Tech issues cause small businesses big problems

6/20/2011

With small business owners slowly gaining easier access to commercial loans, many companies are contemplating whether they should upgrade their computers and technology. As a recent report from Office Depot observed, many entrepreneurs are struggling with technology issues, stemming from outdated computers and software.

Three-quarters of respondents (75 percent) said they have had their computers repaired at one point or another. The issues were largely split - 43 percent had a run-in with a virus or malware, while 40 percent experiences difficulties with malfunctioning hardware.

These outages proved to be hindrances, with 48 percent of respondents experiencing two or three day waiting periods before they had their computers returned to them. "These latest survey results indicate a need for a knowledgeable and reliable resource for small business technology needs,” said Randy Wick, vice president of merchandising for Office Depot.

With entrepreneurs trying to make due with as little as possible, technology failures need to be avoided at all costs. Investments in new computer systems and software should be a priority to maximize time.