Startup Technology Needs for Small Business

by Shannon Southway

Published on this site: February 10th, 2004

In reaction to last years unemployment high there has been an increase in the number of startup companies. As jobs are lost, some see it as an opportunity to start their own business.

Approximately 550,000 small businesses open their doors each year in this country and most will need to make some sort of technology investment. Here are some basics to understanding what you may need to get started.

Hardware needs will depend on the type of business you are in. You may need only one PC for email access and some accounting software like Quicken. If you travel a lot or visit your clients often you might invest in a laptop. If you have employees that need individual computers but you need to stay cost-effective, consider used or 'refurbished' computers and printers. A local computer hardware store will have such equipment in stock or visit the Dell Outlet online (www.dell.com) for more information and selection.

Maybe you have a PC but haven't learned how it will simplify your business. Software is a tool that can assist you with everything from accounting through sales inquiries. Whether you're in real estate or home improvement, you'll find software tailored to your industry to assist with marketing, client management and logistics. If you're going to invest in a pricey high-end package just make sure the company offers customer support to provide training and/ or keep the software updated.

Next is the all-important web site. Decide how important it is to your business and how much you can afford to spend on it. If you have little to allocate and simply want an online presence, your website can serve as a brochure with pages that display your products/ services and your contact information. If you think your product offering needs to reap the benefits of online sales then consider an e-commerce site. You'll need a web developer and a banking merchant account (not the same as your business account). This can be time-consuming and costly but allows for a larger sales market that your competitors may or may not already have. SBC Yahoo (http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com) recently launched a line of ready-to-go products aimed at the small business sector. For a more personalized site, a web development company can create a unique marketing tool. To operate your website requires a host. This may or may not be offered by the company that developed your site. When shopping around for a host, find one that can prove reliability and availability, and will provide you with an email address (or more than one depending on your needs).

Now that you've invested in some technology, it has to be maintained and, occasionally, fixed. If you are pretty computer savvy you can try a telephone support service. If you're not to betrusted with fixing the computer, find a local company that provides computer support. E-Integration, Inc.
www.e-integration.net offers computer support services by either "time and materials", meaning they charge you by the hour and for any materials needed, or they offer support packages where a monthly fee will guarantee a certain amount of maintenance and support as well as a technician who knows your business well.

Once your business takes off you can go on to think about networking, Internet marketing and e-business solutions for starters. Just don't wait; technology isn't a passing fad. In fact, it's one of the most important investments you can make in your business and, chances are, you're competitors are already investing in it.

Shannon Southway is the Director of Strategic Relations & Quality Assurance for E-Integration,Inc. and Information Technology Corporation located in Eastpointe, MI. Shannon can be contacted at [email protected] for more information.