From Floppy Disks to the Cloud: Why Experience Still Matters for Small Businesses

If you remember the days of floppy disks, Lotus 1-2-3, and dial-up modems, you know just how far technology has come. I’ve been in the tech trenches since the early 1980s, back when saving your work meant physically swapping disks and crossing your fingers that the file wouldn’t get corrupted. Fast forward to today, and the landscape looks almost unrecognizable. But you know what hasn’t changed? The need for practical, real-world technology guidance, especially for small and micro businesses.

Why Old-School Roots Matter

You might be wondering: what does surviving the floppy disk era have to do with running a business in 2025? The answer is simple. Technology changes, but the fundamentals of solving problems, making smart decisions, and getting the most out of your resources stay the same.

Back then, we had to be scrappy. We learned to troubleshoot, adapt, and make things work with what we had. There was no “Google it” option. If something broke, you figured it out, or risked losing a week’s worth of work. That mindset, resourceful, persistent, and practical, still guides how I help businesses today.

The Value of Perspective

But there’s another layer to my experience: I’ve been on the front lines of every major tech shift. I’ve seen (and lived through) the move from text-based DOS to Windows, from structured programming to object-oriented programming, from waterfall to Agile, from single computers to networks to the cloud, and from monolithic apps to serverless, cloud-native microservices. When you needed more information, you bought the book. There was no GenAI to help you. I’ve watched technologies rise and sunset, and technologies come and disappear.

This perspective is invaluable. It means I’ve seen firsthand what works, what doesn’t, and what’s just a passing trend. I know how to approach new technologies and how to choose the right solution for each business use case, not just because I’ve read about it, but because I’ve lived it. That’s the kind of insight you can’t get from a textbook or a quick Google search.

What I Bring as a Fractional CTO

As a fractional CTO, I bring the best of both worlds: deep technical know-how from decades of hands-on experience and a down-to-earth approach that makes sense for small and micro businesses. Here’s what that looks like in practice:

Practical Advice: I’ve seen every tech fad come and go. I help you cut through the noise and focus on what actually moves your business forward.

Right-Sized Solutions: You don’t need a Fortune 500 tech stack. I help you find tools and strategies that fit your budget and your goals, with no unnecessary bells and whistles.

Risk Management: Having lived through the days when a single floppy disk could make or break your project, I know how to spot risks early and build in safeguards.

Future-Proofing: I help you lay a solid foundation so you can adapt and grow, no matter what new technology comes along.

The Small Business Edge

Big companies have entire IT departments. Small businesses? Not so much. That’s where I come in. I’m here to be your trusted advisor, sounding board, and problem-solver, without the overhead of a full-time CTO.

If you’re tired of feeling overwhelmed by tech decisions, or you just want to make sure you’re not missing out on opportunities, let’s talk. I’ve seen it all, from floppy disks to the cloud, and I’m passionate about helping small businesses thrive in a world that’s always changing.

Ready to bring some old-school wisdom and modern expertise to your business? Reach out and let’s make technology work for you.