Kit

Kit

Many home users buy, or get gifted from a family member, an Apple mobile phone, a Windows laptop and use a Gmail account. All this kit is from different suppliers. The end user is left with the issues arising from the use of different, and potentially incompatible devices and software. You are on your own.

Generally, few consider the ecosystem in which they are investing, and the file formats in use and the issues inherent in getting these systems to cooperate. 

Corporate users should have the benefit of an IT team that know their stuff and who build a consistent system that delivers for the corporation, collaborators, staff and customers. It is a bit of a balancing act dealing with apparently opposing objectives. However, with a little thought, careful selection and some customisation quality systems can be built. The selection and design of corporate systems often comes down to money and attitude to risk.

Home users have a set of parameters to consider that are somewhat different from corporate IT teams. Home users usually do not consider their IT needs; they simply buy whats offered and get donated the rest from relatives. Home users should consider what they want from their systems and choose their ecosystem carefully. Unfortunately, if you ask any assistant in any shop selling kit they will not be able to help you with this choice. They will simply try to sell you what they have.

For most home users the selection is usually what Windows laptop to get and what mobile phone arrives on the contract. No thought is given to how these two will work together or what backup, disaster recovery, user accounts, apps & applications, document editors & file formats and the sharing/distribution of these documents.

If some thought is given to the above then a more robust and rewarding ecosystem can be built that meets more closely the needs of the user.