The only constant thing about technology is the fact that it is continuously evolving and changing. The nature of technology can be awfully difficult to keep up with from both a logistical and financial standpoint. While it is not always necessary for all businesses to be at the forefront of technology, it is imperative that they not fall too far behind. In order to help businesses stay reasonably current, many IT firms offer an option called technology refresh services. As the president of Fluent Business Solutions, Inc, a national information technology (IT) management firm that serves small to medium businesses in a variety of industries throughout the country, David Cochrane says that technology refresh services offered by his company can help businesses improve the efficiency of their day-to-day operations.
Technology refresh services usually involve upgrading to new hardware, software, or both. Companies opting for a hardware-related technology refresh might hire an IT company to procure and set up new company computers, servers, monitors, keyboards, and mice (as in the objects used to point and click and not the rodent variety). On the other hand, a software-related technology refresh could involve upgrading a business’s operating system from Windows XP to Windows 7, or retaining the company’s current operating system, but switching its Microsoft Office from the 2003 version to the new and improved 2007 version. Often times, a technology refresh might entail a simultaneous hardware and software update in order to maximize the receiving company’s productivity on multiple technological levels.
Of course, the idea behind technology refresh services is that newer equipment and software is bound to operate faster and in a more industrious fashion, thereby increasing the overall employee and company output. However, other benefits are involved in such technology-related upgrades. Newer computers can be far more energy efficient than older machines, so what a company might pay for in equipment-related expenses, it can save in energy costs throughout the years. Newer computers and equipment are also getting smaller and more compact by the day. Since some small businesses might have limited physical space at their disposal, smaller equipment might enable companies to employ more people, thereby increasing their resources.
Technology refresh services are often performed in conjunction with data migration, which involves moving company data from one system to another. Technology refresh services also tend to cater towards business owners who like their companies’ current operating systems, but want faster, sleeker, or more efficient physical equipment. In some cases, the goal of a technology refresh is to simply give a company a fresh new look and feel. After all, some business owners out there crave the latest and greatest hardware on the market, and are willing to pay a premium for the privilege of having it. So while the primary motivation for business owners to pay for technology refresh services is increased efficiency, some business owners can’t help but be drawn towards the fancy stuff.
While the notion of increased efficiency is certainly appealing, some business owners are also prompted to seek out technology refresh services for accounting and tax-related purposes. Based on generally accepted accounting principles, companies are allowed to replace their equipment at certain intervals, which benefits them from a tax perspective. Therefore, a company might choose to replace its computer monitors or keyboards as part of its tax-related allowances.
There are plenty of good reasons for companies of all sizes to look into technology refresh services. If you’re a business owner whose hardware or software could use some upgrading, then consider the many benefits involved in a professional overhaul. Remember, as difficult as it might be to keep up with technology, you’re better off staying close to the forefront then falling rapidly behind.
