IT systems are a business tool

A lot of people see computer systems as a necessary expense which needs to be minimised in order to maximise profit. But just because your accountant puts IT costs in the overhead category doesn't mean it has to be a money pit.

Just like any other business system, a computer system should earn (or save) more than it costs. Otherwise why bother? V8 Computers believes in this ideal and it is a primary aim in any work.

Free and open source software

There are enormous numbers of software developers around the world creating high-quality software and giving it away. Why? Mostly philosophical reasons involving freedom of information. What does it mean? Basically there are a lot more software options out there, some of them are really good, and some of them are totally free of charge!

Linux based operating systems are widely used, especially on servers where a multitude of dependable and reliable free email, web, file sharing and other network software services are available. OpenOffice.org offers an excellent office suite, many people now use the Firefox web browser, and a quick search on the Internet will reveal many many more great packages freely available.

V8 Computers uses much of this software on a daily basis and it works very well. Not all businesses will find that free software meets their needs entirely and it may prove more beneficial to the bottom line to utilise proprietary software, but the two are not mutually exclusive and most organisations will find cost savings can be made by using some free software.