Small and midsize businesses have most--if not all--of the same IT needs as larger organizations, but they lack the resources and dedicated IT departments to manage them. At the same time, small-business managers and owners would rather focus on effectively running their companies than on trying to resolve various computer issues.
Unfortunately, technology requires maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair. For assistance with those tasks, small and medium businesses (SMBs) have a choice between relying on independent IT consultants and working with IT services from big-box stores.
In most instances, the technicians at big-box retail chains are not just low-wage sales reps wearing a different hat. Usually they have at least some entry-level experience as technicians, and in some instances they may obtained certification such as CompTIA's A+, which demonstrates expertise with basic PC hardware.
Nevertheless, big-box IT service techs rarely possess the experience and skill typical of a successful independent consultant. The big-box role is essentially entry level, and technicians who build up significant experience tend to move on to greener pastures.
That said, what do the large retailers offer, and can their tech support do the job for a small business?
go figure.
