IT Systems and lemons

I have recently finished a small consulting job for a well known advertising agency in South Africa. Under some fresh leadership the one thing they knew they had to look at was their IT infrastructure.



My mandate was something like "Matthew, I am reviewing my IT network. I think I am being sold a a lemon. Can you help?"

Of course I said yes.

So, where to start?

The company I was due to consult for was quite well known, if you don't know them you will know their brands. I had my own image to keep so had to go in with 2 ears, 2 eyes and only 1 mouth.

The company had an IT system of sorts and was useable. But it was a system grown over years and had poor interfacing of tools.

The solution or answer is NOT to replace the system. This would be expensive and really not necessary. Many IT companies do not see this theyt simply see money to be made.

So, why is it worthwhile getting in someone for a system evaluation?

Independent advice is and should be exactly what it is - INDEPENDENT. The adivice given should be and will be such that it saves the end user in the long run and gives them a plan to work to. Brand Names are not used unless only a brand name does a partucular job - this is rare!

The advice will be English not Jargon. The advice will be easy to understand. The advice will make sense.



So. If you are concerned about what your computer support company is supplying you then look for an independent consultant. The consultant will not provide you solutions but give you information that gives you the upper hand.

In south africa I am open to calls. There are many like me around the world. Ask me and I'll point you in the right direction.