Smart year-end hardware buys

Because IT equipment is one of the most important business tools, some smart purchases are always a good idea. Now that we’re almost into the last two months of the financial year it’s time to consider what last minute purchases you can make before 30 June.

Right now is probably one of the best opportunities to pick up IT equipment at bargain prices. The world’s technology manufacturers have a massive oversupply of stock, and it’s priced to sell.

So here’s a few ideas that might be suitable for your office.

Big, wide monitors

You don’t realise how useful large screen computer monitors are until you use one. That extra screen real estate makes a big difference when you’re multitasking.

LCD monitor prices have collapsed in the last few years and there’s little reason not to have one, or even two, monitors on your desks so staff can really get things done.

Computers

The biggest obstacle to using new monitors is old computers. Older systems often don’t have the video capabilities to run larger displays.

If your computers are over five years old, then it’s not just a matter of the video not being up to scratch. Newer computers are faster, more reliable and better value than their predecessors.

That five year old computer has been long written off, and the time your staff spend struggling with older, inadequate technology is a far greater loss than the cost of investing in new systems.

Go portable

Not so long ago, laptops and smartphones were expensive and only suitable for road warriors and gun sales people. Not any more.

More portables are sold today than desktop computers because they are now cost effective alternatives, and their business case is compelling in most workplaces.

Servers

An old server is false economy. Like desktops and portable computers, servers have never been faster, cheaper and packed with so many productivity boosting features.

It’s too late to plan a server upgrade before 30 June, but its worthwhile getting quotes from your technology partners so you can plan for the new financial year.

Network routers

The internet is taken for granted in most offices, and often managers don’t realise they are needlessly restricting themselves by keeping their older network equipment.

Newer routers and switches take advantage of faster and more reliable modern standards like gigabit ethernet, ADSL 2+, 802.11g and n wireless protocols. Upgrading this equipment can give your entire office a boost for little outlay.

Printers

Until recently, laser colour printers were top end of town stuff. Today it’s difficult to see why any business doesn’t have at least one networked colour laser in the office.

Again, if you are struggling with a temperamental old printer, you’re wasting your staff’s valuable time and probably spending too much on consumables.

Consumables

It’s an age old tradition to rush down to the post office and computer superstore on 30 June to stock up on stamps and printer cartridges for the end of financial year. But give a bit of thought to your consumable purchases and maybe do it the week before.

Shopping around will save you some money as quite a few of the outlets that advertise their great deals are often not so great when you compare them with your computer reseller, local newsagent or stationery store.

Also, when buying things in a hurry people can make mistakes, so it’s better to spend some time thinking about what you need to buy and at what price.

There’s no need to waste money just for the sake of buying new stuff. Discuss where the weak points are with your staff and systems administrator, and where they think your systems can be improved.

Also keep in mind there’s various tax concessions currently available for businesses. So have a chat with your accountant before signing the purchase order or pulling out the credit card.

Technology is the most important investment your business can make. Now is the time to think about the right tools so your staff can work wonders for your enterprise.

Paul Wallbank is a speaker, writer and broadcaster on technology and business. He grew PC Rescue into a national IT company and set up the IT Queries website. Paul has a regular ABC spot on technology matters.