I have read many articles on how to start a business and what is needed. There is a piece of information that I always find missing – technology. Not many businesses today can function without some type of technology. Technology can be the foundation of your business and make or break it. I have developed a list of items every business needs to consider to be successful.

Server – For any business that will have employees and need to share files this is very important. A server will have many roles in your organization. It will store all your files, maintain security, manage printing, and possibly your email. Servers biggest role is security and file sharing. Servers can range from $1500 – $5ooo. For a startup company Windows Small Business Server is great since it includes email services. It is the most cost effective way to go. The server needs to be stored in a secure location. Servers need to be replaced every 3-4 years.

Computers – Most businesses will need computers for their employees. You need to plan for $400-$500 per computer. Its not worth going cheap since you will end up replacing them quicker. Computers need to be replaced every 3-4 years. When purchasing a computer you will normally find them cheaper online than going into a store. The retail stores mark them up. When looking at computers make sure the operating system is the Professional edition. The Home version of the operating system does not work in a business environment.

Antivirus – You need to protect your company data. Every machine must have antivirus. Antivirus software must update nightly and is subscription based. You need to renew it once a year.

Computer Use Policy – This is something most businesses fall short on. No one wants to implement this until there is a problem. At that time it’s too late. Don’t get caught in a lawsuit or heavy fines. Have one in place right from the start. Companies should restrict employees internet access to inappropriate sites and sites that employees might waste time on. They are there to work not to play on Facebook all day. If you have to adhere to HIPAA regulations Facebook and other social media sites should be 100% blocked. All you need is one virus to get on one computer in your network and your company data is compromised. Another part to the computer use policy deals with email. You need to clearly state whether you will be accessing employee email. Just because you are a boss does not give you the right to access an employee’s email.

Social Media Policy – If your company will be using social media you need to have a policy in place regarding who can post and what content should be posted. Someone needs to monitor this daily.

Passwords – Every employee must have their own username/password to log into the systems. This way you can track who is doing what. There should never be a list of passwords. This can get you into legal trouble if you force employees to give you their passwords.

Telephones – You need to put some thought into what you need. This is not a simple decision. Do you need multiple phone lines? Do you want your voicemails emailed to you? Call forwarding? Voice over IP? There are lots of systems out there. Make you determine what features you need now and might need 5 yrs from now. A phone system is not something you will change out frequently.

Remote Users – Will you have employees in the field? If so you will need to consider if those employees will have laptops, IPads or some other device. Besides the device they might need access to the internet. Will you purchase air cards for these devices?

Web Site – Every business must have a web site. Not only have a web site but it needs to be a professional web site. Having a bad web site it will reflect badly on your business and make it seem like you are not serious about business.

Determining what technology your business will need can be very overwhelming. You need to take it seriously to grow your business efficiently. Talk to someone who knows technology and can help you figure out what you really need. There is no cookie cutter solutions out there.