DERRICK WILLIAMS LAURA ADELMANN HOWARD LESTRUD
Spirt of Brandtjen Farms still growing 2A Rosemount’s first cell phone store opens 8A Target Field opens for business 52A
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DATE ##, APRIL 15, 2009 2010
VOLUME 31, 30, NUMBER NUMBER 7 # VOLUME
Dakota County Tribune Since 1884
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Outsourcing: IT solution for small businesses DAKOTA COUNTY TRIBUNE
For many small businesses, having an information technology department is simply not an option. This is true for Jennifer Crowder, president of GR Promotions in Burnsville. The company of 12 employees was not large enough to support a full-time IT specialist, so Crowder tried for years to meet her needs by having a friend of a friend help manage the business’s computer systems. But as the business grew, its systems required more expertise. About three years ago, Crowder turned to Next Level Cafe, an IT outsourcing company in Burnsville, for help. By outsourcing, Crowder said she was able to obtain the expertise of an IT department without the overhead. “From a financial standpoint, outsourcing makes sense. It’s much more cost effective,” she said. Todd Jagerson, chief information officer at Dakota County Technical College, said he too sees outsourcing as being the future of IT support for small and mid-sized businesses. “I think it’s an exceptional way to handle IT support,” he said. “It’s a great way to invest in technology.” Often, small businesses resort to adding IT responsibilities onto an existing employee who does not specialize in that field, Jagerson said. In these cases, the person often is learning along the way, he said.
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INSIDE BIZ FORUM
As businesses downsize their operations due to the recession, the time is right to reduce the size of the Legislature. CLAIRE ROBLING 4A FORUM
National report shows that Minnesota is at a competitive disadvantage among its peers. MICHAEL 4A
Consulting technology support has gained traction during the economic recession by Jessica Harper
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NORBY
Outsourcing allows small businesses to access an IT specialist on an as-needed basis at a lower cost than hiring a full-time employee, he said. “You can pay them for their time only or a monthly rate,” he said. “You don’t need a content and hardware expert waiting on the floor for something to go wrong.” By having a team of experts, the business owner also does not have to worry about his or her IT specialist going on vacation, Jagerson said. Additionally, small businesses that hire outsource firms often are more likely to upgrade their systems and pursue the latest technology, he said.
BUSINESS 101
BRETT KOLLES
A SWOT Analysis can be used to quickly and effectively unlock a company’ potential without belaboring efforts. 6A
BEST PRACTICES
The best leaders have the uncanny ability to simplify and prioritize challenges to maximize their precious time. JEFF APPELQUIST 6A
Good time to be in outsourcing industry Now is a good time to be in IT outsourcing. Despite the recession, business is growing for Next Level Cafe. CEO Rich Anderson said he is seeing a gradual increase in clients as companies downsize. At the same time, Next Level lost a few clients that went out of business, while others have delayed upgrades due to tough See Outsourcing, Page 14A
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Photo by Jessica Harper
Next Level Cafe in Burnsville is one of several firms in Dakota County that specialize in outsourced IT services for small to midsized businesses. CEO Rich Anderson said he views technology as an asset that small businesses can build upon.
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