--- title: Business Technology Strategy | Purchasing description: Purchasing | Learn how technology can maximize your business with a comprehensive IT strategy and support plan. --- [![Innovative logo](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/hubfs/INNO_Wordmark_Primary_KO_RGB.png)](https://www.innovativeinc.net/) - About - [The Innovative Way](https://www.innovativeinc.net/the-innovative-way) - [Our Team](https://www.innovativeinc.net/our-team) - [Service Area](https://www.innovativeinc.net/service-area) - [Service Level Agreement (SLA)](https://www.innovativeinc.net/service-level-agreement) - [Refer a Business](https://www.innovativeinc.net/referrals) - [Careers](https://www.innovativeinc.net/careers) - Partner With Us - [innovateCORE](https://www.innovativeinc.net/innovate-core) - [innovateAHEAD](https://www.innovativeinc.net/innovate-ahead) - [innovateSMART](https://www.innovativeinc.net/innovate-smart) - [innovateSTRONG](https://www.innovativeinc.net/innovate-strong) - [innovateTRUST](https://www.innovativeinc.net/innovate-trust) - Areas of Expertise - [Information Technology](https://www.innovativeinc.net/information-technology) - [Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery (BCDR)](https://www.innovativeinc.net/bcdr) - [Cybersecurity](https://www.innovativeinc.net/cybersecurity) - [Phone & Voice](https://www.innovativeinc.net/phone-voice) - [Printer & Copiers](https://www.innovativeinc.net/printer-copiers) - Industries - [Healthcare / HIPAA](https://www.innovativeinc.net/healthcare-hippaa) - [Manufacturing](https://www.innovativeinc.net/manufacturing) - [Nonprofit](https://www.innovativeinc.net/nonprofit) - [Professional Services](https://www.innovativeinc.net/professional-services) - [Property Management](https://www.innovativeinc.net/property-management) - Learning - [The Innovative Blog](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog) - [Press Releases](https://www.innovativeinc.net/press-releases) - [Podcast](https://www.innovativeinc.net/innovative-leadership-podcast/) - [Events](https://www.innovativeinc.net/events) - [Free Cybersecurity Assessment](https://www.innovativeinc.net/cybersecurity-assessment) - About - [The Innovative Way](https://www.innovativeinc.net/the-innovative-way) - [Our Team](https://www.innovativeinc.net/our-team) - [Service Area](https://www.innovativeinc.net/service-area) - [Service Level Agreement (SLA)](https://www.innovativeinc.net/service-level-agreement) - [Refer a Business](https://www.innovativeinc.net/referrals) - [Careers](https://www.innovativeinc.net/careers) - Partner With Us - [innovateCORE](https://www.innovativeinc.net/innovate-core) - [innovateAHEAD](https://www.innovativeinc.net/innovate-ahead) - [innovateSMART](https://www.innovativeinc.net/innovate-smart) - [innovateSTRONG](https://www.innovativeinc.net/innovate-strong) - [innovateTRUST](https://www.innovativeinc.net/innovate-trust) - Areas of Expertise - [Information Technology](https://www.innovativeinc.net/information-technology) - [Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery (BCDR)](https://www.innovativeinc.net/bcdr) - [Cybersecurity](https://www.innovativeinc.net/cybersecurity) - [Phone & Voice](https://www.innovativeinc.net/phone-voice) - [Printer & Copiers](https://www.innovativeinc.net/printer-copiers) - Industries - [Healthcare / HIPAA](https://www.innovativeinc.net/healthcare-hippaa) - [Manufacturing](https://www.innovativeinc.net/manufacturing) - [Nonprofit](https://www.innovativeinc.net/nonprofit) - [Professional Services](https://www.innovativeinc.net/professional-services) - [Property Management](https://www.innovativeinc.net/property-management) - Learning - [The Innovative Blog](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog) - [Press Releases](https://www.innovativeinc.net/press-releases) - [Podcast](https://www.innovativeinc.net/innovative-leadership-podcast/) - [Events](https://www.innovativeinc.net/events) - [Free Cybersecurity Assessment](https://www.innovativeinc.net/cybersecurity-assessment) - Categories - Follow Us - [Business Strategy](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/business-strategy) - [Cybersecurity](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/cybersecurity) - [Devices](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/devices) - [Disaster Recovery](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/disaster-recovery) - [Employee Retention](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/employee-retention) - [HIPAA](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/hipaa) - [Life at Innovative](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/life-at-innovative) - [Microsoft Windows](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/microsoft-windows) - [Outsourced IT Support](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/outsourced-it-support) - [Printers and Copiers](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/printers-copiers) - [Purchasing](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/purchasing) - [Technology Strategy](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/technology-strategy) - [Threat Prevention](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/threat-prevention) - - - - - # Business Technology IT Starts with Strategy Learn how technology can maximize your business with a comprehensive IT strategy and support plan. Subscribe - Categories - [Business Strategy](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/business-strategy) - [Cybersecurity](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/cybersecurity) - [Devices](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/devices) - [Disaster Recovery](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/disaster-recovery) - [Employee