The common bits and bytes about `tech-buys'

TECHNOLOGICAL developments sound exciting, especially when you have the means to afford it. For most companies, upgrading technology is not only exciting, but also a sign of progress. However, the tricky part is choosing the appropriate technology that actually benefits the company.

Explore some real issues that need to be answered before opting for a technology upgrade.

Utility

Picking the right technology requires a lot of painstaking effort. Undertake a tech survey within the company to see if a technology upgrade is required. If you have a particular technological product in mind, then undertake a survey to see how people react to it.

Costing

A cost-benefit analysis of the product is often necessary to rule out the chances of a bad decision. Match the price, installation, future service and maintenance charges, against long-term benefits and utility.

Applicability

Understand the working of the technology. It's pros and cons, how it is installed, who the users are, what the security loopholes, organisational suitability, are etc.

Personnel affairs

Do you have an in-house staff to handle the new technology? For, creating a new team to manage it will require effort and lots of money. Check for overheads before deciding on the installation.

Dependence

Downtimes are common for companies heavily dependent on technology. These can occur in the form of shortage or absence of technical staff, a technical problem that requires professional help and lack of a proper support system. Therefore ensure that you have the capability and capacity to have a back-up ready when things go really wrong with your soft or hardware.

Managing techies

Often, companies that depend rather heavily on their network or technical staff should pay attention to the kind of people they are recruiting. These are key personnel, without whom a company cannot survive. It's therefore essential to keep them happy. Importantly, ensuring job satisfaction through individually crafted job descriptions, perks, facilities, good pay etc are a key to retaining them and ensuring that they don't sabotage the system.

Vendor benders

For most `non-tech' buyers of technology, the tech-marketplace is confusing. There are too many glib talking `tech hawkers' and few genuine advisors and sellers.

Non - tech companies that go in for periodic upgrades and updates have a real need for dependable tech vendors. To meet this need, its best to have stringent rules and microscopically scanned and drafted criteria for choosing a vendor.

Run for cover!

In this day and age, it's foolhardy to not insure every inch of your body and your company! This includes your technology. Pick out the best insurance covers and rest better.

Law and order

This is the most important aspect of all. When the new software or hardware is finally in use, you'll begin to discover there are a lot of loose ends to be tied up. As the chances of internal attacks cannot be ruled out, a foolproof security policy should be drafted. The policy should clearly state dos and don't of acceptable usage and access levels.

External attacks too need to be taken care of. Get your tech team to put in place the best and most easy-to-manage security systems.

Since cyber law is still in its evolutionary stage, especially in India, its best to make a provision for legal help as well.

With all this in place, don't forget to have all your technology purchases neatly documented and accounted for! Else you may have to pay heavily for no fault of yours!

SAMYUKTA KODA

samyukta.hyd@cnkonline.com