Buy an IT system

Buying a new computer system for your business or extending or upgrading your existing one can seem intimidating. How can you ensure you get equipment to do the job you need? And what’s the best way to check what you buy will be compatible with your existing computer?

Do you have a business computer system already?

If you’re starting a new business or your company has no existing system in place, you’re in a strong position because you can build an IT system that fits your needs exactly.

However, it’s more likely that you have a system already, which leaves you with two options:

• Ditch what you have and start from scratch. This sounds like a good option if your existing business computer system is outdated or completely unsuited to your requirements.

However, in practice this is next to impossible. It involves lots of disruption and may mean managing without any business computer system during the change over. It’s also very expensive.

• Upgrade or extend your existing computer system. Because hardware and software is fairly standard, it’s usually possible to build on what you have. This is the best option for most companies.

For instance, a growing business could replace old PCs, add extra computers for new employees and upgrade to the latest software versions while keeping the same office server and networking equipment.

What do you need from your new computer system?

When buying a computer for your business let your choices be guided by your specific working needs. Avoid making impulse purchases without deciding what your IT requirements are.

Consider budgetary constraints too. Be realistic when setting out your IT budget and be sure to understand the long-term implications as well as the short-term impact on your cash flow.

For instance, it may be tempting to buy cheap printers to save money. But cheaper printers often need the most expensive ink – so over time you’ll lose more than you saved.

Where to purchase a business computer system

There are two main ways to purchase a new computer system:

• Work with an external supplier. An IT company such as Dell or any one of its partners will be able to help establish your requirements, look at your existing systems then recommend a solution to fit your needs.

• Do everything yourself. That means researching your IT requirements in-house, then buying and setting up everything you need. It’s a lot of work and therefore usually best for companies with in-house IT staff.

Make full use of expert advice to understand how your business computer system can help you work more efficiently. An external supplier can be an excellent source of advice, but be sure to involve your employees at every stage too. They’ll help you understand what the priorities for a new system should be.

Make your new computer system compatible

Unless you are starting with a clean slate, you will need to ensure your new computer system is compatible with your existing setup.

Test hardware and software before rolling it out across your business. Upgrading software can be particularly problematic; you may find older computer hardware doesn’t support new software, or that new software can’t open some of your existing files.

Dell’s Solution Centre has a comprehensive list of services and solutions to help figure out what upgrades or management solutions you need.

If you’ve changed or upgraded software, your employees may well require training or help to use it properly. Budget time and money for this too, because it’s no good having the latest, greatest applications if nobody knows how to use them properly.