Power Surge

Just starting to tech up your business? Here are some tips to move you along.

Wondering just how to implement technology in your business? First, try desktop PCs that run mainstream applications for administrative functions such as accounting, word processing and creating spreadsheets, advises Russ Finney, an IT professional who reports on business technology for The Mining Company, a New York City Internet directory service.

Next, try out niche software specifically designed for your business, Finney suggests. Using special programs for industries such as retail, manufacturing, real estate, health care and the like gives you the benefit of the developers' experience with other firms like yours.

If at all possible, try before you buy, advises Noel Pennington, director of consulting for Harris Technology, a Houston software marketing and training firm. Many software publishers provide free trial versions by mail, or you can download them from their Web sites.

Get professional advice before making large purchases, adds Finney. And budget continuing amounts for training and support of new technology. Pennington says a good rule of thumb is to allocate $2 for training and support for every $1 you spend to purchase new technology.

Finally, don't try to go tech overnight. Phase in new technology by introducing features of new systems gradually. "I've seen companies that started with three-by-five cards, and when they go to a computer, they want everything in the world," Pennington says. "It's better to decide on the key things you need, and schedule them in."

This article was originally published in the November 1998 print edition of Entrepreneur with the headline: Power Surge.