If you are like most folks, the immediate response is NO. It normally doesn’t pay for itself in the long run. But before you do that, regardless of whether you are a single user or a small business office, consider some of these key points:

• Do you know what to do or where to look when there is a problem?
• Can you fix most minor issues on your own?
• Do you proactively maintain and back up your equipment?
• Can you resolve an issue involving multiple third parties (ie–when they are pointing the finger at each other)?
• Do you have the time to research and implement updates and repairs?

Today’s IT warranties are tailored to you and your environment and are simple, expedient and on your terms. Your support solution helps resolve the situation, not get in the way. Many are also designed to provide tech-to-tech support, allowing your IT staff to fix the situation and free up your time to focus on the bigger picture.

Warranties may not be such a bad idea anymore, the choice is yours.

^JS

As 2009 turns to 2010, I’ve started to ask our clients how they are going to change how they use technology in the new year.   I’ve heard answers which include “More remote work” to “more personal service to our customers” to “ensuring our clients know we do more than just X”.  Inevitably during the same conversation, our clients ask me about how they can reduce their technology spending, but offer more services than ever.   As many of you know – this is a seemingly double edged sword – to save money long term you need to replace inefficient equipment, update software and convert in-sourced services to outsourced services.  One of the biggest challenges is a budget to make planning these items out a little easier.  

So I ask all of you, what is your plan for technology for the new year?  What does your budget look like?  How are you going to ensure your technology spending does not become like the game Risk – which can easily go on for ever and seemingly have no end.

Let me know what your thoughts are here.