10 Top Start-Up Tips

Here are some helpful suggestions for start-up businesses;

Planning
IT should be an integral part of your initial business plan: not a detailed list of equipment, but a clear idea of the business role IT will play. If you are going to require a customer database, computerised stock control, high-quality marketing materials or a sales website, you will need to plan for these from the outset.

Partners
Do your homework before picking an IT partner and ensure that they can deliver what you need, when you need it. Do they have enough staff to provide the support you need, are their technical people qualified, what do their other customers think of them?

Training
Many firms buy new software, but fail to use it to its full capability. It? easy to pick up the basics without realising all the short cuts or extra features beneath the surface. Training can be in a formal ?lassroom?setting or delivered at the computer itself.

Security
Ensure you?e protected against all major risks ?viruses, intruders, spy software, hijacking etc ?and that security software is kept up to date. Badly-installed security can be worse than useless, inspiring a false sense of confidence.

Wireless networking
This may help free up space in the office and enable staff to work remotely. It is usually cheaper than a cabled network and you can take it with you if you move premises. Security must be properly installed, though.

Data backup
This needs to be done daily, and the data stored offsite in case of catastrophe. Tape drives are often supplied with backup software that automates everything except changing the tapes, or you can use an internet-based service.

Broadband
Always-on internet access is highly desirable, but a consumer service may not be sufficient. Businesses need reliable performance, guaranteed support and their own ?omain name?(eg fredstaxis.co.uk).

Software
Instead of buying software separately for each computer, consider a licensing agreement. An open licence scheme will allow you to buy additional copies of software (licences) at lower cost as you acquire more PCs.

Outsourcing
Unless you?e an IT expert, running your own systems can be time-consuming and unreliable. Outsourcing the job to experts lets you concentrate on growing your business, and with an online-based service the costs are small.

The future
If your business grows or changes direction, your systems will need to change with it, so purchase IT that can be upgraded to save future costs. Data storage is usually the first item to need expanding.