(12-Apr-11) Few firms can get by these days without good information and communications technology (ICT). Thankfully, much of today’s tech is perfectly tailored to the needs of small and mid-sized enterprises; there are software programs, apps and communications platforms designed to improve the efficiency of everything from payroll to sales and project management. And they’re super-accessible—thanks to heavy competition among developers and an influx of Web-based software and infrastructure services, adopting ICT is more affordable than ever.
Still, SMEs are reluctant and often late adopters of new technology relative to their bigger brethren. Why? Because SMEs are short on the resources that large firms use to consider ICT strategically and select the most suitable products from the myriad offerings. The result: suboptimal decisions—or no decisions at all.
Fortunately, the experiences of many leading entrepreneurs demonstrate that smart ICT investments are within the reach of all SMEs. With collaboration and creativity—neither of which will cost you a dime—you can acquire technology that can send your firm into overdrive.