This first supplement will advise on how to avoid falling
into technological pitfalls. It will look at the latest
developments in ICT and how they pertain to small to medium-sized
enterprises (SMEs) in general.
The strategic path
The modern day commercial environment continues to place
increased pressure on your business to increase efficiency,
flexibility and responsiveness. A fundamental requirement in
delivering such benefits to your business is a robust, reliable and
flexible information and communications technology (ICT)
infrastructure.
Read article >>IP-based comms on the cusp of success
Converged IP-based data and telecoms networks could deliver
great benefits for SMEs. Suppliers of IP-based solutions are making
great claims for what these networks can offer, especially in terms
of cost savings. But what must SMEs do to reap these rewards and
avoid potential pitfalls? By Joe O’Halloran
Read article >>Avoiding the traumas technology can bring
How can businesses get it right without falling at the first
hurdle? Here are some common mistakes to avoid, from ICT general
manager, BT Business, Mick Hegarty.
Read article >>ROI is the key to purchasing
decision
Received wisdom says a return on
investment calculation is a straightforward one. But, as Sally
Whittle reports, many factors can complicate matters.
Read article >>
SMEs start to take advantage of
the big players’ technology
A variety of telecoms products exist aimed exclusively for SMEs.
As Anthony Adshead reports, SMEs are now beginning to formulate
strategies for growth based on the technology that is appropriate
and best suited to them.
Read article >>Convergence: how to buy yourself a competitive
edge
The idea of convergence – systems combining telephony and
networking functions – is slowly coming to the fore. Christopher
Walton examines what SMEs need to know about how to acquire this
essential technology.
Read article >>Virtual private networks offer a flexible, affordable
solution
SMEs looking to modernise and expand their existing networks can
increase efficiencies and improve flexible working with a VPN.
Alison Hawkings looks at the reasons why this technology is
becoming increasingly popular.
Read article >>Managed services make time for businesses under
pressure
Just like their larger counterparts, SMEs are coming under
massive pressure to squeeze as much value as possible from their IT
and telecoms systems. James Rogers looks at whether managed
services are the solution to this problem.
Read article >>Need IT expertise? Then
managing matters
Things are looking up for SMEs on two
fronts: suppliers are at last looking at ways of helping to improve
your business with specially designed network management packages,
while also improving levels of support. Gary Flood reports.
Read article >>Serving up the best with a
wireless brew
Independent brewer Charles Wells is
using wireless technology to help it compete with its multinational
rivals. But, as Sally Whittle reports, SMEs need to weigh up the
pros and cons of what wireless can do for them before they take the
plunge.
Read article >>Broadening your
horizons
A broadband connection can offer much
more than merely fast, always-on internet access. As Joe O’Halloran
finds out, broadband can form the basis of services and
applications that can actually transform how you conduct your
business.
Read article >>
Three broadband case studies
Read article >>
SME Month >>