Comments on: I Am Not Your Company’s Computer Guy

By: SEO München

SEO München — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 10:05:20 +0000

You're definitely right steve, I also know how to fix my computer but there are times when I can't handle the problem anymore so I ran into a professional IT to solve it. It's just like the saying "you can't serve two masters" If you think you're a good IT and Web Developer.. think again because there maybe things you are missing.

By: Steve Diamond

Steve Diamond — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 19:58:37 +0000

I think the kindest reply I can make to your comment is that there's an enormous difference between a talented amateur and a qualified professional.

I've seen the results when amateurs create websites. Even when they look nice (which is rare) they're often vulnerable to hacking because the amateur doesn't know how to protect them. See Anthony Taylor's comment about security, above. And even professionals have been known to create software that's full of bugs, easy to hack, and fails to do what it's supposed to. See some of my other posts here for details.

So I can't agree with you. A real IT expert isn't just someone who knows how to troubleshoot his or her home computer. There's much more to IT.

By: Forensic Engineers

Forensic Engineers — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 18:54:07 +0000

I think most people can be IT experts and not even know it. If you are familiar with working on your computer from home and troubleshooting problems you may have a career in IT without even realizing it.

By: anthony taylor

anthony taylor — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:49:00 +0000

These same companies are quite the easy target for covert spying against all types of hacking, etc… There aren't any safeguards to ensure that the company wouldn't take a heavy financial loss,That's why it's so important for them to recognize the importance of qualified IT executive oversight,It's interesting on how they just pass the buck !!!!

By: Steve Diamond

Steve Diamond — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 06:21:42 +0000

Good points. Part of the difficulty is that IT has traditionally been part of Finance in large corporations and has been considered an expense, a cost center, rather than a crucial strategic asset. Progressive companies and CIOs have been working to change this reactionary view for a long time. But there's much more work to be done.

Smaller businesses may inherit some of the outmoded views, but they also can potentially be much more flexible. That's why it's so important for them to recognize the importance of qualified IT executive oversight, realize when they don't have it, and hire it when they need it. Bringing in an interim CIO or part-time IT Director as needed for larger projects and periodically for assessments is a wise and cost-effective option. As you point out, regular security audits are mandatory.

By: Winfield'er

Winfield'er — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 05:34:27 +0000

Does it really take a rocket scientist to realize that trying to save money this way actually ends up costing a company considerably? An entire company, it's employees, and every penny of it's finances are only as good as the weakest link.

One would be quite suprised to learn of how many of some of the largest and most powerful companies are attempting to run on a shorestring IT budget. These same companies are quite the easy target for covert spying against them (by another company or even country) all types of hacking, etc… There aren't any safeguards to ensure that the company wouldn't take a heavy financial loss; or even be completely cleaned out.

Once properly discovered it would be too late. The laws in a majorty of areas simply haven't kept up with computer security issues.

One of the most suprising issues about this is the insurance companies which are supposed to be protecting these companies. It's interesting on how they just pass along a blank check in literally any amount when something goes wrong due to lack of proper oversight.

By: Steve

Steve — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:46:29 +0000

Thanks for your comment, James. I see this kind of scenario too, and I think it’s a real shame.

Many small and medium business owners and executives simply have no training in and no knowledge of proper procurement practices for acquiring technology. What’s even worse, they don’t know that they don’t know. That’s why it’s so easy for them to be seduced by the first credible salesperson who comes along.

It’s also why I sometimes seem to face an uphill struggle to educate companies about why they need to hire someone like me to help with such acquisitions. After one project, the light inevitably dawns.

By: James

James — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 22:32:50 +0000

An even worse case is when a decision is made only on recommendation by a vendor’s salesmen without checking with those that have any idea if the solution is good or not.
I recently saw a company switch to design software against the recommendation of the chief designer. The new software is far inferior to the software they used before and does not even work completely. The software also does not add the features, statistics, or central management that was expected either. Now that same management is being sold on further software from the same company that they don’t even plan to have available till 4th quarter 2011. They currently are showing artist renditions of what it will look like.
Vaporware and good marketing will get you everywhere.