The technology gap: how can a small-business manager make certain the computer network is being managed correctly without becoming a technology expert?

• Author: Coryell, Bryce

Many management methods that are taught in business schools or found in books are out of touch with the reality of managing a small business in Alaska. Most business managers need to maximize the time they spend working on their core business in order to provide the best value for their clients, and this means minimizing the time and effort it takes to manage services that support the firm. Managing technology in a small-business environment can be particularly tough because the business manager is typically not an expert in information technology and doesn't have time to become one. This article is designed to help the business manager make the best decisions related to its computer network in the least amount of time.

THE GAP

Most small businesses either contract out their computer support, have an internal employee performing computer support, or some combination of both. Typically, these methods are fraught with difficulties because all of the know-how related to the computer network is known to only a few people. Consequences of this are:

* The business manager may receive an incorrect picture of the security of confidential data stored on the network or the reliability of crucial systems since he or she is not a technology expert.

* The firm may over invest, and in many cases under invest, on technology because of incorrect advice from an unqualified person.

* The firm may be left out in the cold due to turnover of the employee or contractor in charge of their computer network. Many small businesses routinely lose all of the expertise associated with their computers and computer network.

* The business manager has little or no confidence that the computer network is being managed correctly and feels that the company is constantly behind the curve and suffering from constant issues.

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BRIDGING THE GAP: HOW DOES THE BUSINESS MANAGER MINIMIZE THESE RISKS?

A business manager needs to divide responsibility between multiple parties, learn the basics of the computer network, and then manage the parties involved in order to make sure that the right technology decisions are being made. Contrary to what many people believe, a business manager doesn't have to have technology expertise in order to make good decisions related to the computers and the computer network; he or she only needs to delegate responsibility and keep informed about any changes that may affect the network's ability to provide for the business.

DIVIDING...