Information & Communications Technology - A Business Advantage

ICT (information and communications technology) seems to be the latest ubiquitous business " buzz" word, yet, there is growing recognition that businesses do need to embrace the latest developments in ICT in order to drive greater competitiveness, accelerate business change and transform company strategies. ICT can provide a credible business advantage. Yet the huge range of products, services and innovative solutions on the market; combined with the baffling jargon can make it difficult to make the best, informed decisions for your business. Here are a few ideas to contemplate. They are neither revolutionary nor radical but practical and effective. 1) Think before you spend A recent BT survey of businesses in their embryonic years highlighted that fewer than 10 per cent, a startling figure, had sought advice on the technology and communications they needed before establishing their businesses. Moreover, fewer than four per cent of businesses consult with technology suppliers on an ongoing basis. Even businesses in their fledging years need to position ICT as integral to the success of their growth. A good ICT supplier will be able to give you advice about what products and services you really need to exploit for your business, and how ICT can be harnessed to ensure the technology is working smarter for you. You can always explore some ideas utilising emerging technologies by logging on to the website www.bt.com/business. 2) Be clear what you get for your money Before buying, ask what the deal includes and what is extra. For example, system down-time will lead to lost business, and be extremely stressful, so packages that offer round-the-clock technical support, such as BT's Digital Office, can provide peace of mind and expert advice when it is needed. Customers expect your business to be accessible and available. 3) Get the right connection Higher bandwidth connections through an ISDN line or broadband technology - such as ADSL- can make a real difference to your business. Broadband - in effect, high speed internet access - is widely considered as affordable, attractive and accessible. In addition to ADSL, other alternative high speed delivery platforms include satellite technology, enabling even the most remote businesses throughout the UK to benefit from broadband services in the form of exciting applications and content. Broadband is easy to install, and by cutting download times and enabling always - on Internet access at a fixed cost, it can really make a noticeable difference to your business. A cheaper Internet connection may seem like a good deal, but is more likely to be slower, reducing timeliness and leading to increased stress and frustration. A visit to wwwbt.com/broadband will provide you with more information.

BT Group plc is one of the world's leading providers of information, communications and technology (ICT) solutions and one of the largest private sector companies in Europe. Our main activities include local, long distance and international telecommunications services, mobile communications, Internet services and IT solutions. Within BT Retail, BT SME is dedicated to providing world class ICT solutions for Small and Medium size businesses. BT SME's New Wave Clients Unit services the ever increasing number of businesses for whom high speed data and Internet access is a prerequisite to doing business. The New Wave team offers you the full BT portfolio of Internet, intranet, and call handling products and services. BT's Digital Office portfolio includes everything you need to work smarter not harder. This includes: High Speed Internet access. Web design and domain name registration. Web content and application hosting Secure e-commerce applications to help grow your business. A full range of products and services to facilitate your voice call and data handling requirements. Find out more information on BT Solutions for SME customers, or BT's Digital Office portfolio. A team of highly skilled ICT personnel has been set up within BT SME to provide net-centric clients with professional, expert advice on all aspects of BT's products and services. This will enable your organisation to make clear informed choices regarding the BT portfolio when choosing a supplier to design, deliver and support your ICT infrastructure. To contact BT New Wave Clients, please e-mail us at: ICU@bt.com.

4) The Internet is for business
Recent research discovered that almost three quarters of SMEs use PCs, and 78 per cent have Internet access. Amazingly, only a third have a website and even fewer are involved in e-business. BT is the number one Internet Service Provider for businesses with between one and forty - nine employees; connecting a business to the Internet every five minutes.

A website presents a shopfront to the world, and can enable you to reach global markets and customers that would previously not been cost-efficient. Whether providing information on your business and products, or even providing transaction capabilities that can translate customer interest into immediate revenues, it's important that businesses consider the ways that a website can fit into their business strategy.

There are many companies specialising in website design, and it is also possible to buy cheaper "off-the-shelf" websites. However, once you have a website, it is also important to make sure that it is marketed correctly and registered with search engines, and ensure any e-commerce transactions are conducted securely to preserve customer confidentiality. Trust, or a lack of trust in secure transactions, is one of the biggest inhibitors in e - business today.

5) Technology is a business tool
A PC is not just a glorified word processor and technology may be used to improve other areas of the business, like customer relationship management and employee communications. From enabling customers to schedule for a business to call them while browsing their website using services such as BT's "e800" call-me button, to setting up an intranet to share greater knowledge and awareness, technology can have an affect on every aspect of what you do.

6) Mobility
Mobile telecommunications and computing mean that a business person need never miss an important phone call, fax or email, whether at home, in the office or on the road. For example, BT Homelink offers services such as call management, a range of call divert options, conference calling and integrated voicemail. Offering staff the option to work flexibly and productively from home through technology can also help staff retention rates, and save on office space in addition to even changing the culture of a business.

7) Keep it simple
Technology does not need to be complex - it is possible to have one, easily integrated system, which may be easier and more cost effective if you do not have your own IT department. For example, BT's Digital Office, which is a visionary collaboration between BT, Dell, Microsoft and MMO2. This one - stop initiative can provide everything a small business may need - PCs, phone lines, Internet access, LANs, Intranets, IP networks, web hosting and design, and e-business advice, all backed up by installation, training and ongoing advice and maintenance.

8) Spread the cost
Investing in technology and communications is less painful when services may be paid for in monthly instalments rather than one, up-front lump sum. It is worth asking what terms are available, before you commit to spending. For example, BT is one of many suppliers who are increasingly committed to providing a range of payment options for their business products and services.

BT works with millions of UK SMEs every year and understands the needs of growing and established businesses. If you would like to know more and how BT can work with you to help your business, visit www.bt.com/business, or call us on 0800 400 400.