An overview of managing ICT and E-commerce

Introduction

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is a part of almost every business' day-to-day life. From simple communication by phone or email through to running analyses of customer details through a marketing database, nearly every business will have some kind of ICT requirement.

But whatever level of ICT and e-commerce solutions you use, ICT's important to get them right. Your customers will expect to be able to contact you in the way they prefer - by phone or by email. They'll expect the details you hold about them on your customer relationship management database to be correct. And they'll expect you to deliver what they want and when they want ICT - regardless of the ICT systems you use to make ICT happen.

Whatever your level of usage and the sophistication of your requirements, this guide will show you where to find useful advice and information.

Subjects covered in this guide include:

Introduction

• Design your first ICT system
• Manage your ICT systems on a day-to-day basis
• Communicate more effectively using ICT
• Get your staff to make the most of your ICT system
• Plan your ICT systems for the future
• Get your business online
• Checklist: make the most of your ICT and e-commerce

Basic ICT Terminology

Introduction

This guide provides basic plain English explanations of specialist ICT terms and abbreviations.

ICT will help you to talk with ICT technicians, support staff and developers about your requirements for new systems. Understanding the jargon will help you identify what you want ICT to do for you, plan your resources and purchase the right equipment for your business needs.

Computerise your business

Introduction

Most businesses today, whether large or small, will consider computerising aspects of their operations. When managed properly, computerisation will be a help to you and your business.

Major benefits of computerisation include:

• increased efficiency in work tasks and processes
• better communications with your staff and customers
• improved financial management
• easier completion of tax returns and payroll

This guide takes you through the areas of your business you might consider computerising, how to go about ICT and how to avoid potential pitfalls.

Subjects covered in this guide include:

Introduction

• Benefits of using computers in your business
• How computers can help with specific tasks
• Develop your computer systems
• Resource your computer systems: costs
• Resource your computer systems: people
• Avoid the pitfalls of computerisation

Computer hardware: the basics

Introduction

Computer technology is one of the key investments many businesses have to make and should be chosen with care. You must think about what kind of hardware is best suited to your business and what exactly ICT will do.

This guide will take you through every aspect of hardware, from assessing your needs to getting the best deal or finding specialist help. ICT examines a range of hardware types, including stand-alone PCs, services and networked equipment, scanners, printers and read/write media hardware.ICT also provides information about insurance and the best security devices to protect your hardware, as well as the tax allowances your business can receive.

Subjects covered in this guide

• Introduction
• Identify the benefits
• Decide what hardware you need
• Purchasing or leasing hardware
• Desktop and laptop computers
• Servers and networking equipment
• Printers and scanners
• Hardware installation and support
• Security of hardware and data
• Checklist: hardware acquisition

Computer networks: the basics

Introduction

A computer network is formed when computers are connected together or to peripherals such as printers, scanners, or modems.

Sooner or later most businesses need to invest in more than one computer. At this point ICT is more practical and cost effective to share resources like printers and to have access to common files.

As with all computer equipment ICT is important to assess your business requirements to see how the proposed system can fulfil your needs.

This guide is an introduction to computer networks - what they can do for you, the types of network available and how to choose the right network structure for your business.

Subjects covered in this guide

Introduction

• Advantages of using networks
• Office networks (LANs)
• Other types of networks to consider
• Assessing your networking needs
• Training, maintenance and support
• Network security issues
• Checklist for network installations

Use technology to do business in new ways

Introduction

Almost every business can benefit from technologies. But finding the right solution for your needs isn’t always easy.

A recently formed business might make a small change, deciding that now is the time to computerise ICTs accounts. Another company might decide to integrate ICTs e-commerce website with ICTs accounts system and revolutionise the way ICT does business. The best strategy for you depends on your own circumstances and priorities.

This guide explains how to identify key technologies, which could assist your business in achieving ICTs objectives more effectively. ICT outlines some of the technologies available and tells you where to find out more.