No matter what industry you work in, what your annual turn over, or how many staff you employ, if you run a small business it is likely that you rely on IT to make it happen. But how effectively are you using your IT resources, how well are they working for you and can you save valuable time or money by approaching your IT resources and strategies differently? With the right small business IT support or a good IT consultant it is amazing how much more effectively a small business can operate.

Why is Small Business IT Support so important?
If the objective of your small business is to make a profit, then best practice IT solutions are absolutely necessary. In such a competitive business world and with consumers relying more and more on IT for information and shopping, it’s integral that you, as a small business operator, stay ahead of the IT game.

IT consultants or Small business IT support companies such as Melbourne’s Intellekt and Harbour IT offer small businesses a number of day to day and long term IT advantages including:

• Financial savings- no need for an IT department or IT staff and far less chance of recurring IT concerns
• Customized IT solutions- A good IT consultant will be able to identify where and how you should best invest in your IT to maximize profitability and efficiency
• Readily available expert advise- most IT consultancies offer both onsite and remote support, ensuring that downtime is reduced to an absolute minimum
• Time savings - in business, time is money- the time you don’t spend on your IT maintenance and issues is time you can spend developing your business

What can IT consultants do for my business?
Small business IT support can include but is not limited to:

• Computer installation and repairs
• Software and hardware advise and installation
• IT Security
• Back Up and Data Recovery
• Virus protection
• Email Spam Filtering
• Network Design and Upgrade

How to find the best Small Business IT support and IT consultants:
If you are considering outsourcing your IT requirements, then it’s important that you find IT consultants that specialize in small to medium sized businesses such as Intellekt and Harbor IT. This way, you’ll be sure to be working with professionals who know and understand how your business operates and will not be competing with larger companies that tend to monopolize the time and resources allocated for IT support in some IT consultancies. Remember, investing in IT support is investing is success.

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Outdated point of sale systems that are difficult to customise and use can make the easiest task laborious, complicated and time-consuming. Time spent on a frustrating machine is time lost on valuable customers or other important tasks. Make the switch to Sorento’s retail POS systems and you’ll save on staff training, confusing mix-ups, and up your focus on efficient customer service, whatever industry you’re in.

www.sorentosystems.com.au is the place to start when thinking about installing a new retail POS system for any place that thrives on transactions – bars, restaurants, hotels, casinos, clothing stores, supermarkets and more. You’ll find useful information in simple terms on the key features of Sorento POS software, and how that will benefit your business. Read and discover how all your POS operations can be improved. Flexible ordering modes and a reliable system that’ll run offline and update automatically when your server crashes are just some of the features that you and your staff will appreciate.

For more information, visit www.sorentosystems.com.au to read about the full features of their retail POS systems that extends to stock, staff management, security, and more. With easy to use and manage systems that are affordable, accurate and secure, you can’t go wrong with Sorento’s POS systems.

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Co location hosting refers to a server that is located at a dedicated facility with the necessary resources to house the server. Some of these resources can include a cage for security, regulated power, dedicated internet connection and support. This enables you to securely house your hardware and equipment out of the way of potential threats of fire, theft, vandalism or natural disasters.

Choosing to use co location hosting allows you to know your hardware is safe and you can choose a facility that offers the support you desire. Co location hosting is an extremely enticing option because it enables you to access better facilities and features such as video surveillance and high bandwidth.
There are many advantages to co location hosting. These include:
•    Everything is fully customisable
•    The server is stored in a secure location
•    Large amount of storage space
•    Increased flexibility
•    Better performance because you determine the hardware specs.
•    Savings on overall hosting costs
•    More control over web server administration
•    Ability to use existing hardware
•    Decreased dependence on external customer support services, as most administration and maintenance can be performed through remote administration
However, while there are many advantages, there are also disadvantages to co location hosting. This list is considerably smaller and includes the need to purchase and maintain your own equipment and it is also an expensive option.
So, it is important to make sure you investigate your options before you decide on co location hosting. It can be a great business decision, but with every investment there is a cost. It is recommended for large traffic websites as they need a lot more resources and can benefit more from co location hosting.

