If there’s one constant in small and medium business, it is this: change. (SMB) Having to deal with the various pressures of a changing or growing business. From the cost of doing business (gas, electricity, etc…) to finding (and keeping) customers. All while trying to keep their technology infrastructure running efficiently and reliably.

I have the opportunity to talk to a lot of small businesses about technology, and two topics keep coming up: 1)How do I maintain the infrastructure I already have in place, while also staying current with any new tools for a my industry, and 2)How can my business make a difference when it comes to the ‘Green” movement? These are two key issues that do not have one correct answer.

The basics of technology for many small businesses is three things: capable PCs that will run your business apps without delay, the right software tools for your industry or job function, and a network to improve communications and share resources across the company.

While simple on the surface, just keeping all of these pieces up and running from a maintenance point of view can take more time than you expect. Because of this, are seeing more and more small businesses turning to their IT service providers to keep their technology infrastructure up and running, and by deploying PCs that are easier to manage remotely (example: PCs with Intel vPro technology). These hardware, software, and services resellers are know as ‘managed service providers’ or MSPs. There are many advantages for a SMB to use a managed service provider. First, MSPs have expertise in PCs management, networks administration, and software implementation - expertise often found only in businesses with established IT groups. Some businesses can’t afford to hire full time IT, or even if they do have an IT staff, they don’t want them spending their time on maintence – they want them building solutions the bring more capabilities to the business. You may want to talk with a local MSP in your area to see how they can help you. You can find a MSPs in your area by going to https://intelmsp.goirctools.com/IntelMSPLocator/Search.aspx

The other technology issue that small and medium businesses are trying to understand is how can they make a contribution to the ‘Green’ IT movement – especially when their plates are already full with day to day business. Most larger corporations are already introducing initiatives within their company: expanded recycling, increased telecommuting opportunites, and lower power consumption. When I talk with small businesses about what they are doing around “Green IT”, I hear over and over again is reducing power consumption, and for obvious reasons: it not only helps our environment, but it also lowers the cost of doing business.
You maybe wondering how do I reduce power consumption if my business is growing? . One approach that many businesses don’t consider is this: focus on what you can do during non-business hours (6pm to 6am). For example, if you have PCs (Desktops or Mobile) that are not turned off on Friday night and run the entire weekend - well, there are 2+ days of wasted power with no business benefit. If you look at a small business environment where there are more than several desktops, notebooks, and servers (which often consumer even more power), the energy saved by having all machines shut off for the weekend can make a real difference in energy costs.

How do you get started? I recommend you start by looking look at which PCs and servers are still on when you are leaving the office this Friday. This will give you a good idea of the initial impact your company could provide by reducing your power consumption. In addition, if you are already using a manage service provider (MSP) to manage your network, ask them if they have a power savings plan that you could implement.
So while there may not be one single answer to more effective technology management, or for making your business more green, there are a few relatively simple steps you can take today that won’t disrupt your business but that will allow you to spend more time doing what you should be doing, and doing it with less impact on your environment - not to mention bottom line.