Technology is developing at a faster rate than ever before. It takes constant vigilance and determination to remain educated about all the changes occurring each day. Even with the easy-to-use products offered by Apple and the automatic software updates available, it can seem like an overwhelming task to stay up-to-date.

You know you want the most efficient tools for your business. But how do you decide when and what should be updated, upgraded or added to your current infrastructure? Unless you have your own IT staff, you may feel unprepared to make these choices on your own.

Members of the Apple Solution Experts programme can advise you on the right technology for your business. They can assess your current technology infrastructure and determine what changes would help increase your productivity. Hiring an expert in Apple technology will give you peace of mind that you are investing in the future of your business.

Whether you’d like to update your hardware, share printers, incorporate a back-up system, move to Mac OS X, or update your network to support mixed-platforms, members of the Apple Solution Experts programme are trained and certified in the Apple technologies required to help keep your office running smoothly and efficiently.

Choose the expert that’s right for you, from the wide range of Apple Solution Expert members located across the country. Members have years of experience, expert qualifications and comprehensive skill-sets, enabling them to create customised Apple solutions that fit both your business and your budget.

Step 1: Determine your needs, audience and budget
Before you even think about updating your office, you need to understand the strengths and weaknesses of your current set-up. Is your technology helping or hindering your efficiency? Is there room for your business to grow within your current configuration? Do you need a more flexible working environment with mobile and wireless solutions? How often are you having to wrestle with your tools, rather than simply use them to accomplish your objectives? Apple Solution Experts are experienced in identifying efficiency gaps and making recommendations on how to solve those challenges with ease and cost-effectiveness.

Next, decide how much you are willing to invest in updating your office. You may have a certain amount to spend in the short term, while also incorporating technology upgrades more heavily into your future budget. Remember, investing wisely on technical efficiency can save you time and money if the result is stable, fast and effective technology with long-lasting usability.

Step 2: Determine the elements of your solution
Once you’ve determined your needs and budget, think about your overall business goals. In what ways do you envision your business thriving, and how soon do you expect that growth to be achieved? If you expect more production demands or increased staff, updating your office will include modifying your hardware and software configurations.

Depending on your type of business, you may want to increase your mobility options with MacBooks for mobile computing, Airport Extreme for wireless networking, and .Mac services for remote file transfers and storage. In order to promote your business, you may decide to invest in advanced Internet services or even an Xserve, for serving your own Web site and network. If your business future includes a growing staff, you’ll need additional equipment such as Mac Pros, Cinema Displays and iMacs. In addition, making sure all your computers are running the latest version of Mac OS X is integral to maintaining an updated office.

No matter what solution you decide to implement, Apple Solution Expert members can provide the recommendations, training, and set-up required to improve your productivity — now and in the future.

Step 3: Implement the solution to update your office
With a member of the Apple Solution Experts programme helping to update your office, you can be confident that your efforts are directed at the most effective and cost efficient technology available. Once you have decided on a solution, an Apple Solution Expert member can help implement that solution, while insuring your technology remains accessible and your business remains productive.

Members can work within your schedule to set-up new servers, computers and printers, as well as install new software and upgrade your current applications. Once your updated tools are in place, members of the Apple Solution Experts programme can provide the necessary training and support to ensure you get the most out of your updated office.

Step 4: Obtain ongoing support and maintenance
Members of the Apple Solution Experts programme can design customised solutions for updating your office that include plans for easy maintenance and continued upgrades as your business grows and changes. Because your relationship with a member of the Apple Solution Experts programme is ongoing, you can incorporate their expertise into your ongoing plans to keep your office up-to-date.