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International domain names are a more specific type of domain name and can be accessed from anywhere in the world. Therefore, it does not contain a geographical classification on the end, such as .au or .ca.
International domain names only consist of connections like .org, .com, .gov, .edu, .id and .net. They are still used for the same purpose as domain names, but they have a wider reach,
International domain names are great for businesses that want to reach a worldwide audience. There is no limit to your scope with an international domain name.  They are most commonly used for companies, organisations and departments that have outlets and are located within different countries. If you think your product or service could be targeted at a worldwide audience an international domain name is the way to go.
This is a great chance to adapt your service to a larger audience and use online facilities to increase your business success. Or even if you aren’t running a business, but are creating a website that you think all internet users around the world can find useful, use an international domain name to increase your hits and extend the flow of information.
Advertisers would also be more interested in a website that has international reach. If your website is able to target more consumers, than that means their advertising is too. In summary, international domain names can significantly increase your reach and potential audience. You can provide a service to the world and build your success through your website.
Most importantly, with any domain name, you should make it search engine friendly. Your domain name should be clear and simple to allow the search engine and people searching find your website faster and first.

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There are plenty of websites on the internet offering cheap domain registration. Of course there are things you need to look out for and understand when registering your domain name.
First of all you should always do your research and find something that best suits your needs. While you might get cheap domain registration, you may not receive everything you need to complete the process and set up your website properly.
Some companies that offer cheap domain registration may not allow you to transfer a domain name over or to another, which would mean if you were unsatisfied with the service or just wanted to change to another company you couldn’t. This then causes a problem with registration as you’ll have to stay with them unless you let your domain name expire or wait six months to register it as a new domain.
There are a lot of options you can consider for your domain registration. There are companies worldwide that can provide cheap domain registration, but then you need to factor in conversion rates. Some websites may offer a price for a certain amount of time, such as $25 for two years, while others may only offer a one year registration. Again, it is going to depend on what your business requires, and how often you want to renew your registration.
The most important thing to consider is what is best for you. While the cheapest may not be the best, you will be able to find cheap domain registration that allows you to run your website to the standard that you want. When searching for cheap domain registration keep in mind what your website requires and what you’re looking for. Don’t just get excited by the first one and jump for that offer. Look at a few and compare and contrast your options.

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There are many important things to consider when thinking about domain registration. Your domain name must be relevant to your site, so for example you can only register a .com or .net domain name if you are a commercial business or body. It also needs to be unique but still memorable for your clients and customers.
Domain registration is completed through a domain registrar, which is any organisation that requests domain names on behalf of the person wishing to register a domain name. .com, .net and .org domain names must be submitted through a registrar and must accompany a business number, whereas others don’t need this proof.
A domain registry is responsible for the administration and maintenance of domain names on a domain database. This is where people requesting or changing a domain name go to for domain registration.
Although it may seem hard, domain registration is actually quite simple. You need a unique name that identifies your website and will attract an audience and you need to choose what domain extension is right for you. There are a lot of choices so some initial research is a good idea.
Some examples include:
•    .gov – Government organisation or department
•    .com – a commercial organisation with worldwide internet reach
•    .com.au – a commercial organisation with only Australian reach
•    .edu – an educational department or facility
•    .org – a charity or not for profit organisation
There are so many to choose from, but the one you need depends on what your company is and what you aim to do. Always keep in mind that your domain name must attract your audience, and so try to make it too long or too different. The ultimate goal is to get people to visit your site not get lost in the meantime.

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A domain name is the name used for a collection of network devices that belong to a domain which is managed within a common administrative boundary.
Domain names identify specific sites on the internet. The computer then translates a domain name into an IP address. Each owner of a domain name is given exclusive use and the authority to the name space. However, domain names can be sold and then be used by someone else. But as long as you pay the yearly renewal fee and abide by the terms of use, the domain name is yours to keep.
Domain names should be easy to remember and meaningful to help internet users find what they are looking for. Considering an IP address is a series of numbers it would be difficult for us to remember the websites that we access frequently. Using domain names we are able to make a connection with the site and remember more websites.
They are used in different contexts for identification, reference, and access to Internet resources. They can be a part of web site URL’s, e-mail addresses after the @ sign. In basic terms it is the method used to access a device in an IP network.
All domain names are unique and there is a different one for each website. So, when you type in a web address it is the identifying part in the middle, for example ROI’s domain names is www.roi.com.au. There are three parts to a domain name which are separated by full stops in the address. So if you see a site that has .gov, it means it’s a government website, or .edu means it is an educational website. This is just another way of identifying a website.
So you will realise that domain names are a very important and effective tool in helping internet users identify websites.