Retention](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/employee-retention) - [HIPAA](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/hipaa) - [Life at Innovative](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/life-at-innovative) - [Microsoft Windows](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/microsoft-windows) - [Outsourced IT Support](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/outsourced-it-support) - [Printers and Copiers](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/printers-copiers) - [Purchasing](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/purchasing) - [Technology Strategy](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/technology-strategy) - [Threat Prevention](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/threat-prevention) - Social - - - - - [![Blog Feature](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/298890/blog-files/blog--cards-feature.png)](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/when-ai-research-meets-real-world-it-delivery) [Business Strategy](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/business-strategy) | [Purchasing](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/purchasing) | [Artificial Intelligence](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/artificial-intelligence) ## [When AI Research Meets Real-World IT Delivery](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/when-ai-research-meets-real-world-it-delivery) By: [Ryan Stickel](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/author/ryan-stickel) February 10th, 2026 AI has quickly become part of how people research technology decisions. Tools like Copilot make it easier to look up pricing models, compare products, and understand how IT services are commonly delivered before ever speaking with a provider. [Read More](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/when-ai-research-meets-real-world-it-delivery) Share - Close - - - - [mailto:?body=https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/when-ai-research-meets-real-world-it-delivery](mailto:?body=https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/when-ai-research-meets-real-world-it-delivery) [![Blog Feature](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/298890/blog-files/blog--cards-feature.png)](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/understanding-rising-technology-costs-without-sacrificing-the-business) [Technology Strategy](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/technology-strategy) | [Business Strategy](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/business-strategy) | [Purchasing](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/purchasing) ## [Understanding Rising Technology Costs Without Sacrificing the Business](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/understanding-rising-technology-costs-without-sacrificing-the-business) By: [Ryan Stickel](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/author/ryan-stickel) December 18th, 2025 It’s no secret that costs are rising across the board. Labor, insurance, utilities, and professional services have all increased over the last few years, and technology is no exception. What continues to catch leadership teams off guard isn’t that prices are increasing, but that they don’t appear to be coming back down anytime soon. [Read More](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/understanding-rising-technology-costs-without-sacrificing-the-business) Share - Close - - - - [mailto:?body=https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/understanding-rising-technology-costs-without-sacrificing-the-business](mailto:?body=https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/understanding-rising-technology-costs-without-sacrificing-the-business) [![Blog Feature](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/298890/blog-files/blog--cards-feature.png)](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/pros-and-cons-payment-plans-for-technology) [Purchasing](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/purchasing) ## [Pros and Cons of Payment Plans for Technology](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/pros-and-cons-payment-plans-for-technology) By: [Ryan Stickel](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/author/ryan-stickel) March 20th, 2025 Hardware purchases are a crucial piece of your business and its IT strategy. There are different payment options available when purchasing hardware, and you want to be prepared so you can make the best decision for your business. [Read More](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/pros-and-cons-payment-plans-for-technology) Share - Close - - - - [mailto:?body=https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/pros-and-cons-payment-plans-for-technology](mailto:?body=https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/pros-and-cons-payment-plans-for-technology) [![Blog Feature](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/298890/blog-files/blog--cards-feature.png)](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/how-potential-tariffs-could-impact-your-2025-technology-strategy) [Technology Strategy](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/technology-strategy) | [Purchasing](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/purchasing) ## [How Potential Tariffs Could Impact Your 2025 Technology Strategy](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/how-potential-tariffs-could-impact-your-2025-technology-strategy) By: [Ryan Stickel](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/author/ryan-stickel) December 11th, 2024 If you’re planning to purchase