Last month we talked about how you get rid of your old laptops and computers, this month we will have a look at the right way to get your new ones.
Obviously there are numerous methods people use when it comes to replacing equipment. You could browse though an online catalogue, pop into your local retail store and really that should be it. But is it?
Will you get what your business requires? The chances are that the answer will be negative and it could end up costing you and your business time and money. Not what you had in mind when you set off to upgrade your equipment.

Your goal vs Salesperson goal

Is a it a case of you simply popping into your local retail outlet and being baffled and amazed by all the jargon you are given by the thrown by the salesman, CPU this RAM that?
Although most sales people that you find in your local Curry’s or PC World, may know the technical in’s and out’s of every PC they have on their display, they will not have the knowledge of what your business needs. You simply saying ‘we need something to have a large memory or have a good display, does not really give a true representation of what the PC will be required to do when it is sat in your office.
When you go into a store to buy a PC, you need to need to know that the salesperson is there with one goal, to sell.
They may have an interest in computers and when asked they will normally simply respond with all the technical data that you yourself can read on the box. Unfortunatly, that is normally not the full information you need.
You will be walking into the store with an aim of finding a computer that fits your business requirements, they are their with the goal of getting you to buy an expensive piece of equipment and all the unnecessary trimmings that they can throw at you. Macfee this, Norton that, an ergonomic friendly mouse etc. Giving you a computer that fits your business needs, although an aim of theirs, will not be their prioity and it could end up costing you more in extras.

Check Compatibility

While you are probably aware that having both Mac and PC on the same infrastructure can lead to compatibility issues, were you aware that even switching brands within your PC network can cause issues?
There are so many moving parts within a business infratstructure, from printers to routers, laptops to mobile payment processors, that anytime you throw a new computer into the mix you could end up with compatibility problems. I bet the salesperson that you speak gto in the shop will not tell you this. Will they also be aware that even the number and types of ports on the standard retail computers can cause you a headache when it comes to configuration and set up.
The last thing you want is to end up with a new PC that is surrounded by dodgy adaptor plugs as you attempt to course-correct and make do until it’s time for the office do over or time for the next PC purchase. It’s best to skip the drama and get the right computer first time around.

Check Support

Can your salesman offer ongoing 24 hour support? Do they offer immeadiate replacements, emergency backup in case you lose data?
This is where the retail store and your salesperson become unstuck. Once you leave the store, their business with you is done, they have achieved their goal.

How we can help

As one of Swindon’s leading IT Support providers we stick to a handful of vendors to ensure all parts are kept uniform. That way we know which parts will work together, and should something fail, we can usually get replacements quickly. We’ll often have special relationships with parts vendors and can get special pricing + extended support and upgrades. Your retail store salesperson will never be able to match that.
Also, by contrast, when you buy computers through an IT support provider such as ourselves you know you’re getting the exact computer your business needs. Even if your business is unknown to us, we have technicians that can ascertain your exact requirements via an IT system audit.
From the first time you work with us, we’ll be sure to do our research before making a recommendation. Remember, you want your computers to last 3-4 years of heavy usage, so it’s also a good idea to buy business-grade computers. While the new computers at the retail store may be lovely and shiney and come in a bright coloured box, they’re often nowhere near as durable as the ones your consultant can supply.

As a provider we will also be able to set the new computers up, ready to go with the exact software you need. We’ll strip out all the bloatware (unnecessary programs and trials that come pre-installed) and configure your new computers to work perfectly from day 1. Your employees will be able to enjoy their new systems, take full advantage of the productivity boosts you paid for. That means internet working, internal network connected, programs playing nice with each other, and yes, even printing without problems!.

It may be the case that you want your business to expand, if that is the case then taking our an IT support contract with ourselves can save you a small fotune. You can lease the equipment knowing that it can be replaced at any point and support, well it is always there whenever you need it. No big bill, no having to listen to sales jargon, just confidence in knowing that your IT infrastructure is in good hands. So if you are thinking of upgrading or getting some new hardware, get in touch with us first, you may be surprised by how mych we can help.