TechTidBit - Tips and advice for small business computing - Tech Experts™ - Monroe Michigan

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Upgrading

Upgrade Your Computer Network Now and Save A Bundle of Money on Taxes, Hardware and Support

If you hate handing over a chunk of money to Uncle Sam every year (and who doesn’t!), then listen up…

If you upgrade your computer network before December 31st, you can claim a BIG tax deduction THIS YEAR.

And, to sweeten the deal, we’ve uncovered a number of rebates and discounts on workstations, servers, and laptops to save you even MORE money on a upgrade. Plus, as a bonus to anyone doing a complete network upgrade, we are giving away 3 FREE months of our network monitoring service. This service is designed to keep your network always up, always fast, and always secure. After all, you don’t want your data to become corrupt or lost due to a virus, hardware failure, or a glitch.

With the tax savings, discounts, and free support, NOW is the absolute BEST time to upgrade those old computers.

But hurry! You only have until December 31st to make the upgrade! Give us a call today at (734) 457-5000, or e-mail sales@expertsmi.com.

FREE Report: 12 Surefire Signs Your Business Is Ready For A Server

Is your business limping along using outdated computers or a peer-to-peer network that is constantly giving you problems?

Are you planning on adding employees, opening  a remote location or adding an additional office?

Are you just sick and tired of dealing with conflicts, error messages, and expensive breakdowns and down time?

If so, you might consider upgrading your network to a file-server network for greater security, functionality, and file-sharing capabilities.

At one time, servers only made sense for larger organizations because of their high cost and complexity. But thanks to major advancements in technology, client-server networks are very affordable and easy-to-implement.

To learn more, call our office at 734-457-5000 and ask for Carol.

You can also send us an e-mail to request this report. Just send your request to serverreport@expertsmi.com.

Five Steps To Integrating Your Small Business’ Computer Systems

Your small business is growing fast. Your technology needs are changing just as rapidly. But starting over with a totally new system isn’t an option – who can afford the downtime? Sometimes it can feel like needing to change a tire, but not being able to afford to stop your car.

A better solution is to replace components you’ve outgrown – such as software or a lower-end printer – and add them to the existing computer system.

Tech Experts relies on a methodical approach to integrating new technology for our clients – a five-step process that any small business can follow when adding PCs or software:

1: Identify the problem 
When your business sees its customer satisfaction, efficiency and employee satisfaction levels plummeting, you know it is time to make a change.

But even if your company isn’t experiencing bottlenecks, there may still be opportunities to improve overall efficiency.

We suggest companies start by looking at whatever they do repeatedly for customers. Then, seek out technology that can help the business do that work faster or better. Remember, inefficiency is expensive!

2: Determine What You Need
Once you’ve zeroed in on things needing improvement, the next step is finding the best technology for the situation. In most cases, small business owners shouldn’t be making such choices themselves, but many still try to “cobble it together.”

Whether you hire our firm, or another technology expert, we strongly advocate hiring an tech consultant to recommend equipment and a plan for the future.

We also advise sticking with name-brand hardware and software to avoid most major problems. Ninety percent of a small business’s needs can be handled by off-the-shelf products, many of which are already seamlessly integrated. Basically, this means that they’ll “play nice with other equipment.”

3: Develop a plan 
After selecting (us) as your computer experts, the next step is creating a plan for getting from where you are to where you need to be tech-wise. A timeline, equipment list and critical steps should be part of that plan, including how employees will be brought into the loop.

One of the key things business owners overlook is their personnel. While many employees may be ahead of the curve in their familiarity with different technologies, don’t assume everyone is. Some may actually be tech-averse. Don’t jump too far ahead with the technology. Take incremental steps and everyone can use the new features and benefit from them, rather than being frustrated.

4: Install the Equipment
Likewise, the fewer systems the better. Sixty percent of enterprise software sits on a shelf unused. Only invest in computers and software that will improve your company’s performance. Don’t implement technology for technology’s sake – do it to make more money.

Training should also be a part of your roll-out plan, as well as access to consultants for post support and maintenance.

5: Keep It Maintained 
Contracting with a professional computer company like Tech Experts and keeping software and hardware up-to-date will assure that your technology and your business run smoothly – and continue to grow together.
Give us a call today at (734) 457-5000, or send us an email at: sales@expertsmi.com.

Thank you!

Microsoft Offers Financing For Small and Medium Sized Companies

Keeping your business running at peak productivity and efficiency has a lot to do with keeping your software, services, and hardware current. Now there’s a way to get everything you need more affordably with Microsoft® Financing.

Microsoft’s approach is unique in that they offer financing for software-centric solutions as well as for more comprehensive solutions that include software, services, and hardware.

Microsoft Financing makes your IT needs more affordable through predictable payments that are spread over the life of your IT investment.

You can now get the benefits of new technology while matching payments to use. In addition, Microsoft Financing helps you:

  • Own the hardware purchased outright.
  • Acquire all your IT needs cost-effectively.
  • Plan your long-term IT investments.
  • Streamline the financing process.
  • Conserve capital.
  • Preserve your financing credit lines.

It is important to note that this is true financing, not a lease, so you own the equipment.

Microsoft will finance a minimum purchase of $3,000, up to $100,000 or more.

For example: A new server, with five new workstation computers, Microsoft Small Business Server software, Microsoft Office, installation, training, and ongoing support can be financed for as low as $235 per month for 60 months.

Give us a call if you’re considering an upgrade – we can run numbers for you.