do is take stock of what are the most important roles technology has on their business now and what new roles would they like to see it take on in the future. The goal should always be to use technology to facilitate and expedite the delivery of the core business. A small business owner’s best bet is to make a wish list and go over it with a technology consultant that can guide them towards their goal of making a sound technology investment.
Are the systems you have in place now keeping up with your company needs and usage? Did they last as long as you thought, longer or less? What is the best and worst part of buying new hardware for you?
