So it seems that there's more to consider than you might think when it comes to making an informed decision about what is often an expensive and time-consuming expediture. But if the benefits of IT didn't significantly outweigh the cost and effort, why then do almost all ventures use IT in some form or other?

Speaking as a professional, I have sadly seen all too many small to medium-sized enterprises which were struggling badly with misguided IT...

...which in 100% of cases was taking cash out of the bank!

Until a firm reaches the tipping point of being able to engage full time in-house IT personnel they run the risk of falling into the same trap. So whether you are about to start a new venture, or already established, it can pay handsomly to ask a few probing questions and get the right guidance. And in the process you may well find you can save a good deal of hard-earned cash and make life a lot easier!