Computers don’t need regular maintenance, they just run!
Computer equipment, like anything else with moving parts, needs regular maintenance to run well. Those who neglect having their systems serviced usually end up having to replace failed hardware or reload systems that eventually become too unstable, constantly crash, or perform improperly. With proper maintenance, your computer systems will last longer and run better and you can avoid the costly emergencies and lost productivity that would otherwise result.
Technology can’t really help my business or impact our bottom line.
When implemented incorrectly, technology can end up being just another expense to maintain and a "necessary evil" of doing business. But when technology solutions are implemented correctly as calculated solutions to improve your business, technology will cut costs, improve performance, and put you in front of your competition. Technology solutions can address all areas of business including communications, the storage and exchange of information, scheduling, inventory, accounting, research, operations, management, and marketing.
Upgrading computer hardware and software is just too expensive to be worth the cost.
While it doesn't always pay to be on the bleeding edge of technology, it can also be a costly mistake to get too far behind. Many major network problems can be solved or simply avoided by not letting software and hardware become out-of-date. For example, software incompatibility issues with new printers, palm pilots, or other devices are much less likely to occur if you are running the latest version of Windows. New technologies that can address your business’s growing needs usually depend on the latest versions of software and compatible current hardware specifications. By keeping your systems up-to-date, maintenance and troubleshooting costs of your computers are greatly reduced and technology opportunities are opened to your business as you don’t fall behind technology demands.
It is less expensive to use college students, employees or friends & family for IT support.
It seems these days that everybody dabbles in computers. Sources of seemingly inexpensive computer services range from using college students, employees who are computer hobbyists, or friends & family who moonlight for extra money. They may (or may not) charge substantially less than professional consultants to accommodate for their learning curve and unfamiliarity with your network. While this may at first seem agreeable to your wallet, consider the following points:
Your network becomes a test bed of trial and error and any savings are quickly eaten up by the costs of lost productivity or having to fix problems.
Professionals who specialize in servicing networks like your own are able to identify and fix problems much more quickly than others, saving you both time and money.
Those who are inexperienced with servicing the computer needs of the Small Business sector are usually unaware of the popular cost-effective technology solutions that could benefit your business. Thus, the options that they present are limited by their experience and not usually the best use of your budget.
Only professionals keep abreast of the changes and technology improvements in your specific industry and become invaluable in helping you make informed decisions that give you the advantage over your competitors.
If they charge less than “X” dollars per hour, they must not be any good.
One of the great myths that some computer service providers would have you believe, is that if they charge a lot, they must be worth it. Probably not enough to justify billing rates that have been inflated simply because someone feels they should be getting their due for having been in the industry for so long. You don't always "get what you pay for", many of the higher priced service companies are designed to handle larger companies outside of the small to medium size business market. These IT service companies may or may not have the proper focus and specialization in the small to medium size business market. Digital Cowboy Computers focuses on that market. It is what makes Digital Cowboy Computers special and the reason Digital Cowboy Computers is better for you.
All computer technicians & IT service companies are created equal.
The computer industry is a vast and diverse place representing everything from programmers to web developers to networking and telecommunications and more. Of all the various job descriptions that may fall under "computer engineer" or "computer consultant", there is probably none more demanding and more challenging than the job of the consultant that supports the small to medium business sector. Not just anyone can do it well. Your SMB Consultant needs to be skilled enough to be your entire Information Systems department and more.
The bottom line.
Avoid the consulting firms who are constantly focusing on "the big fish" and simply serving small businesses to regulate cash flow. And certainly don't leave the fate of your network in the hands of amateurs or hobbyists. Go with experienced professionals who will focus on your business and get the results you deserve! Go with Digital Cowboy Computers, your type of business is what we do best.