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Email marketing can often be mistaken for spam. To ensure your important email marketing campaigns aren’t going unnoticed, here are some tips on how to improve your success rate.
If you received an email with an uninteresting subject line that was not relevant to you, would you open it? Probably not, and so one solution to getting customers to click through to read your emails is to make the subject line exciting and attention-grabbing. It is also a good idea to make your first three lines eye-catching so that your customers want to read on. You don’t just want your customers to open your email, read the first line., get bored and delete it, do you?
It’s important to personalise your email marketing campaigns to give customers more reason to open your emails. This will get their attention more quickly and increase your opening rate.
Imagine organising an email marketing campaign and putting all your hard work into only to find out they didn’t receive it! To avoid this, ensure you maintain your mailing lists and keep them as current as possible.
Ok, so your customers are receiving and opening their emails, but it’s not being converted into sales. What do you do?
Firstly, you should target your marketing to different groups. Make it relevant to your customers. One way of doing this is to divide your customer base into demographics or different sections and target them accordingly. This will make your email marketing campaigns more effective and improve your sales conversions.
Successful email marketing campaigns have the potential to dramatically increase sales, improve your customer retention and attract more customers. So while it may seem like a lot of maintenance and attention, it’s certainly worth it.

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Web design is the act of conceiving of, planning, designing, and creating the electronic media content of a website. This can include pictures, content, links, and the general design elements of a site, such as colour schemes.
There are many different businesses that offer website design in Melbourne. These range in size, area of expertise and ability.
This is an industry that has a particularly large amount of small operators as it is extremely easy for web designers to work from home, or part-time.
There is not the need, as many other businesses have, of a large infrastructure and many resources. Generally, the expertise of the individual web designer is the most important aspect.
Website design in Melbourne is of a very high quality. There are many different companies that offer comprehensive and expert services.
With the advent of more and more complicated plug-ins such as Flash and Java it is becoming harder and harder for people to design their own sites.
The standard of websites is extremely high across the board, which means amateur designers stand out because of their simplistic pages.
Simply by using a professional, you can completely change the perception of your site, with so many quality website designers in Melbourne it isn’t hard to make a big, and long-lasting difference.
When designing a website there are several key areas that need to be addressed; the content of the site, its usability, appearance and its visibility online. Visibility refers to how easily a website is able to be found by major search engines.
In order to be competitive online it is necessary to present a professional looking website. With the large number of companies offering website design in Melbourne it is quite easy to find someone able to design an appropriate site for your needs.

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Payment gateways have revolutionised the internet by making online shopping possible with a safe and secure system.
A payment gateway is an ecommerce application which is the equivalent of a regular point of sale at any traditional retail outlet.
It facilitates the transfer of payments for any online purchases using software designed to send information between customers and retailers securely.
The complex formulas which make up a payment gateway are able to encrypt any information sent, meaning sensitive details – such as credit card numbers – are completely protected.
They may also feature tools designed to screen orders for fraud or calculate tax on any purchases, saving time for businesses and customers alike.
The online shopping industry is constantly expanding, and it is all thanks to the confidence consumers now have in the internet.  Payment gateways have allayed all safety fears while making online shopping as simple as the real thing.

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When a website is created, a central computer must act as the server.  All of the website’s content comes from this server, and all of the site’s traffic passes through it.
Running your own server can be a costly exercise, as maintenance and technical support demand significant time and money.  For this reason, many businesses turn to dedicated web hosting for their websites.
Through dedicated web hosting, businesses can save money by leasing a server from another company, leaving all technical work and maintenance to them.
Organisations still have full control, with the ability to log onto the server and add/edit content on their website.  The only difference between dedicated web hosting and running their own server is that the server is not located on-site.
The advantages of dedicated web hosting are obvious: it saves money by minimising maintenance costs, security and technical issues are handled by internet-savvy server providers, and your website will be able to handle heavy traffic when necessary.
While the service may not be necessary for every business, most organisations find that once they have weighed up their options, dedicated web hosting is an easier and cheaper alternative.