computers or other technology in 2025, you should prepare for potentially increased costs. New tariffs on goods imported from China, Mexico and Canada could be coming soon, so let’s discuss what’s been proposed and how it could impact your business and its technology strategy. [Read More](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/how-potential-tariffs-could-impact-your-2025-technology-strategy) Share - Close - - - - [mailto:?body=https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/how-potential-tariffs-could-impact-your-2025-technology-strategy](mailto:?body=https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/how-potential-tariffs-could-impact-your-2025-technology-strategy) [![Blog Feature](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/298890/blog-files/blog--cards-feature.png)](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/understanding-invoices-different-managed-service-providers) [Purchasing](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/purchasing) ## [Understanding invoices from different managed service providers](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/understanding-invoices-different-managed-service-providers) By: [Ryan Stickel](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/author/ryan-stickel) March 15th, 2024 If you’re looking to change your MSP, you will need to know what you’re currently paying for and how the new MSP will charge you for those things. That’s a bit more complicated than it sounds, though. This article will discuss some differences you might see on MSP invoices and how to sift through all the information. [Read More](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/understanding-invoices-different-managed-service-providers) Share - Close - - - - [mailto:?body=https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/understanding-invoices-different-managed-service-providers](mailto:?body=https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/understanding-invoices-different-managed-service-providers) [![Blog Feature](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/298890/blog-files/blog--cards-feature.png)](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/buying-hardware-from-your-msp-vs-popular-retailers-costs-benefits) [Technology Strategy](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/technology-strategy) | [Purchasing](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/purchasing) | [Outsourced IT Support](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/outsourced-it-support) ## [Buying Hardware from Your MSP vs. Popular Retailers: Costs & Benefits](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/buying-hardware-from-your-msp-vs-popular-retailers-costs-benefits) By: [Stephanie Hurd](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/author/stephanie-hurd) March 15th, 2022 Be prepared for some sticker shock the next time you go to replace hardware in your business. Computer component costs have gone up 20% to 40% since 2020. Business-grade PC prices have doubled since 2019, thanks to the perfect storm of inflation paired with increased demand and decreased supply. [Read More](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/buying-hardware-from-your-msp-vs-popular-retailers-costs-benefits) Share - Close - - - - [mailto:?body=https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/buying-hardware-from-your-msp-vs-popular-retailers-costs-benefits](mailto:?body=https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/buying-hardware-from-your-msp-vs-popular-retailers-costs-benefits) [![Blog Feature](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/298890/blog-files/blog--cards-feature.png)](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-set-up-a-new-or-replacement-computer) [Technology Strategy](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/technology-strategy) | [Purchasing](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/purchasing) | [Outsourced IT Support](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/outsourced-it-support) ## [How much does it cost to set up a new or replacement computer?](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-set-up-a-new-or-replacement-computer) By: [Stephanie Hurd](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/author/stephanie-hurd) August 16th, 2021 You have no problem setting up a new computer at home. It’s not difficult and doesn’t take very long. So why is your IT company adding hundreds, possibly thousands of dollars for labor to install new computers in your business? This is the number one most common question we get when we install new or replacement computers. So, let’s break down exactly what goes into installing a new computer in a business environment and what you can expect to pay for that service. [Read More](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-set-up-a-new-or-replacement-computer) Share - Close - - - - [mailto:?body=https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-set-up-a-new-or-replacement-computer](mailto:?body=https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-set-up-a-new-or-replacement-computer) [![Blog Feature](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/298890/blog-files/blog--cards-feature.png)](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/what-is-microsoft-365-and-what-happened-to-office-365) [Technology Strategy](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/technology-strategy) | [Microsoft](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/microsoft) | [Purchasing](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/purchasing) ## [What is Microsoft 365, and What Happened to Office 