The Consultant

Hiring an IT consultant is a very difficult task. Often, the business does not have IT knowledge resources and that is why they need an IT consultant. However, what you don't know can sometimes hurt you. Anyone can call themselves an IT Consultant. There are no standards to protect the public. Choosing a CA with IT knowledge can help your business through these hurdles. Click HERE for more on this.

Word of mouth becomes an important factor in choosing an IT Consultant. If your friend used a particular consultant with success, then you would be more inclined to hire them. Beyond that, there is little a business can do to ensure they hire an appropriate consultant. Even the credentials of the IT Consultant may not provide appropriate hiring criteria. Microsoft (there are other examples besides Microsoft), for example, has a training system that produces Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers (MCSE's). Sounds impressive, but there are inherent limitations in this kind of training system. First, the software the consultant is trained on is strictly Microsoft products. Microsoft software may not be appropriate for the IT problem. Second, MCSE's are trained on the HOW of doing things. For example, "How do you get a DHCP server running in Microsoft Server software?" The larger questions of WHY do you need a DHCP server and why must it be a Microsoft product, WHERE is it going to physically reside and on what computer, WHAT success factors will provide the feedback to see if the solution is efficient and effective, and, WHO is going to maintain the system and make changes in the future are often overlooked or ignored. Of course, there are MCSE's who are good and approach an IT problem on a holistic approach. However, simply assuming that since someone is an "Engineer" and they will therefore be qualified to provide an efficient and effective IT solution is not appropriate.

Chartered Accountants with an IT designation specialty can advise the small business owner on IT solutions and resolutions to problems. Contact Keith Anderson CA-IT  at (780) 447-5830 if you have further questions,  concerns, or the need for advice.

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