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Getting over the blue screen blues

Influential Software

The so-called 'blue screen of death', which occurs when a computer's operating system fails has become an all-too-familiar sight. Image courtesy of Wikipedia Commons
The so-called 'blue screen of death', which occurs when a computer's operating system fails has become an all-too-familiar sight. Image courtesy of Wikipedia Commons
Does your server crash on a weekly basis?  Do your PCs switch themselves off for no apparent reason? Do your files and emails frequently disappear into the ether? Is the IT guy getting fed up of the sight of you? Andy Richardson, CEO of Influential Software, explains how to smooth out those irritating IT issues.

In this day and age, having efficient and smooth-running IT systems can be the difference between a successful and failing business. Installing the latest technology is a major investment, which more often than not pays off.

But is it always necessary? Many companies get drawn into the IT arms race when they can quite simply avoid it. Innovation in technology is happening at a frightening pace but that doesn’t mean that businesses can’t operate effectively without splashing out on the latest and greatest IT solutions on the market.

So how do you know whether you need a complete IT refit or just a few quick fixes. Here is Influential Software’s quick guide:

Out with the old, in with the new – signs that your IT is not quite up to scratch
  • The network is slow and servers keep crashing
  • IT staff are being called upon far more regularly than they should be
  • Software is prehistoric and all the support contracts have expiredThe system cannot accommodate mobile and tablet devices
  • Current hardware won’t run new applications
  • Mobile and flexible working is not supported by our network
  • IT is a hindrance when it comes to keeping up with competitors
  • Employees are frustrated and poor/slow IT is impacting workforce turnover
  • Antivirus programmes often take hours to scan
  • Tech issues are directly affecting productivity and profitability of the business
Sticking with what you’ve got – signs you might not need an upgrade
  • IT generally works well apart from a few minor hiccups from time to time
  • Staff training could help to maximise the company’s current IT usage and potential
  • IT dilemmas are not directly affecting workplace productivity and efficiency
  • Latest innovations might not dramatically differ from the technology currently in place
  • Stopgap measures, such as increasing memory, will solve all the problems
  • Can it wait? The cost of IT is constantly reducing and businesses can often benefit from playing the waiting game

Biography

Andy Richardson, CEO of Influential Software, began his career in IT in 1987 and has been successful in delivering projects for major publishing and banking institutions and in transport and logistics ever since. While in education, Andy was writing commercial gaming software in the home computing market and also won several nationwide competitions for IT, science and technology.

Since incorporating Influential in January 1993, Andy has concentrated his efforts primarily in the Publishing sector, accumulating an unrivalled knowledge of the industry from all perspectives, and in the B1 (data warehousing) vertical. During these years, he also developed a vast network of associated in both the Publishing and general IT industry, which has proven invaluable as Influential has expanded and required the best people to help it do so.

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