Technology Strategy Part Three: Let's make it easy!
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After the first of the year we all usually review the past 12-months (financials - if for no other reason - taxes) and devote some time to thinking about some business & marketing planning for the upcoming 12-months. This is the easiest way/time to also do a little Technology planning - you already have the financials. One quick and easy objective is to make sure you have no/few surprises in the upcoming months. Here are a few questions to consider asking yourself:
1. How old is my software and would it be beneficial to upgrade this year?
2. How old is my hardware and what will need to be replaced? (on ave: Server 7-10yrs; PC's 3-5)
3. What do I expect my worst technology problem to be this year?...and cost?
I recently spent some time in a discovery meeting with a large dental practice and the owner was surprised to find out in our meeting that 22 out of 24 of his PC's should replaced in 08' for a vareity of reasons. He hadn't budgeted that. Knowing what you are facing is a good step in the right direction.
For those of you that are willing to commit some time and effort now...it can be an ideal time to plan your 08' technology strategy and implement part of it by 12/31 or your fiscal Year. Let me explain. Having a basic strategy now, allows you to: talk with your CPA about tax benefits if a purchase is made by 12/31 (Section 179 allowance); shop around for bundled deals that meet multiple needs; year end discounts and best of all...many of the companies we purchase equipment from for our customers have been offering 90-days same as cash. One deal we recently secured was a BOGO - we bought one server and got the 2nd FREE! Yes FREE - a $6000 deal.
This will require more detailed planning & research but the savings could be well worth the investment of time!
