10 Technologies for Your Business 

Recent advances in computer technology have not only made several devices quite inexpensive and accessible but also have made running your own business a lot easier. 

Just as cell phones are now ubiquitous and essential business tools, the following devices can also change the fundamentals of how you work. 

1.  Flash Drives are quickly replacing writable CDs and DVDs as a portable storage format for many common applications. You can now access data on a flash device about as fast as on a CD or DVD; however, flash drives are far more convenient for copying and pasting files. Unlike a CD or DVD, flash drives can be written and rewritten many times and their small size makes them extremely portable. With 4-gigabyte capacity approaching $6 per unit, these devices are also extremely affordable and are a "must-have" for all mobile employees.

2.  Portable Hard Drives are about the size of a small book but have significantly greater storage capacity than a flash drive. Portable drives are useful for backing up or transporting larger amounts of data and can be easily stored offsite. Everyone in your office who uses a laptop and/or a standalone should be provided with a USB hard drive back-up. With prices for a 160-gigabyte drive under $100, securing data from loss or theft on a daily basis has never been easier or cheaper.

3.  Smart Phones, sometimes called PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), are "do-it-all" devices that are rapidly replacing the voice-only cell phone. Today's business climate requires instant access to information on the go - email, applications and the Internet. A Smartphone enables you to review data such as Excel spreadsheets, Word documents and pictures. Combine these features with the ability to sync with Microsoft Office or equivalent to allow updating of contacts, scheduling appointments, updating files or listing tasks and you will never miss an appointment or forget to pick up the milk.

4.  An Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) provides clean and stable power for electronics such as servers, network equipment and desktop computers. Blackouts, brownouts and power surges can erase any unsaved information and could fry delicate computer circuits in a fraction of a second. Battery backups can provide an hour or more of run time, depending on the system(s) being protected.

5.  GPS Devices based on the Global Positioning System can provide location information and directions. Devices are available with large seven-to-nine-centimetre screens that accept voice prompts and provide turn-by-turn spoken instructions. An entry-level device is available for approximately $150; higher-end devices can approach $600. For the budget conscious, some Smartphones include a GPS feature so a standalone GPS device may not be required.

6.  Multimedia Projectors are now a must-have in the business world; a projector can be used for in-house meetings and educational purposes, boardroom presentations and sales presentations to clients. Entry-level units start at just under $600 while mid-range models can approach $2,500. Most units are small, lightweight and portable.

7.  Computer Accessories that should accompany every laptop purchase include:

            •  A wireless full-sized numpad for entering data into spreadsheets and accounting programmes saves time, promotes accuracy, and lessens the frustration of those who have to peck at the top row of the laptop. When purchasing a wireless numpad, why not also purchase a wireless mouse? Some manufacturers provide package deals that include a wireless receiver that plugs into the USB port and allows use of both simultaneously.

            •  Quick cams for your notebook or standalone office computer if your notebook or office PC does not have built-in cameras.

8.  A Digital Camera is a useful tool for nearly everyone in a small business. Whether the job involves purchasing, sales, inventory control or personnel, the ability to record digital images for future reference is worth its weight in gold. A digital camera under $100 typically provides a minimum of 8.0 megapixels, sufficient for day-to-day needs.

9.  Laptops are no longer the heavy, expensive, slow computers they once were. For most applications, a modern laptop is just as capable as a desktop. The laptop has the added advantage of portability that lets traditional office work be done in non-traditional settings, including client and vendor sites, home or even the local coffee shop.

10. Scanners are essential for today's green environment. Scanners allow permanent recording of documents, reduce the need for physical storage, and can substitute as a makeshift photocopier. Entry-level scanners are available in the $100-$150 range and will serve most day-to-day purposes. 

Outfitting your business with these conveniences is not as expensive as you might think; each can provide a boost to employee satisfaction and productivity, reduce storage space, enhance client service and ensure the security of data.