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| Going the distance with IT investment |
March 14, 2006 |
By Karen Sheriff
Business success is all about gaining a distinct advantage over the competition. Some days that race feels like a marathon, some days it feels like a sprint. But one thing is clear—Information Technology is what’s setting the competitive pace in the marketplace.
In today’s digital world, IT changes so fast it’s sometimes hard to understand exactly what you’re actually buying—not to mention whether it can deliver the ROI needed to drive your company forward. It’s a complex world. But complexity should not be a barrier to success. In that context, how can SMBs capitalize on sophisticated new solutions and get the competitive advantage they want and need?
High-priced consultants are not an option for most small and medium-sized companies. So where can these companies turn for help? The key is identifying a supplier that doesn’t try to sell you technology, but that will work with you to sell you a business solution. An SMB needs to look for a supplier that understands its business and is willing, even eager, to become a partner, not simply a supplier.
Business ROI
Take EV-DO (EVolution - Data Optimized) for example. It’s a powerful, high-speed mobile solution that looks appealing, but ask yourself: can this high-speed wireless solution help your mobile sales force cover more ground? Stay connected with the team?
Increase customer responsiveness, and therefore increase your ROI? If a solutions partner can map out a plan to get you to that goal in manageable stages, then go for it.
Large companies usually have a chief information officer, supported by a team of professionals, to help make the necessary assessments, run feasibility studies and make educated decisions. But SMB budgets don’t allow that luxury. And, to be frank, most SMB leaders need to focus on what is most important: running the business. The winners, those that capitalize on the power of technology to deliver value and propel the business forward, are those small- and medium-sized companies that choose the right partner. A partner that will not only supply the technology but act as an adviser, a consultant, a “virtual” chief information officer that gives you the know-how you need to make the right decisions. With a partner like that, you’ll be able to match the big players step for step and be in a perfect position to move past the competition and set your own winning pace.
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