Companies often invest thousands, if not hundreds of thousands into their I.T. networks. For good reason. If the network fails, it can literally cripple the business, halting productivity and even compromising secure data in some cases. So with such an important– and expensive investment– how do you make sure your network will pay off and you won’t find the dollars you’re spending wasted on something that doesn’t meet your company’s needs?
First, don’t rely on your own knowledge unless you’re an I.T. expert. Who should you talk to then? A manufacturer? Probably not. That’s like asking a Toyota dealer if he thinks you should get a Toyota or a Honda. Find a reputable company that deals in multiple manufacturers. They want your business and they want you to be happy, plus they have nothing to lose by recommending one brand or product over another the way a manufacturer or distributor would.
Second, plan your growth realistically. We’d all like to think we’re going to double our sales or expand our company in the next year or so, but purchasing a network designed to accommodate more needs than you actually have is a waste of money. It’s also a waste to buy something you’ll outgrow in a year too. So what should you do? My advice is to err on the side of pessimism. Buy only what you need now, but put aside the money you would have spent for the more comprehensive network. You should have some cash left over in case you find yourself needing to switch out a router or add a better security system down the line.
Third, once you decide what you want, shop around. You are not obligated to purchase from anyone and the more you shop, the more you’ll find people willing to come down on price for trade-ins, leases, third party and pre-owned OEM components. Opt for a company that offers a good warranty over one that will try to sell you monthly or annual service contracts. Again, set aside the money you’d spend on the service contract and you’ll probably have the cash to replace anything that needs replacing or fixing after the warranty runs out.