Information Technology

Definition:

A term that encompasses all forms of technology used to create, store, exchange and utilize information in its various forms including business data, conversations, still images, motion pictures and multimedia presentations

When it comes to technology and your business, you’ll need to know enough about the topic to understand what your business needs and why. And while you won’t need to be able to disassemble and reassemble a PC against a stopwatch like a Marine does his M-16, you’ll want to know a little more than simply how to turn on your computer and then launch your favorite programs.

Computers and peripherals are constantly evolving, but knowing a few general specifications in each product category will help you find the best deal on the right equipment for your business–or at least understand what a tech expert is telling you. And what a business needs is not the same for everyone. There’s no one “right” PC brand or printer type any more than there’s one right car for everyone out on the road today.

Your business will have its own unique set of equipment needs that probably differ from those of the company next door. And of course, you’ll have a different amount of money to spend.

When it comes to pricing, the good news is that prices for office equipment have gone down every year during the past three decades, while features have continued to improve with every new version of hardware and software that’s released. That’s better in every product category every year, so you can expect to get a better price and a more capable bundle of equipment than you could have found this time last year.

Also, you can expect your computer and telecommunication equipment to be your best business allies. As we’ve evolved from an industrial to an information-based economy, small businesses have used their office tools to be more competitive against larger businesses, which–let’s face it–have a lot of built-in advantages.

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