Computer specifications are constantly changing, and any specific advice on processors, RAM and model numbers is usually instantly out of date. Small business entrepreneur and 247advisor.com founder has used three specific strategies when determining how best to meet her computer technology needs.

“My first office-based business,” explains Thompson, “was seriously undercapitalized and was growing very quickly. As a result, I didn't have a dime to spare. Additionally, since it was a software company, many employees had a solid tech knowledge base and could help with setting up, loading software onto and networking the new computers. Further, everyone used a computer as an integral part of their work, so the machines were used heavily. Given my financial constraints, relatively low switching costs and decreasing computer prices, I opted to buy new, lower end machines and planned that they would be obsolete with 2-2.5 years. Anyone working with graphics or computing intensive programs or files was given a higher end machines.

But, stresses Thompson, there is no one catch-all tech solution for all small businesses. “I frequently work with real estate-related companies, and their employee profile and computer needs are totally different than my startups. Typically, computers are installed in a home office and satellite offices and in most locations, there isn't an IT person on hand to solve problems. Computer purchases are considered "overhead" and replacements cycles are lengthy. In this case, I recommend the purchase of computers that are one generation behind state-of-the-art. This strategy puts computers in place that will be effective for the longest amount of time, while avoiding the substantially higher cost of the latest, greatest computers.”

If you’re managing a group of telecommuting employees, however, there may be a more effective solution. “I work with a team of highly motivated people who work from home offices,” says Thompson of her current situation. “In this case, it was more important organizationally and motivationally to give each person a budget and the flexibility to choose his own system. Everyone has a desktop or notebook computer that best meets his needs––one person has a high performance desktop with plenty of RAM, another a desktop replacement notebook and the third a light, moderate performance notebook.”

When it comes to choosing computers, one size definitely doesn’t fit all. To find the computers that work best for your business, take into consideration your capital resources, total cost of ownership and soft costs––such as employee morale––when choosing computers for your business.

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