IT Systems

This blog examines IT from the perspective of SMEs. Lead blogger is David Markus, the founder of Melbourne-based IT services company Combo. His focus is on big picture thinking to create value in IT systems for the SME sector.

Should we use finance to buy computers and other equipment in our office?

Author: David Markus on 9 February 2012

I often meet successful business owners who do not like to use credit to buy the things they need for their business.

What is “as a Service”?

Author: David Markus on 2 February 2012

The big trend for 2012 will be “as a Service” (aaS). Of course, this is part of the jargon for cloud computing which includes PaaS, IaaS and SaaS.

Why you should replace your IT equipment before it fails

Author: David Markus on 19 January 2012

Why would you replace your IT equipment before it fails? The answer is because it’s under $3 per day to remove the risk.

Are your IT systems ready for growth?

Author: David Markus on 12 January 2012

This article first appeared on September 15, 2011

It’s becoming more and more common to see SMEs impeded by their outdated IT systems. Many view IT as a necessary, but not important, service – and this view can seriously hinder their growth.

Should I have to yell at my IT person to get stuff done?

Author: David Markus on 5 January 2012

This article first appeared May 5, 2011.

Ouch! By the time you're yelling you know it's a lost cause... don't you?

When selecting providers of outsourced services, is size an advantage?

Author: David Markus on 22 December 2011

The short answer is yes, but… What is the right size? For who? And when?

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Look out for fire season

Author: David Markus on 15 December 2011

As summer warms up and the grasses dry out, it’s time to reflect on our disaster readiness and ask ourselves – is our data safe?

Why don’t our technologies get used?

Author: David Markus on 8 December 2011

One of the unfortunate truths in the IT industry is that IT systems get implemented by technical teams. If the change is well managed the organisation can find productivity gains and motivation that drives massive benefit to the business’s bottom line.

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Sci-fi fantasy or future technology?

Author: David Markus on 24 November 2011

Is it possible to imagine a future where computers are so small we shift from wearing them to implanting them?

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How does process allow us to capture creativity?

Author: David Markus on 17 November 2011

As an entrepreneur, one of my greatest fears is losing a good idea – mine or someone else’s. Be it a business idea, or an idea for a story, or an idea for a painting.