Whether it's a whole network or just one cranky workstation that's driving you nuts, there's no question that you've had to spend a whole lot on technology just to stay competitive. The days when you could get by with some tissue paper and a marker are long gone. Now, you need PDFs and FTP and cross-platform compatibility.

What I do is help you get it cheaper, put it together better, use it smarter, and fix it when it's behaving poorly.

What to buy. Where to buy it.

I don't sell hardware or software. There's very little margin in it, and it's a pain to stock and ship. Besides, too many vendors try to sell you what's best for them, instead of what works best for you.

I spend a lot of time studying what's out there -- specifications for hardware, software capabilities and the like -- and comparing prices on who's got what for how much.

Result? I can recommend the configuration best suited to your needs, and I can tell you where to get it at a reasonable price. Your needs, your solution. No bias.

Put it together. Better.

You can throw money at a technology problem 'til the cows come home, but if it's not done smart, then it's stupid.

Besides, your creative business has its own set of problems -- clients who don't know what they want, artists who do know just what they want (and want it immediately), vendors who speak a foreign language. Do you really need to be a computer expert, too?

When you need to put together a workstation or a network, I sit down with you and get a feel for what it is that you do, what you'd like to do, what you think you need, what you have on hand. Then, I put together a solution that makes the best use of all of your resources.

I'll specify products, tell you where to buy them, hook them up, attach the peripherals, install the software, get them online, and configure it all so that it's as transparent as current technology allows. I'll set up an optimum workflow and train your users so your creative talent can be creative, instead of fighting with a computer.

Use it smarter.

You've got talented people and the best technology on the market. So why is getting a simple set of comps out the door such an issue?

Maybe it has to do with the way your workstations are set up. Or the way your files are constructed. Maybe you just can't find that old job in the system.

Whatever the problem, I can assess your workflow, filing system, backup strategy, job infrastructure -- everything that can have an impact on your ability to get those proofs into email or the FedEx guy's hands -- and show you ways to improve the processes that keep your business moving.

Keep it running.

A workstation that won't do any work doesn't do much for your bottom line.

I can troubleshoot a workstation. Configure a mail server. Install a router and deal with your broadband provider. Resolve networking issues. Recover lost data (you do have current backups, don't you?).

In short, I can get your system working the way you need. So you can be creative.