PrintTrying to distinguish between value-added resellers (VARs) and consultants can be difficult, but differences do exist.
A VAR is an organization that takes hardware and software and puts them together into a workable computer system, thereby adding value to the individual components.
A consultant, on the other hand, is usually an independent specialist who designs and analyzes systems. Huge firms such as Andersen Consulting provide consulting services, but small business owners are likely to use independent consultants rather than large consulting organizations.
Just about every VAR provides consulting services. Some focus on networking, system design, software-application development, e-commerce or a combination of these. But VARs offer consulting and sell products. They provide ongoing services -- technical support, design and training, for example -- not just support for one-time projects.
Consultants, on the other hand, usually sell only consulting services. For this reason, they claim to be more objective. They aren't trying to direct you to any particular type of product or vendor because they don't represent any vendors. Still, VARs tend to be more objective than individual vendors, and they'll recommend the best products from the vendors they represent.
Small businesses should avoid using consultants for long-term projects, as consultants are expensive and generally lack staff that can provide ongoing support. Use consultants for one-time projects, when you need a system designed or a solution implemented.
