Ten Penny-Pinching Ideas for 2008

The gadgets to spring for, the systems to install, and the best ways to soak your overpriced tech consultants for free advice

by Gene Marks

The year is drawing to a close and I can happily say that I've learned a few things in 2007. I've learned how safe the world is because Microsoft (MSFT) does not build airplanes. I've learned that if I'm ever asked to open the MTV Music Awards, I shouldn't show off my belly. And I'm also relieved to report that not only am I smarter than a fifth grader, I'm probably smarter than the 10 billion people watching that show.

In business, I've learned that much technology is overhyped and misrepresented. Every day I deal with stuff that doesn't work as promised. But there's a bright spot: Even in the vast wasteland of crappy software and unreliable hardware, I have found some penny-pinching technology recommendations that are worth considering for 2008.

1. Increase your network bandwith.

Faster is better. Just ask Laurie. She found that the faster she could enter an invoice, print a check, or record a customer order, the faster she could get on to the next productive task. When was the last time you had a computer nerd visit your office to do something productive? And I mean other than the 148 times he was in to fix broken stuff. Laurie brought in her propeller head, gave him a big bag of pork rinds, and marched him off with these orders: Review my network and tell me how I can make things faster! Laurie's guy did this review for free, especially after she hinted that she was looking at other IT guys to make recommendations. Once he finished choking on his pork rinds, he set off to work. And guess what he found? Lots of ways to speed things up and improve Laurie's life—a new router, a new hub, more memory for her server, a better husband. Technology gets faster and faster every year. Make your network go faster and you'll immediately save a few bucks. Laurie ultimately passed on the husband upgrade. Don't you just love a happy ending?

2. Set up remote access.

Work isn't done just between the four walls of your office. Get with the program! People like to do work over lattes. They like to access their files while driving down the turnpike. They want to send e-mails while getting a lap dance. Remote access tools are inexpensive and easy to deploy. Try a site like www.logmein.com and you can set up, for free, a password-secured Internet connection to a computer. This way, remote people can access information anytime, anywhere. Or set up Windows Terminal Server ($99 per user) or Citrix (CTXS) (definitely more than $99 per user) for simultaneous access by multiple users to a single server. Buy cheapo laptops for your people (especially the ones getting lap dances). All you need is a wireless card and an Internet browser. Set them loose on the world and let them access their programs from anywhere there's a Wi-Fi connection. Be careful they don't rack up too many overpriced coffees at Starbucks or you can say goodbye to any productivity savings.

3. Create a few key reports.

Norman promises me that this is the year he's going to face reality: getting information from his accounting system is a pain in the butt and he's going to do something about it. Every business owner I know, like Norman, complains about how difficult it is to get reports from their business systems. "C'mon, friend," I say to Norman. "Don't you think the guy who sold you the software needs to feed his family, too? How is he supposed to grab extra consulting dollars from you if you could actually create reports?" Norman finally woke up. He now understands that reports are difficult to write because not only does he have to understand the reporting software, but he also needs to get his arms around the complexities of his systems' database. He's smart enough to do this, but thankfully not stupid enough to waste the time. So he promises to bite the bullet this upcoming year. He's going to come up with three to five key reports he wants to see every day or week. He's going to hire the overpriced consultant to come in and write up the reports.