Small Business Desktops: Buyer's Guide

While we may all know the names of business giants like Amazon, Ebay, and Walmart, these companies take up a small percentage of the market when compared to the true driving force behind most economies: small businesses. Small enterprises may not have the same lime-lit presence of the aforementioned companies, but they exemplify the commitment to excellence in products and service which corporate giants attempt to emulate. If you're a small business owner, or intend to start your own business, you will be entering into an atmosphere of competition which demands the best from you. Building a solid foundation from the ground up is essential, and one area in which small businesses struggle is in affording quality information technologies. Stocking your business with desktop computers, both for yourself and your employees, can sometimes seem like an endless and fruitless search. However, there are efficient business desktops out there, provided you know what to look for.

Function Over Form
A business computer doesn't need to be the fastest, the most powerful, or the shiniest PC on the market. Many small businesses make the mistake of assuming that effective technology implements require high end and expensive computer equipment. While there's nothing wrong with high end computer equipment, it isn't ideal for budget minded businesses. Focus on finding a functional PC, one which can keep up with the necessary functioning of most business applications. It's not going to be used for gaming or watching high-definition video. It will be used for data management, networking, and basic programs.

Networking Potential
If you intend to develop your technology assets into an IT department, you will need to consider how your small business desktop deployments will function, not as stand-alone computers, but as part of a larger network. PCs which allow for easy networking and overarching management will greatly increase the efficiency of any IT applications you endeavor to put in place. Password protection, redundant drives, PCI interfaces, etc. should be a primary consideration.

Expandable Configurations
Small enterprise desktops should be optimized for current use, but should also allow for the installation of additional components or the replacement of current components with upgrades. Keep in mind the amount of available space within your chosen computer configuration. Convertible minitowers will have the most space available for future additions, but take up more physical space. Small form factor computers such as the Dell Optiplex GX960 allow for a considerable amount of internal expansion but retain a very small deployment size. Just remember to allow for your future needs; expandable memory and processor support will ensure performance which lasts longer than a few months. Follow this basic small business computer guide to help you and your small business towards continued success.