This monthLinking it all together
Hardware/Software Standards:
Most small businesses have standardised on the IBM PC and Windows-based software. There are also widely used standards for linking PCs together and transferring data between software packages.

Integrated Software Suites
typically include a word-processor, spreadsheet, database, graphics and external communications. All the modules are designed to work together and share data. A Local Area Network: enables you to connect your PCs together so that you can transfer files between them, share printers etc., and send each other messages.
In the early days of PCs every computer and every software package was an island. Each one was impressive in its own way, but transferring data between them was often torturous and error-prone. Floppy disks were of different sizes and types, spreadsheet data was unreadable to word-processors and sharing a printer between computers involved unplugging and re-plugging. It was a nightmare.
Much of the value of preparing information was lost because it was so difficult to pass it on to other people inside or outside the business. There have been three major advances since then - hardware/software standards, integrated software suites, and local area networks. Most work perfectly (most of the time), enabling you to transfer information quickly and easily. There are several implications for you and your businesses.

Buying Hardware: Most small business PCs are now either IBM® PC or Macintosh® compatible, so there's no real problem. PC-compatibles are probably best unless the 'Mac' is widely used in your industry.
Buying Software: Windows based packages, which easily share data and are designed to work together (e.g. Microsoft Office), are a good choice. Again - find out what is normally used in your industry, or by the people you will be sharing data with.
Linking Computers: You can achieve a lot by transferring data on floppy discs, but if you want to share data, printers, or other peripherals you need a 'local area network', for instance using Windows NT.
Case Studies
Ross Brooke have connected their PCs together (using Windows NT) so that all staff can access Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and their administration package. They make extensive use of spreadsheets, for instance for the preparation of accounts, tax calculations, and tax saving modelling for clients. All files are stored on a central 'file server' and they can call a document up onto their PC screen in a few seconds when a client calls. This gives impressively fast service and reduces the necessity to keep extensive paper records. They found it very easy to set up the network, and it has operated almost faultlessly since installation.Case Study:

Ross Brooke

Newbury, Berks

Business: Chartered Accountants

Staff: 25 PCs: 25
The system is entirely transparent - i.e. the users need no special skills or knowledge. It has enabled them to improve customer service, cut overhead costs and increase their competitiveness.Good News
The manuals were too time-consuming and technically detailed to use. However they found a colleague who knew about mail-merge and taught them to use it within an hour.Bad News
B&S Design are a small design business (they designed this booklet). A few years ago, when they were still rather new and fragile, they realised that they had to make more use of computers. The problem was that the Macintosh computers that were widely used in the design industry were then very expensive. After agonising over the decision, and discussing the options with their Bank Manager, they opted for IBM compatible computers which were much cheaper. This was really the only feasible choice at the time. Although this enabled them to improve the quality of output, they had all kinds of problems transferring files to the printing businesses they worked with and to/from other design businesses. There were also very few people using IBM PCs in the way they were with whom to share experiences and problems. Case Study:

B&S Design

Sunderland City

Business: Graphic Designers

Staff: 4 PCs: 5
Over the last few years the programmes available for the IMB PC and the Macintosh have included much better ways to exchange files of data.Good News
By choosing a route that was unusual for their industry, they caused themselves a lot of extra hassle. It was a big risk. Fortunately it paid off in this case.Bad News