Technology is an area where most realize there is the potential for significant improvements in efficiency, but the learning curves can be steep, and the price of admission expensive. There are many “techies” around, but most have a very myopic view of the role of technology in your company; they may be exceptionally good at installing new systems or performing routine maintenance, but are they providing any business intelligence?

Technology is a tool that can provide significant competitive advantages, yet can also be a source of great frustration. How often have you been convinced you need a faster computer, then discovered incompatibilities with your other computers? Do you ever feel like you’re trapped on some sort of upgrade merry-go-round that you can’t get off? Not all upgrades improve your efficiency, and often there are alternative solutions that are free or have very minimal cost.

A fractional IT executive will view technology as a tool to improve your business, and ensure that there is adequate return on any technology investment you make. They will ensure solutions are in place to facilitate regular backups and security, and recommend inexpensive solutions for inhibiting usage of social networking systems or instant messaging software. They will put policies in place for staff usage of computers, password security that will ensure your staff are aware of, agreed to, and bound by company IT policies.

Having a fractional IT executive gives you a knowledgeable advocate in your business, who will plan carefully to maximize the effectiveness of your IT budget.

Next: Determining your needs