One size does not fit all: just because a technology solution works for one company, doesn't mean it's best for yours. the key is tailoring the tools to fit your needs - Business Technology

Black Enterprise, March, 2002 by Holly Aguirre

SPEND MONEY TO MAKE MONEY

McNeil realized that his investment in tech resources would eventually pay off. "Our increased use in technology has enabled us to do more things for customers, to offer more services to potential clients, and to expand the types of customers to whom we market," he says. This translates into increased breadth, credibility in the marketplace, and growth in both revenue and income. "Technology-related revenue has grown to become about 50% of our company's overall annual revenue, and this is an increasing trend. We anticipate this percentage to increase sharply going forward. Our bottom-line performance has improved."

It is this kind of optimism that has enabled McNeil Technologies to enjoy continued growth. The company's revenues topped $25 million for the 2001 fiscal year. "We continually evaluate our use of technology, what we want or need it to do for us at various size and volume thresholds. Business growth allows us to augment, enhance, update, and replace technologies as we go along and reap the benefits of improving and changing how we de things."

Investing in Tech

Company: McNeil Technologies Inc. www.mcneiltech.com

Revenues: $25 million

Cost per employee: $4,500

B COMPANY WITH A MISSION

WITH 10 EMPLOYEES WORKING OUT OF ITS Cambridge, Massachusetts, offices, WebCTel is a software infrastructure service provider (SISP) with a unique mission and philosophy. "We develop best-in-class Internet applications that are fueled by solar-powered components," says Adrienne g. Benton, senior executive vice president. "Along with being environmentally responsible, we make it our focus to empower people. Our mission is to provide customers with powerful Internet solutions to realize their e-strategies." WebCTel provides Website design and maintenance, hosting, database development, administration services, and software application and development to a variety of clients.

To determine its operation's tech needs, WebCTel first examines its client's needs and goals. That, in turn, determines what sort of tech resources WebCTel will acquire. The company supports a variety of operating systems, database, and Web-based applications and maintains software that enables it to service and support its clients. "Our staff also keeps up with information on the technology available in their particular area of expertise. During staff meetings we often devote time to talking about technology issues and trends. Our staff will make suggestions and then a determination is made based upon whether or not we will be able to improve operations and customer satisfaction and service," explains Benton.

Benton estimates that WebCTel spends about $15,000 to $35,000 per year on technology resources. Upgrading workstations, servers, and software account for the majority of the spending, about $2,500 per employee.

SEE HOW THEY GROW

Since it was founded in 1997, WebCTel has been proactive in starting and outfitting employees with technology that will ensure the best results for its clients' projects. The small firm also develops relationships with companies that provide data storage, hardware, and peripherals, which enables it to scale up as needed. "These days, hardware is less and less expensive and is pretty easy to get," says Benton. "It is the software that really enables us to keep up and to develop for our clients. We use Microsoft products, Oracle, Coldfusion, SQL server, C , and Computer Associates' Enterprise Applications to name a few."