Data communication and networking seem to change so fast at times that it may be tempting to give up and stay with your old data communications systems. This can be harmful to both your sales efforts and your trade value. Up-to-date wireless data communication services are vital for any business to survive and grow in the growing global marketplace.

There are a variety of ways to stay current with your data communication services. You can lease your data communications hardware and continually shop around data communications companies every time you need an upgrade. You can hire data communications consultants to follow the trends and advise you of your next move. You can wait to upgrade business data communications when you find that you can no longer compete at the same level as your competition.

1. Set up a long-term agreement with data communication carrier services

2. Get annual reviews from data communications consultants

3. Listen to your data communication and networking IT department

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Build a relationship with data communications providers

By setting up a long-term agreement with data communications companies, you can focus on your core business and leave the upgrades to them. By leasing equipment, you can easily upgrade data communication services with no major investment, leaving your cash flow intact.

I recommend: RAD has been data communication provider for more than 27 years and utilizes a network of local support partners to advise and service clients. Siemens is a global leader in data communications in telephone networking and all other business data communications. They make their products available in a number of ways, including leasing.

Utilize data communications consultants for unbiased IT advice

If your company is too small to have a separate business data communications division or if you find your data communication and networking employees are too biased to give you solid advice about when it's time to upgrade, get an annual review from an outside firm. By maintaining an ongoing relationship, data communications consultants also can advise you of deals and upcoming changes even before they happen.

I recommend: M Borsuk and Associates is a team of data communications consultants who use designers as consultants so they can teach as well as advise. Fast Lane is a global leader in wireless data communication services consulting and teaching. A certified CISCO partner, Fast Lane also has developed a line of vendor independent courses.

Set a budget for your wireless data communication and IT department

Too often, IT insiders are not utilized fully in a company. Their expertise is second to the sales force or upper management. They are the guys to whom you can complain, but too often don't listen to their solutions. Hire staff and IT leaders whom you can trust to keep the best interests of the company first.

I recommend: SAP is a self-service employment agency for business data communications contractors and pros posting their resumes for hire. Dice touts itself as the “career hub for Tech insiders.”

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Keep an open mind to receive feedback and suggestions from all your employees about areas of data communication services.