Ask an Expert: Alternatives to that pricey tech purchase

— -- Q: Unfortunately, it seems like it is time for our company to invest in a new computer system. I know I am supposed to be frugal right now, but we need what we need. Can you offer any help on saving or otherwise doing it right? We made an expensive mistake buying some wrong stuff last time and I don't want a repeat of that. — Jessie

A: I think the first thing you have to consider when making an investment in IT for your small business is the purpose of the system. The answer may not be as simple as it might seem at first blush.

You may think that you need new computers to better handle your increasingly mobile workforce, for instance, and that is a good answer. But I would like to suggest that it also may be short-sighted.

Businesses use IT for two different things. The first is internal – your computer system must integrate and facilitate communications between your employees and teams. Secondly, externally, your system needs to help you market and sell your business and assist your communications with customers.

That means you may need a system and software more powerful than you may realize.

What you probably want are PCs and servers that are optimized for small business, that offer "always on" connectivity, that maintain top performance, possibly even VoIP, and something that will allow you to have a robust Internet presence.

Which begs the initial question: How can you afford to get what you need, and maybe what you want as well?

Here are a few ideas:

1. Consider an upgrade or tune up:If money is really tight, you can extend the life of your current system for a few hundred dollars or less.

2. Buy more memory:Along the lines of No. 1, increased hard drive capacity, either internal or as an external hard drive, can help speed up and un-clutter almost any system.

3. Go green:If purchasing a new system, buying one that is highly energy efficient can save you substantial sums on your energy bill. Flat screen monitors, Energy Star systems, and so on will help you, as well as the rest of us.