IT plays a major part in any business, with our reliance on technology only set to increase. The constant maintenance required to ensure your IT systems are up to date and secure can be expensive. It may be tempting to look at cheaper alternatives as a way of saving money. However, this could leave you and your business at risk whilst causing a variety of other problems. Below is our advice on finding the right solutions for your IT setup.
Here’s a list of the potential cheap solutions you may encounter and possible issues they may cause:
1.Use of a ‘one-man band’ service
- Whilst this solution may be cheaper initially it could cause potential problems and loss of valuable time in the long run.
- Equipment is often self-built and contains no manufacturer warranty, so if anything is faulty or breaks you will have to pay upfront for all additional costs.
- Using this type of service also means that if any problems arise you will have to go back to the same person that the work was initially carried out by.
- Meaning that if he/she is busy with other projects you could be waiting a long time for support, wasting valuable business time.
2. Buying second hand equipment
- Although this solution may be cheaper initially it could create a variety of possible issues which could put both you and your business at risk.
- Electrical safety testing is often overlooked when purchasing second hand products. Even if a product looks to be in pristine condition any faults with the wiring could cause a potential electric shock or fire.
- It is therefore vital you ensure that you ask for proof that second-hand electrical items have been recently thoroughly checked and certified for use by a qualified electrician before purchasing.
3. Buying a cheap printer
- Purchasing a cheap printer may be tempting especially when the prices start as low as £40.
- Although you may feel like your saving a lot of money initially, the quality of a cheap printer and the expensive cost of toner may actually mean that you’re spending way more money than you would normally.
- The toner and repair prices for cheap printers typically cost a lot more than the printer did originally, making it cheaper to simply buy a new printer every time. Not only is this bad for the environment, but it also creates more work for you as you would have to re-set up the new printer every time the old one breaks or runs out of toner.
4. Not renewing old software
- Choosing not to renew old software may seem like a great way to save money. However, it could pose a major security risk for both you and your business.
- Software companies regularly update their software to ensure that any security flaws that have been discovered within it are fixed, preventing any hackers from being able to easily access your IT system.
- The updates also mean that the software stays up to date and maintains peak optimisation.
- Without the renewal of software contracts these security updates cannot happen, leaving your IT system vulnerable to any security flaws present in the older models of the software. Increasing your risk of a security breach.
Simply, cheaper is not always better.
Of course, some cheap deals may turn out to be a great way to save money on your IT Setup. However, in our experience the vast majority of cost benefits are very short lived and will actually end up costing you more long term. The only way you can really be sure you’re getting the best deal is to do your research before purchase to really weigh up your options. Make sure you factor in any additional costs that may arise once you’ve purchased your product, as this is where buying from a reputable source and having a warranty may be of benefit.
If you need any professional support or advice with regards to ensuring you’re choosing the right solutions for you and your business, feel free to contact us. As experienced IT specialists we’d be more than happy to help.
