Technology is cutting costs and boosting productivity in almost every aspect of business life. If you're looking for IT solutions to solve your business challenges or want advice on commissioning and maintaining the whole range of Microsoft solutions, the "Ask the Experts" team are on hand to help.
Whether your business priority is compliance or security, reaching new markets or ensuring business continuity, we know that technology challenges are business challenges first and foremost. So let us help you make the right IT decisions first time.
If you have a question that you would like to put before the panel simply email us at askexp@microsoft.com, and include your first name and contact details.
Question: Several of our employees are asking me about smartphones so they can access emails and calendars remotely. I’m keen to support them because I’m confident it’s going to mean productivity gains for us as a company, and it’s also demonstrating our flexible working commitment. But I don’t really know what’s best, or how it’s going to affect our IT infrastructure. - Jonathan
Steve says: The fact that your staff are asking for smartphones is a good sign - it shows they are keen to increase their efficiency. Smartphones are a brilliant idea - just as long as you have control over them...
Question: We’re a distributor of electronic components. We don’t deal with the general public and we only serve the South of England, but we have plenty of suppliers. Can IT really shave off supply chain costs, and if so, what processes yield best value results? - James
Simon says: As we seemingly head towards a recession, cost reduction and business agility are back on the agenda for many companies, so your question is very timely. And yes, IT certainly has a contribution to make. Many retailers and manufacturers are already overhauling their supply chain processes in an effort to save money...
Question: I want to propose an upgrade to Windows Vista to our MD and FD and I need to put together a business justification case. How can I check whether our current IT infrastructure is suitable? What problems am I likely to run into? I’ve heard stories of problems with compatibility and drivers and I’m obviously keen to prevent these happening. - Simon
John says: There are lots of good reasons for encouraging your MD and FD to upgrade your organisation to Windows Vista. Many IT directors have been asking us similar questions in recent months and I’m pleased to say our advice...
Ask the Experts is not a technical support service. If you have a technical issue which needs urgent resolution please go to our Contact Us page where you will find the relevant assistance for Product help and support queries.
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Steve Reynolds
Simon Fahie
John Curran
