Create your 1st infoemation technology system
 

If you're starting a new business or you feel that you can benefit from introducing IT and e-commerce systems to your business, ensure the solutions you choose suit your needs now and can be adapted and extended where necessary in the future.

If you haven't built an IT system before, start by assessing your business needs. For advice on how you can ensure that you get real benefits from the introduction of IT, see our guide on how to get the most from IT in your business.

Your IT system will be made up of hardware and software. There is a range of hardware from PCs and servers to network equipment, scanners and printers. The types of hardware you need will depend on what benefits you want your IT system to achieve. To find out more about the types of equipment you can buy or lease and how to maintain them, see our guide on computer hardware: the basics.
Your hardware will be more effective if you have the right software for your needs. Decide whether you want an off-the-shelf software solution or a system designed specifically for your needs. For help finding the software packages that are most likely to boost your efficiency, see our guides on computer software: the basics and open source software.


If you want greater flexibility, cloud computing provides businesses with a way of managing data, hardware and software requirements by using resources on the internet. Documents, emails, customer information, business applications and other assets can all be stored online - 'in the cloud'. This makes them accessible from any computer or mobile device with an internet connection and web browser. See our guide on cloud computing.

As your use of computer systems increases over time, you could take advantage of networking to share the cost of peripherals such as printers and provide access to shared data. To find out more about the different networking options, see our guide on computer networks: the basics.

If you haven't used IT systems in your business before, you will probably be moving from paper-based systems to electronic processes.

Computerised accountancy systems are very common applications for new or developing businesses. To find practical advice on choosing the right package and making the switch, see our guide on accounting software.

You need to ensure that your staff are paid accurately and on time. Payroll software systems are common applications that can help speed up the process of producing timely, accurate pay calculations and payments. For guidance on choosing the right payroll package, see our guide on payroll software.