Raw 02 - September 2008 - (Page 13)

amberley computers RAW to go along side and are normally very cheap. We have many companies set up like this and the solution works very well, and is very cost effective. Getting a domain name instantly opens the doors to a website, a couple of basic pages, a bit about the company and your products/services, and ways to contact you are all that’s needed. Any good design company should be able to produce this in a day or two, and charge a minimal fee in the process. Upgrade and add more content later when the company is established. Next we can look at what we will need to operate, usually a laptop or desktop PC, or both, probably an all-in-one printer/scanner/copier, and most definitely some form of backup! Most will opt for using the home PC, this can be the first big mistake. Multiple user PCs, especially when used by adolescents, offer the biggest threat of data loss, data breaches, and also arguments! Approx 80% of consumer PC’s are infected with some form of spy-ware or malware. It also means as a business owner no matter how much you trust your partner, friends or family, you cannot guarantee the safety of customer data, e-mails, accounts and are breaking the law from the onset. It also means that you are unlikely to have the latest software, especially Microsoft Office and the operating system, and is likely to be less than quick. Keeping your business separate also gives a defining boundary that many people lack. When getting the right hardware, it is better to consider other options as opposed to going out and buying it, and unless you have a bundle of spare cash will be better value for money. The main option available is leasing, this is normally over 3 years and gives you the ability to spread the cost at a fixed rate over the period. Great for cash flow, and monthly budgeting, and also has good tax benefits. It also means that after the term either you own the equipment or you can give it back to the leasing company and start fresh. The downside to this is your stuck with a 3 yr contract, and any upgrades or new software will require a change in the terms, normally longer period, and more than likely higher payments. There is another option available, service renting. This includes everything: hardware, software and ours is backed up with full support and maintenance. As a business you benefit from having the right hardware, latest software incl Anti- virus, remote support, and system maintenance, whilst keeping the costs down, and if the venture doesn’t take off, you can hand it all back with no long term commitment. It also means that as your needs change, the flexibility is there to increase or decrease the requirements without penalties or extensions. our services are geared to support those who want to get on with business, expect help when they need it and be able to move with the times. Our services are geared to support those who want to get on with business, expect help when they need it and be able to move with the times. Our broad range of services mean that we can supply the hardware, software, and all the support you need on a monthly basis, meaning no hidden extras, expensive outlays, or expensive business downtime. All hardware is covered by a next business day service, and it’s a replacement! all at no extra cost. We know our services are more comprehensive than other providers, but there are a few minimums you should have, regardless of where the equipment was purchased or who supports it. The operating system must be a business version, either XP professional or better still, Vista Business. You should have Microsoft Office 2007 Small Business Edition at the least. Remember that if purchased with the system it is “tied” to that system, and the Home and Student Edition is not licensed for business use! Our Microsoft Service Provider Agreement means you always have the latest office, and the complete suite -Professional Plus! from as little as £10 +VAT per month. The Anti Virus product should be a comprehensive solution and protect the system as well as e-mail. Free-versions are not for business use, and offer a false sense of security. Our Trend- Micro service partnership allows us to offer comprehensive business coverage for the cost of a home user package. Managed and monitored by us we can react faster to potential issues and threats. It The equipment should have next business day or on-site support. Treat your laptop or PC the same way you would your car, you wouldn’t wait five days for it to be serviced would you. You also need to make sure that your data will be safeguarded and fully transferred as part of the service. E-mails, Favourites, Documents are all transferable! Protect your equipment with a UPS, this not only protects your machine from power spikes but also gives you valuable time in the event of a power failure to save work and shut the machine down. Over 80% of data loss, can be attributed to power faults. When it comes to backup, CD’s can be the cheapest option, but can require a bit of practice to get it right. The best alternative is an external hard drive. These often have their own backup software, or we can supply software that makes the whole thing automatic. Remember to think about USB keys they can be great for storing and transferring data, but as government and some very large companies very easy to misplace. Get at least bio-metric ones or those that have encryption and security built in at the very least. Any good support company, should offer a form of secure remote access support. Wherever you are, providing you have internet access, nearly all issues can be resolved. The costs are kept to a minimum, no costly call out fess, and it means you can get on with work quicker. In addition to this, look for companies that offer additional services, such as keeping windows patched or offering auditing and inventory services. This helps keep track of what software is being used and keeps a record of hardware for insurance and tax purposes. Our service is a comprehensive package and we offer the above as a standard with monthly reports, so you know we are looking after you. Our services are geared to those businesses that want to change and adapt as the market changes. By being flexible we can maintain comprehensive levels of service, provide the right equipment for the job and create a solid foundation for any business new or established to build on. millionimpossible.com 13 http://www.amberleycomputersystems.com http://www.amberleycomputersystems.com http://www.millionimpossible.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Raw 02 - September 2008

Raw 02 - September 2008 Contents Scott English Rachael Elnaugh Colin Stroud Heidi Weir Chris Wright Million Impossible Emma Thompson

Raw 02 - September 2008

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