Switchfast Blog: The Future of IT
A Job for Experts or Enthusiasts? The Idea of Empowering Consumer IT Solutions
Thursday, August 12, 2010 by Bryan Anderson
It's hard to pick out a small business or entrepreneur that has
not had their fair share of technical difficulties. Technology has
evolved into an integral part of small business startups. Reaching
out to targeted audiences, communicating internally, and tracking
business protocol-plenty of actions require the careful integration
and maintenance of technology.
Unfortunately, things go wrong-faulty hardware, buggy software,
or inadequate knowledge. When it comes to getting technical
assistance, small business computer users rely on IT experts for a
quality inspection and fix. For some time, users have also turned
to online support forums before resorting to IT professionals,
looking for tips or information from others who have experienced
the same problem.
A company by the name of Slimware Utilities thinks it can focus
forum-inspired advice into a cloud-based PC optimization product
called SlimCleaner. According to a write-up on ZDNet.com, the program is a "Yelp
for IT," in that users can collectively rate and suggest technical
maintenance advice. With a user-friendly, colorful interface
Slimware hopes to bring the power of PC "cleaning" to the
consumer.
The article author, Sam Diaz, has mixed feelings - while
"empowering consumers to keep their PCs clean" is a positive
notion, the scary aspect is giving power to users to "simply click
a box and have a file or folder uninstalled from their PC." Without
education, a forum can be a dangerous place for non-technical
participants. SlimCleaner will no doubt provide the tools (from IT
experts and enthusiasts who participate) but is there enough "how
to" and "why" being delivered as well?
Comments on the article take both sides. While one user states
that "a little knowledge is a dangerous thing," another believes
that "people are getting more computer-savvy ever day, and most
customers need help because of a serious issue." One user even
jokingly suggests "why not [use this product], they'll make a
bigger mess and call on us IT pros."
The author points out that the software is in beta and this will
give the company time to include educational features.
As free software, is this a reliable source for IT assistance?
The power of crowdsourcing is a popular Web 2.0 collaborative tool
that several small businesses have benefitted from in the past.
With technology permeating through all aspects of professional and
personal life, the common user's knowledge, skill set, and face
time with technology has and will continue to improve.
However, much like owning a vehicle, there are aspects that
consumers can control (a flat tire, windshield wiper replacement,
body scratches) and others that need the knowledge and experience
of a handyman (oil change, broken A/C, anti-lock brakes problem).
The objective of this venture should be to provide a secure arena
for common users to inquire on how to "change a flat tire" or "fix
a key scratch"-these can be handled efficiently without invoking an
IT expert. When that "Check Engine" light comes on, it's best to
consult with an auto technician, a source of experience and genuine
feedback.
What are your thoughts on using software such as
SlimCleaner?
Until next time -
Matthew Hymel
Switchfast Technologies
Chicago IT Support &
Consulting
Rochester
IT Support & Consulting
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