Comments on: Tomorrow’s CIO and the Implications for SMBs http://partnerit.com/2009/07/tomorrows-cio-and-the-implications-for-smbs/ Business, Technology and Staffing insights from RSA Corp. Fri, 22 Jan 2010 20:52:00 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: George http://partnerit.com/2009/07/tomorrows-cio-and-the-implications-for-smbs/comment-page-1/#comment-3755 George Thu, 01 Oct 2009 19:33:09 +0000 http://partnerit.com/?p=71#comment-3755 Yes, this is an option. However, investing in a single dimension resource has proven to be problematic for SMB's as they have grown and become more dependent upon their technology assets. For years, the single independent "shade tree mechanic" or seasoned independent could provide the service and level of support needed to maintain the word processor and accounting machine software of the past. Once networked and connected to the world via the internet, email and B2B and B2C capabililties, the SMB could no longer wait till the independent could find time to get to the company or to sign on remotely. The SMB needed a solution immediately. Enter the small service company priced to meet the budgets of the SMB, but staffed with backup resources to be able to respond immediately. With backup resources familiar with the SMB's environment, the risk of tragedy is greatly reduced. The benefits of a just in time resource coupled with the fail safe of multiple resources gives the SMB a better solution to its needs than the independent can bring to the table. Independents can offer great knowledge and information, but if they are priced way below the market, they will disappear as the market heats back up because they will be forced to go back to a full time job with full benefits. When that happens, the SMB is left without a resource to complete the jobs at hand, or has no one to call upon when the need to enhance or add to its capabilities presents an opportunity. Is there anyone out there who has had experiences with an independent? Yes, this is an option. However, investing in a single dimension resource has proven to be problematic for SMB’s as they have grown and become more dependent upon their technology assets. For years, the single independent “shade tree mechanic” or seasoned independent could provide the service and level of support needed to maintain the word processor and accounting machine software of the past. Once networked and connected to the world via the internet, email and B2B and B2C capabililties, the SMB could no longer wait till the independent could find time to get to the company or to sign on remotely. The SMB needed a solution immediately. Enter the small service company priced to meet the budgets of the SMB, but staffed with backup resources to be able to respond immediately. With backup resources familiar with the SMB’s environment, the risk of tragedy is greatly reduced. The benefits of a just in time resource coupled with the fail safe of multiple resources gives the SMB a better solution to its needs than the independent can bring to the table.

Independents can offer great knowledge and information, but if they are priced way below the market, they will disappear as the market heats back up because they will be forced to go back to a full time job with full benefits. When that happens, the SMB is left without a resource to complete the jobs at hand, or has no one to call upon when the need to enhance or add to its capabilities presents an opportunity.

Is there anyone out there who has had experiences with an independent?

]]> By: BJ Brown http://partnerit.com/2009/07/tomorrows-cio-and-the-implications-for-smbs/comment-page-1/#comment-3423 BJ Brown Mon, 27 Jul 2009 01:51:45 +0000 http://partnerit.com/?p=71#comment-3423 There is an even better option for an SMB. Rather than paying the exorbitant overhead for a larger IT service partner, you can contract directly with independent IT experts these days. Thousands of extremely talented IT professionals have been laid off by the big guys. They are quite willing to provide the same high level services their large clients received for you SMBs, often on a part time or contract basis, as you need them. You can find them on job sites such as Werkadoo.com. There is an even better option for an SMB. Rather than paying the exorbitant overhead for a larger IT service partner, you can contract directly with independent IT experts these days. Thousands of extremely talented IT professionals have been laid off by the big guys. They are quite willing to provide the same high level services their large clients received for you SMBs, often on a part time or contract basis, as you need them.
You can find them on job sites such as Werkadoo.com.

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