Scant mention of Microsoft on Google's guide for small businesses
Most start-ups don’t need hugely sophisticated IT. Typically, a mid-range desktop PC (ie computer, monitor, keyboard, mouse, basic office software) is sufficient. For a reliable solution, budget for £500-£600 and maybe £80 for a printer. A reasonable laptop will cost £400-£500. Specialist software provides additional cost. If you’re concerned with how stylish your PC looks or want a cutting edge model, then you’ll have to pay for it, but you need to consider the impact it will have on your start-up budget.
Er, how about, different versions of Windows Vista? Or how about a mention of the Apple Mac maybe, just for balance? Nope, this guide just hates mentioning Google competitors.
What is even odder is that where it mentions, for instance, speadsheets it says “even Microsoft Excel” but then doesn’t mention Google Docs.
“Basic accounting software is more affordable than ever (budget £100-£180 inc VAT) and many deals come with free support. You could even set up a few simple pages in popular spreadsheet software, such as Microsoft Excel.”
The guide, written by agency BHP Info Solutions has done their ‘let’s make this as plain and obvious as possible’ job almost too well. Here’s their advice on researching a PC purchase:
“The cheapest IT deals are usually to be found online, but finding them could be a problem if you don’t have internet access.” [Our emphasis]
Yes, indeed, that could well be a problem. So how did the reader find Startupdonut.co.uk in the first place ? Ah, on their Android phone I guess.