Equipping Your Home Office With Latest Technology
Incorporating latest technology in your home office can
not only save you money but also make your business run smoother.
Running a business from a home office, for most of us, means we don't have access to a high-priced IT staff that helps to make sure you're always aware of the technologies that will encourage success and productivity. To many, technology and computer software is intimidating. But if you take a little time to read up on and research just a few of these technologies, you could not only save money, but also make your business grow smoother. Several popular technologies are briefly explored below, just to get your feet wet.
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1) Networking is, at its most basic, the connection of computers to enhance sharing of files and programs. Most companies utilize networking to connect their computer so that work is efficient and productive. If you have more than one computer in your business or home, you can network them and share the same benefits. Networking can save money because you only need one printer or scanner. All your computers can be hooked up to the same one. Internet connection fees are also lower and if you use broadband, home networking offers you the ability to use one connection for all of them. You can also share software among the computers so you don't have to buy more than one copy. To connect a network in your home or small business you just need a network adapter. These little gizmos come with many computers nowadays. You'll also need cables and hardware, depending on that type of network you want to set up. You can use your existing phone line, install an Ethernet network, or opt for wireless. Prices vary, so choose which suits your budget.
2) Remote Access can greatly enhance your productivity. When you work from home, or even if you take your laptop wherever you go, you are somewhat limited in terms of being able to access computer files, especially if they're stored on your desktop at home, and you happen to be in a hotel. Remote access allows you to work with all the existing files and programs on your primary computer to allow to you not only continue work uninterrupted, but to also check all your emails and keep communicating with clients and customers. To get remote access, all you have to do is purchase the appropriate software. Some programs, such as Norton's pcAnywhere are available for purchase while others, like Laplink charge monthly fees. You may find yourself looking at prices ranging from $40 to $200 for the outright software, and anywhere from $9.95 to $29.95 a month for those that charge by the month.
3) VoIP - (Voice Over Internet Protocol) can literally save you hundreds of dollars a year in phone bills for your company or business. Long distance calls to clients, customers and vendors add up and lower your profit margin. VoIP technology reduces those costs. With VoIP, you use broadband to make unlimited calls without having to use a long distance carrier phone plan. And voice communication over the Internet has come a long way in improving quality and reception. VoIP requires the user to connect a phone adapter to your telephone and to your broadband modem. You use your regular phone to make the call, and your adapter concerts the signal from analog to digital and sends it over the Internet. On the reverse, when someone calls you, your phone number basically becomes an email address that lets the signal find your phone. More and more providers are offering VoIP services and the phone adapter, the only new piece of equipment you need, isn't expensive. One of the more popular services is Vonage. Vonage offers unlimited minutes that can be used for both local and long-distance calls within the U.S. They also offer free voicemail, call transfers and caller ID as part of their business plan. For just under $50 a month, you can hardly go wrong.
Technology doesn't have to be intimidating. Just do your homework and keep an open mind to new possibilities. You'll be glad you did.