8 Ways Technology News Can Boost Your Bottom Line

But First: Is Technology News Bad for Your Health?

Ever hear of analysis paralysis? If you're buying business software, it's all too easy to find yourself buried under a mountain of glitzy IT white papers, software information brochures, and computer technology pamphlets. The end result: you've got so much conflicting information you may as well flip a coin, as far as software selection goes.

Technology news may not be bad for your health, but trying to sort through it all just might drive you crazy. And that won't help you keep your business ahead.

That's why you need a reliable source of business technology information, delivered by impartial analysts and industry journalists who understand how to strike the right balance between too much information technology news and none at all.

Technology News Benefit #8

Keep your options open.

The first benefit of keeping abreast of IT technology news: it's amazing how often you find something when you're not looking for it. If you're working on a business software selection project, you may already have a long list of enterprise software applications in mind. However, by keeping tabs on business technology news, you also find out about business technology you might never have considered otherwise. Those diamonds in the rough can end up saving your business tens of thousands in software selection and implementation costs. More options means a better chance of choosing the right solution. Don't close that door.

Technology News Benefit #7

Save time.

Too busy to read through a stack of technology news articles? Don't forget technology podcasts—frank, comprehensive discussions of the latest technologies and tech issues, in a format you can absorb while you right-size your up-time. You can even listen to podcasts while performing other tasks, such as checking your e-mail first thing in the morning, or eating your lunch. Make your technology research the easy part of your day.

Technology News Benefit #6

Get the low-down from independent sources.

You know, there's only one item that should be on your to-do list. It's called due diligence. You gather and verify information before performing other aspects of your business process. So why should things be any different when it comes to technology news and the software selection process? Let's say you've got a particular business software seller in mind. If you want an accurate picture of its product development roadmap and long-term vision, you should corroborate marketing collateral with in-depth information from unbiased sources. You need to identify your risks involved in any transaction—including those that take place between you and business software vendors.

Technology News Benefit #5

Stay informed.

Too many software vendors assume you know exactly what they're talking about when they refer to the latest tech trends. The truth is, you probably don't. After all, your job is not to keep up with new trends in technical jargon, buzzwords, and iMumbo and iJumbo. Demystify computer technology with tutorials, how-to guides, checklists, and clear explanations of the technologies that matter to you. So that when you really need to know what's what in the latest technology developments, you won't be left in the dust.

Technology News Benefit #4

Get the bad news—before it happens to you.

If you think software vendors are eagerly waiting to share their most spectacular failures with you, I'd like to invite you to lunch. Bring your wallet and all your valuables, too. Just because one vendor's software implementation was a disaster, however, doesn't mean you should rule that vendor out. But you should certainly know about it before you get to the just-sign-right-here stage. Impartial sources are your best bet for knowing how to avoid becoming just another software selection sucker.

Technology News Benefit #3

Get all sides of the story.

Just as you should have more than one business software application on your shortlist, you should also get more than one expert perspective. When it comes to outsourcing, for instance, you may have already formed your own opinion. But have you heard the latest developments in India technology news? Nascent trends in such outsourcing hotbeds can dramatically change your outlook and provide you with insight you would never have obtained otherwise.

Remember that kid at the back of the classroom who never knew what was going on? The confused one who never knew where his homework had gotten to? Don't be that kid.

Technology News Benefit #2

Compete.

What are your competitors up to? Find out, with recent technology case studies (AKA "competitive intelligence"). Remember: case studies are usually developed as marketing collateral, and are and excellent way to find out about the technologies your competitors are satisfied with.

Case studies are also vital at the shortlist stage of the software selection process, when you need to obtain reference information on how particular business software sellers address the technological problems and challenges specific to your industry.

Technology News Benefit #1

Demystify the buzz.

Keeping tabs on business and technology news helps you stay current on the latest developments in the world of business software, but you should know how to distinguish new products from new packaging. Don't believe the hype—and above all, don't fall for clever advertising campaigns that dress up last year's products in next season's jargon. Get the unadulterated facts, not fabricated marketing ploys.

About Technology Evaluation Centers (TEC)

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