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REDUCING IT EXPENSES IN TOUGH ECONOMIC TIMES
 In times like this when every dollar matters to business owners, it is sometimes tempting to reduce or eliminate IT services. However, IT is a critical component of every business and should never be ignored. By making a few smart choices, business owners can keep their operation running smoothly while reducing overall costs.
1. Check Your Licensing – many software and service licenses run monthly or yearly. Reduce renewal purchases if you have had a decrease in headcount.
2. Move PC’s – if faster machines are sitting unused, move those PC’s to employees that remain on staff instead of buying new.
3. Go Flat Rate – Sign up for a monthly all-inclusive flat rate service with your IT provider. This will eliminate unanticipated and unbudgeted monthly expenses.
4. Outsource Locally – If you have full time IT network or web design staff, consider fully or partially outsourcing to a professional IT provider. This saves considerable cost while providing you access to a much broader skill set.
5. Stop Buying Servers – They are one of the most expensive parts of your network. Instead, consider renting an offsite hosted server for a low monthly rate that includes all hardware maintenance.
6. Stop Buying PC’s – switch to Thin Clients. They connect directly to your server, are immune to spyware and viruses, have no software to corrupt and cannot be altered by employees. Thin client systems start at $199.00.
7. Turn Off PC’s – They generate extra heat while consuming electricity. Setup your PC’s to automatically turn off at night and turn on 5 minutes prior to employees arriving to start work.
8. Telecommute – If staff hours need to be cut, perhaps telecommuting is the answer. This could allow staff members to put in a few critical hours of work each day, forgoing long drive times and commuting expenses.
With some simple planning and the help of a Certified Network Engineer, IT costs can be significantly reduced while increasing productivity, reliability and going “green” at the same time. IT should be viewed as an affordable investment for your company, not only as an expense. For help implementing these ideas or other costs saving measures, call your Technology Consultant today.
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