Information technology is essential to every business whether it is a one-man operation or a Fortune 500 company.
As larger companies know, an IT staff is necessary to keep the day-to-day operations running efficiently.
Technology is as important to smaller businesses, but often hiring even one full-time IT professional is too costly.
Dan L. Canton, 48, of Exeter Township has a solution.
Canton recently bought an IT franchise, CMIT Solutions of Reading.
CMIT provides IT services to small and midsized businesses, offering flat-rates with around-the-clock computer maintenance and monitoring.
“Small and midsized businesses have felt the pain of productivity coming to a halt when their computers, networks and servers fail them,” Canton said.
Since obtaining a degree in finance in 1989, Canton has worked as an underwriter for several nationally recognized insurance providers. But in most of the offices, Canton said, he was always the go-to person for computer issues.
As he moved up in his career, Canton started holding IT management positions.
“I really enjoyed doing that sort of thing: creating networks and databases and making sure we had all of the software we needed to interface with the rest of the company,” Canton said. “But for me to advance in my career, that would have meant moving to a major city. I looked around and knew that I had my fill of the corporate world; it was time to do something different.”
Canton left his most recent position in the spring and started looking for an opportunity.
After discovering CMIT Solutions through a business coach, Canton was attracted to the franchise.
Canton said it cost about $60,000 to purchase the franchise, and he liked the fact that overhead costs are minimal.
Based in Austin, Texas, CMIT Solutions has 140 franchises, including a hosted help desk to resolve issues quickly.
“Small and midsized businesses need the same tools and support services as large enterprises,” Canton said. “They need the same reassurances that their confidential business data is being protected, that their computers will keep running without interruption.”
Canton said his goal over the next three years is to lease space and employ at least two technicians and an office manager. With the closest CMIT Solutions office in Chester County, Canton said there will be opportunities for him to expand.
Canton said the target market is any industry that relies on computers and has between five and 100 employees.