Most businesses look for an operating system (OS) that accommodates their budget, and increases productivity and workflow. Choosing the right OS for your organisation requires careful consideration as to what will suit your budget and the type of company you run. Here are five points to consider when upgrading or changing your business's OS:
1 Consider your current operating system, if you have one, and how it's contributed to your business's productivity.
Sometimes we make poor choices for our businesses because of small budgets or because we're unaware of our options. Make a note of the pros and cons of your current office operating system, if you have one at all. Consider how the operating system has worked for the time period you've had it, as well as the money spent on maintenance and support.
2 Do you simply need an upgrade in software or do you need a complete change in both hardware and software?
Sometimes an operating system may give you trouble because it's outdated or the system is corrupted. At the moment, there are three chief operating systems used universally, namely Windows, Linux and, of course, Apple. Apple OSX Lion is a great option for companies with a healthy budget, as it provides its users with a user-friendly interface and tends not to present as many problems as an ordinary PC. Windows 8 works excellently in most small- to medium-businesses, but it does have its fair share of issues, many of which may have your employees shouting at their computers to work faster. Linux is an open source operating system. It doesn't come with the support provided by the other two, so you may end up spending more of your budget on support services, which will also interrupt your workflow.
3 Consult your employees and allow them to contribute to the decision.
An office with Apple Macs looks like an office from the future, whereas offices with old hunch back PCs can either look retro or out of date, but your operating system needs to remain a step ahead and always be up to date in terms of software and hardware. Many interior decorators will agree that an office environment that looks good increases productivity, so consider what kind of PCs or Macs are best suited for your business. Your employees will play a crucial role as your reach your final decision on the ideal OS for your business.
4 Does the operating system need to run across different mobile devices, such as smartphones, tablet PCs, and laptops, etc.?
Some companies are tied down to an office while others may have people who work both in and out of the office. Most operating systems are available for employers and employees to use on other devices, such as smartphones, tablet PCs and laptops. Your IT specialist should be able to advise you in this regard, but it is also crucial to ensure that your choice in an OS goes hand-in-hand with your business's vision and mission. For instance, most NGOs will use Linux because it is open source, and most design companies will use Apple because it's known for being a quality OS if you work with images.
5 Stay in the loop when it comes to technology!
Stay abreast with changes happening in technology. You need to know what gadgets are becoming popular, but you also consider which ones are suited for your company's needs. The internet has plenty of resources which bring you news of innovative developments, and which help you get the best out of your operating system.
Vuyo Seripe writes for a business software company which offers powerful ERP solutions to help businesses make the most of their operating systems and optimise their business processes.
