Selecting the Right Startup Technology

From computers to copiers, find the best technology for your business

By Jennifer Mattern, Freelance Writer / Editor / PR Firm Owner, J.H. Mattern Communications

There's no getting around it: To run a successful business in the Digital Age, you have to rely on ever-changing technology, from your computers to your phone system. Three tactics will see you through the dizzying amount of choices:

Evaluate cost versus innovation, and decide where your priorities lie.
Aim for user-friendly.
Always try before you buy.

Choosing computers

Mac? PC? Laptop? Desktop? To choose a computer (or multiple computers) for your business, think about how they'll be used. Whether they're used mainly for databases and spreadsheets, typing, Internet work, or graphic design will narrow your options. Do you need it to travel with you to meetings? If so, consider a laptop. If not, a desktop model will do.
Try: Once you've established your needs, compare models and prices at OfficeMax or Staples. When you find something that interests you, visit the store and ask for a demonstration before buying.

Selecting phone systems and Internet access

Take stock of your needs. Do you simply need office phones, or do you need mobile phones as well? Will basic landline phone systems suffice, or will a VoIP service provide a better value? Do you need multiple extensions, forwarding abilities, voice conferencing, or remote access to your voicemail? You also need to decide whether or not to have high-speed Internet access set up through your phone company if the option is available.
Try: Learn more about choosing a phone system at AllOptions.com, then check out small business plans for phone and DSL service from Verizon and AT&T. For VoIP service, check out Vonage's small business plans.

Finding the right printers and copiers

Establish what your printing and copying needs are. Do you need color printing and copying? Do you need to be able to copy in bulk with a stand-alone machine, or might a smaller all-in-one machine do the job? If you need to print quickly, a laser printer might be the best option.
Try: Xerox offers an online product advisor that uses a series of questions to suggest appropriate printing and copying technology for your business.

Investing in networking technologies

If you have several employees, it might be worth considering computer networking options, to allow Internet access, or even printers and other resources to be shared by multiple people. Computer networking can also be used to set up a company intranet, to allow various users to share software applications and files. If you don't have an IT professional available to set up your network, it's essential that you choose equipment that can be easily installed yourself.
Try: You can find reviews of various computer networking hardware at CNET, sorted by price, manufacturer, or capabilities.

Look at basic price comparisons between models and manufacturers.
Decide if the newest technology "toys" are really necessary for your business.
Understand if there will be a large learning curve to be able to use a new technology before making a purchase, and if instructional resources are readily available.
If you don't choose technology options that can be installed by yourself, you may need to incur an additional cost to hire an IT professional to handle installations.
Understand that whenever you upgrade your technology, you'll need to train your employees to use the new equipment. Decide if the upgrades are really necessary, and factor in the cost of their time in training versus the time they would lose at work.