When you launch a new business, one thing you’ll need to consider is your IT infrastructure. For some startups, we are only talking about a laptop and an Internet connection. But, for others, it might involve a complex IT network of desktops across multiple sites.
There was once a time where the bulk of a startup’s expenditure was the purchase of new computer systems. Nowadays, new businesses spend little to nothing on their PCs! Does that mean the death knell has sounded for the desktop computer? Well, in some respects that might appear to be the case.
It’s obvious that smartphone and tablet usage has grown a lot in recent years. Plus, more people are going online on mobile devices than from traditional desktops.
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Still, that doesn’t mean your new enterprise shouldn’t or doesn’t need any desktops. The purpose of today’s article is to show you how you can get desktop computing without paying a fortune. What I’m going to do is share with you some interesting and innovative methods you can use for your startup! Check them out before reaching for that credit card:
There’s nothing wrong with using your home computer
If you’re desperate to start your business but are low on funds, why don’t you use your home PC? There is nothing in the “rule book” that says you must only use business computers!
The beauty of using your existing computer is that it doesn’t cost you anything. And even if it needs a performance tune-up, you can just get a local computer repair firm to help you out. When your business starts making a profit, you can then upgrade to new systems.
Virtual insanity? No, just common sense!
Let’s say that you need to deploy systems to around 50 users or so. As you can imagine, buying desktops for each user will cost you a small fortune. Did you know that it’s cheaper to deploy a thin client solution?
Confused? Let me explain. Instead of having individual PCs, you have terminals that connect to a server. When each person logs into the server, they get a familiar Windows desktop experience. All each user needs is a mouse, keyboard, monitor and thin client terminal. Those thin client terminals cost a fraction of the cost of new PCs.
Hosted desktops with old PCs
A variation of the above example is to deploy old computers instead of thin terminal clients. I’m talking about systems that are ten or so years old, with Pentium 4 CPUs and 1GB RAM!
You can use those PCs to connect to a modern server offering a Windows desktop experience. Your users won’t have to worry about software compatibility issues with old systems. Plus, you can “do your bit for the environment” by repurposing old PCs.
Desktops hosted in the cloud
What happens if your team needs to use laptops instead of desktops? As you know, laptops cost quite a lot more than desktop computers. One thing you could do is deploy Chromebooks that connect to cloud-based desktop environments.
There are many hosted desktop providers out there you can use if you don’t want to implement an in-house server. As you can see, there are several options to both save on cost and avoid buying new PCs!
This article was provided by ellie jo