Computer skills are a critical part of any virtual IT business, but determining which ones you’ll need can be challenging.
NETWORKING PLATFORMS
Most successful competitors of yours with good sweet spot clients know these networking platforms; Microsoft Small Business Server (SBS); Novell Small Business Suite or Novell NetWare Linux; Mac OS.
Some larger companies with more than a few employees will steer towards the higher market end, starting at 25 to 50 PCs and then taking on larger small businesses with 50 to 100 systems or small mid-sized companies with 100 to 500 systems. However, those involved with these larger companies will need more sophisticated skills than you will.
OTHER COMPUTER SKILLS OF LARGER COMPETITORS
Larger competitors typically will have deeper computer skills in the following areas: Network Attached Storage (NAS); Storage Attached Networks (SANs); more complicated security solutions; CheckPoint firewalls; Citrix Terminal Solutions; More sophisticated Wi-Fi solutions; managed hardware.
High-level certifications are not necessary until you think about becoming a real IT manager at a larger small business.
WHAT COMPUTER SKILLS DO YOU NEED?
If you’re working with sweet spot small businesses with ten to 50 PCs, you simply need virtual IT staff with one or two entry-level certifications and in the process of working towards an MCSE or something comparable.
IT’S ABOUT SOLVING PROBLEMS
Your clients will usually value your problem-solving skills more than your computer skills. They will be more interested in your knowing about their business industries and how you can incorporate IT into their world.
Added By: Joshua Feinberg
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