365?](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/what-is-microsoft-365-and-what-happened-to-office-365) By: [Justin Strahin](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/author/justin-strahin) September 30th, 2020 As a business leader, you don’t care what Microsoft calls its services as long as your programs work and fees don’t go up. The name change from Office 365 to Microsoft 365 doesn’t create any changes in your services or bill (as of this article’s date). But the name change does signal a great time to really understand what you’re paying Microsoft for and make sure you have the right subscriptions to match your needs. Before we move on, you should know that this article focuses on Microsoft 365 for business licenses and the enterprise license affected by the Microsoft 365 name change. These are some of the most common Microsoft/Office 365 plans for businesses with less than 300 users. [Read More](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/what-is-microsoft-365-and-what-happened-to-office-365) Share - Close - - - - [mailto:?body=https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/what-is-microsoft-365-and-what-happened-to-office-365](mailto:?body=https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/what-is-microsoft-365-and-what-happened-to-office-365) [![Blog Feature](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/298890/blog-files/blog--cards-feature.png)](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/covid-laptop-shortages-and-price-increases) [Devices](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/devices) | [Purchasing](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/purchasing) ## [Laptop Shortages And Price Increases](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/covid-laptop-shortages-and-price-increases) By: [Stephanie Hurd](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/author/stephanie-hurd) August 25th, 2020 Shopping for a laptop back in March was the virtual equivalent of battling other shoppers for the last Cabbage Patch Kid doll on Black Friday in the 80s. Laptop inventory was low to nonexistent, and if you did find one, you couldn’t be too picky about specs. You only had one choice for which you likely paid more than you anticipated. [Read More](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/covid-laptop-shortages-and-price-increases) Share - Close - - - - [mailto:?body=https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/covid-laptop-shortages-and-price-increases](mailto:?body=https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/covid-laptop-shortages-and-price-increases) [![Blog Feature](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/298890/blog-files/blog--cards-feature.png)](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/which-is-the-best-computer-for-business-dell-or-hp) [Technology Strategy](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/technology-strategy) | [Business Strategy](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/business-strategy) | [Purchasing](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/topic/purchasing) ## [Which is the Best Computer for Business: Dell or HP?](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/which-is-the-best-computer-for-business-dell-or-hp) By: [Tyler Snyder](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/author/tyler-snyder) March 31st, 2020 It’s overwhelming when you need to replace one of the computers in your business. With the average computer needing replaced every three to five years, you’re likely looking at different specs and maybe even a new operating system than the one you’re replacing. This can be confusing on your end, and frustrating for the employee who’s been using the same computer for years. In this article, we’ll walk through how to choose the best computer for your business. Since the choices in computer models are infinite, we’ll focus on the to most popular business computer brands on the market, Dell and HP. [Read More](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/which-is-the-best-computer-for-business-dell-or-hp) Share - Close - - - - [mailto:?body=https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/which-is-the-best-computer-for-business-dell-or-hp](mailto:?body=https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/which-is-the-best-computer-for-business-dell-or-hp) [All posts](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/all) [Next](https://blog.innovativeinc.net/blog/tag/purchasing/page/2) #### Contact **Headquarters** 13332 Pennsylvania Ave. Hagerstown, MD 21742 [301-739-7414](tel:+13017397414) **Washington, DC** 1717 K Street NW, Suite 900 Washington, DC 20006 [202-971-9991](tel:+12029719991) #### Managed Services - [Managed Services](https://www.innovativeinc.net/services) - [Co-Managed Services](https://www.innovativeinc.net/co-managed-services) - [Service Level Agreement](https://www.innovativeinc.net/service-level-agreement) - [Pricing](https://www.innovativeinc.net/pricing) - [Service Area](https://www.innovativeinc.net/service-area) #### Areas of Expertise - [Information Technology](https://www.innovativeinc.net/information-technology) - [BCDR](https://www.innovativeinc.net/bcdr) - [Cybersecurity](https://www.innovativeinc.net/cybersecurity) - [Phone & Voice](https://www.innovativeinc.net/phone-voice) - [Printer & Copiers](https://www.innovativeinc.net/printer-copiers) #### About - [About](https://www.innovativeinc.net/the-innovative-way) - [Our Team](https://www.innovativeinc.net/our-team) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.innovativeinc.net/privacy-) - [Contact](https://www.innovativeinc.net/contact) - [Book an Appointment](https://meetings.hubspot.com/shurd?uuid=e72ba9dd-044e-4670-8593-c28ca53244eb)