Most small businesses don't have the time or money to hire their own people, so they turn to the swelling ranks of high-tech helpers who will advise and train employees and install all types of computer gear. But the wrong choice can lead to a digital nightmare where costs escalate, computers crash constantly, and company records mysteriously vaporize. It isn't easy to find the right company. Computer service providers range from consultants, who can help you design a strategic technology plan, to systems integrators, who pull together hardware, software, and network components, to resellers, who provide installation with the products they sell. To make matters worse, the lines are blurring.
Many consultants also act as systems integrators, for instance.
And these days, retail chains such as CompUSA Inc. provide or refer consulting services and offer installation, service contracts, and training, for a fee. In this confusing landscape, it's critical to decide up front what kind of service you really need. You probably want a consultant who knows your industry, can evaluate your needs, and then design a system specifically keyed to your business goals. If you already know what software and hardware you want, a systems integrator, which typically specializes in installing certain technologies, databases, or multimedia applications, could do the job. A reseller could do the trick.