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In today’s crowded marketplace, businesses are looking for any possible advantages they can use to stand out from competitors.
Web design has become an important tool for organisations looking to promote their brand and take their business to a new level of professionalism.
Web design in Melbourne is a booming industry.  Most Melbournians rely on the internet for any information they need, and businesses are tapping into this market using well-designed websites.
Quality web design in Melbourne involves much more than simply creating a good-looking website.  Research and development goes into creating a website which can be found easily, and by the right customers.
Web design should always be based on four basic aspects of design:
•    Content: all information relevant to the organisation.  This information should be useful and directed at the organisation’s target market.
•    Usability: the site should be user-friendly and reliable, with a simple structure and easy navigation.
•    Appearance: The graphics and text should include a single style which stays the same throughout the website.  A consistent style makes a website more recognizable and professional.
•    Visibility: The site should be easy to find on all major search engines.
Visibility is the most import area of web design in Melbourne.  Nearly all internet users in Melbourne use a search engine to find any business they may need.  Through techniques such as search engine optimization, web designers are able to give websites higher rankings in search results, leading to more brand awareness and more customers for businesses.
Web design in Melbourne is crucial to the long-term success of any business looking to make a mark.  More professionalism and more brand awareness can only mean more success for smart businesses with well-designed websites.

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Most internet users rely on a search engine whenever they are looking for a product or service.  They type in their key words, and are provided with a list of results ranked by their relevance to those words.
In recent years these rankings have become an important part of every website marketing campaign.
Research has shown that people rarely go beyond the top 30 results listed from a search.  In fact, the top 30 results get over 90% of search traffic.
This has led businesses to turn to search engine optimisation to spearhead their website marketing campaign.
This involves inserting commonly searched keywords into a website’s content in order to boost its ranking in search engine results.
A high ranking is often the key to any successful website marketing campaign: the higher the ranking, the more traffic a website gets, leading to more awareness of a company’s brand.
While there are many other effective forms of website marketing, search engine optimisation is an excellent starting point for any business looking to work its way to the top.

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Website development is a multi-faceted industry, relying on a combination of computer programming, creative design and written content to produce complete websites.
Having rapidly expanded in recent years, website development is now more important than ever for businesses, with the majority of consumers relying on the internet to find any products or services they need.
Advances in computer programming technology has seen website development grow from the production of very basic pages into the construction of multimedia havens with features such as online shops helping businesses to rapidly expand their operations.
Creative design plays a major part in enhancing the reputation of an organisation.  Consumers automatically link the professionalism of a company to the design of their website.  This has led to the graphic design industry expanding into website development, an indication of the importance of aesthetics in today’s marketplace.
Written content plays a far more significant role than simply providing the customer with information.  Specifically selected keywords can help make websites easier for consumers to find in search engines.  This technique, called search engine optimisation, is proven to boost the site traffic of websites, in turn boosting the customer base of a company.
With consumers’ reliance on the internet constantly increasing, website development is only expected to grow in importance in the coming years.  A structured, well-designed website will soon become a necessity for all businesses as we enter the online age.

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Virtual servers are described as servers that are kept at another location and can be shared by a number of website owners. Each owner is able to use virtual servers as if they have complete control of it. You will not even notice that others may be using it.
Virtual servers share computer resources with other virtual servers, enabling more space on the server to be used, and companies to use a server without having on location at their business. The advantage of virtual servers is that they can provide affordable web hosting and instead of needing a separate computer for each server, a number of different virtual servers can exist on a single computer.  While you may think this would have an effect on the performance of the website, each one acts as if it is on a separate dedicated server. However, if there are too many being run on one server, the website will take longer to load.
Another significant advantage of using virtual servers is the fact that the hard stuff is controlled by the provider of the server. They will manage the hardware parts of the server and because the server is shared by many companies, you can all share the cost of expensive internet connection.
Virtual servers also enable you and your company to have your own domain name and IP address,  manage your own file directories, add e-mail accounts, assign various domain names maintain passwords and much more.
Before deciding to use a virtual server for your website needs, you should research other web hosting options and decide which suits you and what you can afford. There is an abundance of companies on the internet ready to provide you with web hosting.

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