To The Rescue

For most small businesses, having the luxury of a full-time MIS expert on staff is nothing but a pipe dream. Despite the fact that countless small-business owners and their employees rely heavily on computer systems, few have extensive tech support staffs. Usually, they get by with part-time help from the techie around the office and a combination of their own research, on-the-job training, and trial and error.

This remains true even while high-tech equipment spending by small companies is on the rise. According to Computer Reseller News, small companies spent an average of $5,800 during the month of October 1997, nearly double the October 1996 level of $3,000. Add that to the fact that a fair number of companies are implementing advanced technologies like computer networks, Web sites and company-wide Internet access, and it's obvious that many small businesses are in need of assistance. For some, the best solution has been to develop a solid, long-term relationship with a computer reseller.

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This article was originally published in the May 1998 print edition of Entrepreneur with the headline: To The Rescue.