5 Critical Questions Australian SMBs Should Ask About Workstations for Business

Modern workstations for business are revolutionising how small to mid-sized Australian companies operate. Unlike the expensive, bulky machines of decades past, today’s business workstations offer enhanced processing power, superior graphics capabilities, and expanded storage in compact, stylish, and affordable packages.

With competitive pricing, it’s no wonder Australian SMBs are increasingly considering a workstation for business as a viable alternative to standard consumer PCs. But how can business owners determine if a business workstation is the right investment, and if so, which custom workstation models best suit their specific requirements?

5 Essential Questions to Ask when Evaluating Workstations for Business

1. How Critical are Processing Power and Performance to my Business Operations?

Every business, regardless of size, needs reliable computing power. Inadequate performance directly impacts operational efficiency and productivity.

Today’s business environment demands machines that won’t freeze, lag, or crash during mission-critical operations. Modern business workstations deliver superior reliability, faster processing speeds, and enhanced security compared to consumer devices. Many entry-level workstations for business even approach the functionality of enterprise-class systems at a fraction of the cost.

The market now offers custom workstation options across virtually every price point and business need. Custom workstation solutions can be tailored to your specific industry requirements, whether you need advanced graphics processing or enhanced computational power. Australian companies do themselves a disservice by not comparing the performance benefits of business workstations against consumer alternatives before making purchasing decisions.

2. What Software Applications are my Employees Using Daily?

The decision to invest in a workstation for business ultimately depends on your employees’ software requirements.

For basic office productivity applications like Microsoft Word or Excel, standard consumer PCs might suffice. However, if your team works with graphically intense applications or specialised software for architecture, engineering, data analysis, or creative design, the superior performance and reliability of business workstations becomes essential.

Engineers, animators, photographers, financial analysts, programmers, and other professionals typically achieve their best work using high-performance custom workstation builds. Quality business workstations enable them to fully express their vision and skills, enhancing productivity and accelerating product development cycles. Many Australian businesses in creative and technical industries find that properly specified custom workstation solutions provide significant advantages for their specialised workflows.

3. Do my Employees Need Computing Mobility?

Many SMB owners still associate workstations for business with stationary office setups. However, with the rise of flexible work arrangements in Australia – accelerated by recent years’ shift to remote and hybrid models – workstation manufacturers have responded with powerful portable options.

For employees running resource-intensive applications outside the office, mobile workstations offer significant performance and security advantages over standard laptops. These portable business workstations provide the perfect balance of mobility and professional-grade performance.

Best Mobile Workstation for Professional Use On-the-Go

This powerful mobile workstation is ideal for Australian designers, engineers and other professionals who need desktop-level performance while working remotely or traveling across our vast continent.

• Windows 11 Pro operating system

• Intel® Core™ i7-13700H processor (up to 5.0 GHz with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology)

• 32 GB memory; 1 TB SSD storage

• 15.6" diagonal FHD touch display

With NVIDIA RTX™ 2000 Ada Generation graphics, this custom workstation delivers exceptional performance for demanding applications like 3D modelling and video editing, making it perfect for creative professionals working from different locations across Australia.

4. How Much Office Space Can I Dedicate to Computing Equipment?

With remote work becoming more common, office spaces are often shrinking, and desk sizes are decreasing accordingly. For Australian SMBs operating from small offices in high-rent districts or home environments, space-efficient computing solutions are increasingly important.

Fortunately, manufacturers like HP have developed business workstations with remarkably small footprints. The HP Z1 G9 Tower Business Desktop PC Workstation packs professional-grade performance into a thoughtfully designed tower that optimises valuable desk space without compromising capability.

Modern workstations for business have evolved dramatically from the bulky machines of previous generations. When evaluating workstations for your Australian business, don’t assume they’ll consume significant office space – today’s custom workstation options include models designed specifically for space-constrained environments.

Best Desktop Workstation for Space-Conscious Australian Businesses

This powerful desktop workstation delivers exceptional performance without dominating your office space, perfect for Australian businesses with premium office real estate.

• Windows 11 Pro operating system

• Intel® Core™ i7-13700 processor (up to 5.2 GHz)

• 16 GB memory; 1 TB HDD storage; 512 GB SSD storage

• NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3060 graphics (12 GB dedicated)

The Z1 G9 Tower offers the perfect balance of performance and size, with robust connectivity options including SuperSpeed USB ports and a universal audio jack to support all your peripheral devices in one efficient package. This custom workstation can be configured to meet the specific needs of your business workflow.

5. How Important is Cybersecurity to my Business Continuity?

If your answer is anything but “extremely important,” your business may be at significant risk. Consider these alarming statistics: cyber incidents targeting businesses nearly doubled from 82,000 in 2016 to 159,700 in 2017, and 60% of SMBs victimised by cyberattacks didn’t recover and closed within six months.

For Australian businesses, cybersecurity concerns are particularly relevant given the increasing frequency of attacks targeting our region. The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) regularly reports on the growing sophistication of threats facing local businesses.

Consumer-grade computers typically lack robust built-in security features. Business workstations, meanwhile, often include enterprise-class security protections. The HP Z2 Tower G9 Business Desktop PC Workstation incorporates advanced security features that help protect your intellectual property and sensitive business data.

With many workstations for business available at price points comparable to premium consumer devices, the enhanced security alone often justifies the investment for Australian businesses handling sensitive information.

Best Workstation for Enhanced Security in Australian Businesses

This powerful workstation for business provides enterprise-level security features along with the performance needed for demanding applications, making it ideal for Australian businesses handling sensitive data.

• Windows 11 Pro operating system

• Intel® Core™ i7-13700 processor (up to 5.2 GHz)

• 32 GB memory; 1 TB HDD storage; 1 TB SSD storage

• NVIDIA RTX™ A2000 graphics (12 GB dedicated)

With comprehensive security features and ISV certifications, the Z2 Tower custom workstation ensures your critical business data remains protected while delivering the reliable performance needed for complex workflows in engineering, finance, and other demanding fields.

Making the Right Workstation for Business Decisions

The lines between consumer PCs and business workstations continue to blur, especially for small and mid-sized businesses in Australia. Ultimately, your choice should depend on which options best serve your specific business requirements. When evaluating your computing needs, don’t dismiss workstations for business because you assume they provide more power than necessary.

For businesses with specialised software requirements, mobile employees, limited office space, or heightened security concerns, today’s business workstations offer compelling advantages over consumer alternatives. Custom workstation options allow businesses to select precisely the components and configurations that match their performance needs without paying for unnecessary features. By asking these five critical questions, you can better determine if investing in a workstation for business will enhance your company’s productivity, security, and competitive position in the Australian market.

Modern workstations for business have evolved dramatically – they’re more accessible, versatile, and affordable than ever before. As your Australian business grows, the right custom workstation investment can scale with you, providing the computing foundation needed for long-term success in an increasingly competitive digital landscape.

Looking to explore more options for your business? Visit HP’s business advantage page for additional resources and special business offers.