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Web-based Business IT Guide delivers practical advice

A group of IT industry sponsors and business support organisations have produced and online Business IT Guide stocked with practical advice and information to help small companies better exploit computer and communications technologies. John Stokdyk reports

The bulk of the site's guidance is contained in a library of 76 downloadable reports, ranging from topics such as buying a computer and software to data security, IT law and bread and butter issues such as payroll management and customer order processing.

A self-help questionnaire provides one route into the material by asking users about the issues that most concern them. There is also a free section of tips and facts, plus a news/blog page.

The guide is based on the idea that businesses could improve their efficiency and profits if they had a better understanding of computer systems and how to use them, and has been backed by industry giants including Microsoft, Oracle, IBM, Cisco, HP and BT. The project was co-ordinated by e-skills, an employer-led, not-for-profit organisation in collaboration with regional development agencies and business support bodies. The downloadable guides refer the reader on to the Business Link website to help them locate a business adviser (as well as yet more business advice).

Access is to the Business IT Guide is free - but users need to register to be given "credits" to view premium material. The number of credits varies according to whether the user lives in a region that supports the initiative. Businesses in Yorkshire & Humber, the South East, the South West, the West Midlands and the East of England qualify for unlimited use, while a limited version of the site is available in other regions.

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