The sale at your local computer store may seem like a great way to save money, but will that computer meet your business needs?
Unfortunately, consumer-grade computers are not compatible with business networks and use. But why is this? Do consumer-grade computers hold up to business-grade computers?
For over 25 years, WEBIT Services has assisted clients in planning, evaluating, and acquiring technology for their businesses in the greater Chicago area.
By reading this article, you will learn the distinctions between business-grade and consumer-grade technology, their respective benefits and drawbacks, and guide you on making the right choice for your business.
Defining Business-Grade Technology
Business-grade technology is engineered for long-term growth alongside your business. It enhances foundational technology with additional features and functionality.
5 Benefits of Business-Grade Technology
1. Built for Long-Term Use
With robust hardware and software, business-grade technology outlasts consumer-grade alternatives.
For instance, you use your work laptop for 8 hours or more each day, roughly five days a week. During that time, you also use multiple applications, many simultaneously.
Personal devices rarely experience the same level of activity.
Business-grade technology utilizes elements to make faster, more robust hardware and software. In addition, it is created to handle the bandwidth needs of growing businesses.
2. Additional Updates and Upgrades
Business-grade hardware is designed to accommodate updates and potential upgrades. These same items are usually incompatible with consumer-grade technology.
3. Extra Security Features
Business-grade hardware has enhanced security measures like hardware encryption for safeguarding confidential information.
For example, Windows Pro automatically encrypts your hard drive. So if you accidentally leave your work laptop in an Uber and it's stolen, the thief cannot swipe information from your hard drive. It's protected thanks to the business-grade operating system.
4. Ability to Connect to Business Networks
Business-grade hardware and software are made to connect to business networks.
File sharing is essential for businesses to ensure smooth communication and task completion.
If your hardware cannot connect to your business network, it cannot complete these tasks. No additional software or update will enable it to do so.
5. Compatibility with Business-Grade Software and Devices
Business-grade hardware is tailored to business-specific applications like Windows Pro and Microsoft 365.
Business-grade software is only compatible with business-grade hardware.
3 Challenges of Business-Grade Technology
Despite its merits, business-grade technology has drawbacks.
1. Price
Business-grade technology comes at a higher cost than its consumer-grade counterparts.
Its advanced features, security, and extended lifespan are expensive to produce. As a result, customers will find a higher price tag.
2. Not Readily Available
Unfortunately, business-grade technology must be purchased through trusted vendors. Customers cannot order business-grade technology at any computer store or website. Local stores only stock consumer-grade products.
Business-grade hardware isn't stocked on store shelves. As a result, ordering and setting up business-grade hardware takes additional time. There's no quick fix if your laptop breaks unless you have a backup laptop in storage.
Even if a vendor has the hardware you need, you're waiting at least 24 hours for it to arrive. While you wait for the laptop to arrive, you cannot work.
3. Not Easily Identified
The lack of clear labels makes it challenging to distinguish business-grade models.
Therefore, shoppers must know beforehand if hardware models or software versions are business-grade.
If you don't know the business-grade model you want, you may end up with a consumer-grade version. But unfortunately, consumer-grade technology is most likely incompatible with your office network, hardware, and applications.
If this happens, you may try to create functionality by buying additional licensing and equipment upgrades. Unfortunately, this may be impossible, and you may have to purchase new business-grade equipment.
Either way, you're spending more money than anticipated to correct the mistake.
How to Purchase Business-Grade Technology
Consult your IT provider or internal IT team to find the best solutions for your company’s needs. They can guide you through the process, ensuring a seamless purchase and setup.
Defining Consumer-Grade Technology
Consumer-grade technology serves immediate personal needs and is more affordable. It represents the basic, foundational version of technology.
For example, you can buy a laptop and a printer from your local computer store if you need to type and print a document. These devices will meet your needs without worrying about things like network compatibility.
2 Benefits of Consumer-Grade Technology
1. Price
Consumer-grade technology is more affordable than business-grade technology.
2. Availability
Consumer-grade technology is readily available both in stores and online. If you want a new laptop, you can visit your local computer shop, test out the samples, and pick one off the shelf.
Unlike business-grade, consumer-grade technology is easily accessible. It's easy to order or purchase new hardware or software.
5 Disadvantages of Consumer-Grade Technology
1. Not Built for Extended Use
Consumer-grade technology is not built for long-term or extensive use.
In addition, most consumer-grade hardware does not have the speed or capability to keep up with complicated tasks and applications needed in daily office use.
2. Fewer Upgrade Abilities
Consumer-grade technology is limited in compatible upgrades compared to business-grade alternatives.
3. Fewer Security Features
While its security features are adequate for home use, consumer-grade technology lacks business-grade technology's security features and abilities.
Due to its lesser security, consumer-grade technology may not meet industry compliance standards.
4. Cannot Connect to Business Networks
Consumer-grade technology cannot connect to business networks, which hampers file sharing within organizations.
For example, the Windows Home operating system can connect to your home internet connection, but it will not connect to your office network and allow file sharing. Like all consumer-grade technology, it lacks that ability.
5. Incompatibility with Business-Grade Technology
Consumer-grade technology is less likely to be compatible with business-grade software, hardware, and applications.
Consumer-grade technology is made with home users in mind, not office users.
How to Purchase Consumer-Grade Technology
Consumer-grade technology is widely available at various stores and websites. It can be purchased independently or through your IT provider.
Next Steps for Choosing the Right Technology for Your Business
While they may look similar initially, business-grade and consumer-grade technologies are very different. One's strength is the other's weakness.
Consumer-grade technology's most significant advantages are its affordability and availability. It is less expensive than comparable business-grade technology and easier to find.
You can pick a consumer-grade laptop off the store shelf. On the other hand, you have to specialty order business-grade technology from a vendor.
However, business-grade technology has several advantages, including:
- Built for long-term use
- Additional updates and upgrades
- Extra security features
- Ability to connect to business networks
- Compatibility with business-grade software and devices
Determine your needs and goals before deciding between business-grade and consumer-grade technology.
Business-grade technology is best for business network connectivity, security, and compatibility with business-grade software.
Consumer-grade technology may be suitable for a more budget-friendly and readily available solution.
Consult your IT provider for personalized IT guidance that aligns with your business needs and goals. A trusted partnership can match you to the best hardware and software on your budget.
It may be time to reevaluate your partnership if you do not trust your IT provider to help with budget and purchasing.
WEBIT Services has helped hundreds of clients with thousands of technology purchases.
If you are looking for a new IT provider, schedule a free 30-minute consultation to see how WEBIT Services can help.
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