The Need

Technology is developing at a faster rate than ever before. Even with the easy-to-use products offered by Apple and the automatic software updates available, it can seem like an overwhelming task to stay up-to-date.

You know you want the most efficient tools for your business. But how do you decide when and what should be updated, upgraded, or added to your current infrastructure? Unless you have your own IT staff, you may feel unprepared to make these choices on your own.

Members of the Apple Consultants Network can advise you on the right technology for your business. They can assess your current technology infrastructure and determine what changes would help increase your productivity. Hiring an expert in Apple technology will give you peace of mind that you are investing in the future of your business.

The Expertise

Whether you'd like to update your hardware and software, share printers, incorporate a back-up system, or update your network to support mixed platforms, members are trained and certified in the Apple technologies required to help keep your office running smoothly and efficiently.

Choose the consultant that's right for you, from the wide range of Apple Consultants Network members. Members have years of experience, expert qualifications, and comprehensive skill-sets, enabling them to create customized Apple solutions that fit both your business and your budget.

The Steps

Step 1: Determine your needs, audience, and budget

Your first step is to better understand the strengths and weaknesses of your current set-up. Is your technology helping or hindering your efficiency? Is there room for your business to grow within your current configuration? Do you need a more flexible working environment with mobile and wireless solutions? Members are experienced in identifying efficiency gaps and making recommendations on how to solve those challenges with ease and cost-effectiveness. 

Next, decide how much you are willing to invest in updating your office. You may have a certain amount to spend in the short term, while also incorporating technology upgrades more heavily into your future budget. Remember, dollars spent wisely on technical efficiency can save you time and money if the result is stable, fast, and effective technology with long-lasting usability.

Step 2: Determine the elements of your solution

Once you've determined your needs and budget, think about your overall business goals. In what ways do you envision your business thriving, and how soon do you expect that growth to be achieved? If you expect more production demands or increased staff, updating your office will include modifying your hardware and software configurations.

Depending on your type of business, you may want to increase your mobility options with MacBook Pros for mobile computing, AirPort Extreme and AirPort Express for wireless networking, and .Mac services for remote file transfers, storage web publishing, and email services. Or, you may decide to invest in advanced Internet services or even an Xserve, for serving your own website and network.

Updating your systems with the latest software is also essential. Apple’s new iWork offers Pages to create promotional materials, and Keynote 2 to design cinema-quality presentations. Microsoft Office and AppleWorks both have a suite of general productivity applications. Adding peripherals such as iSight will allow you to videoconference with colleagues in remote locations. And most importantly, making sure all your computers are running the latest version of Mac OS X is integral to maintaining an updated office.

Step 3: Implement the solution to update your office

Once you have decided on a solution, an Apple Consultants Network member can help implement that solution. Members can work within your schedule to set-up new servers, computers, and printers, as well as install new software and upgrade your current applications. They can design customized solutions for updating your office that include plans for easy maintenance and continued upgrades as your business grows and changes.

Step 4: Obtain ongoing support and maintenance

Once your updated tools are in place, members can provide the necessary training and support to ensure you get the most out of your updated office.

Because your relationship with an Apple Consultants Network member is ongoing, you can incorporate their expertise into your ongoing plans to keep your office up-to-date.