You can’t afford not to. Furthermore, you don’t have to lose the farm in the process. Technology is not necessarily expensive. Indeed, many winegrowers can take a giant leap forward by simply utilizing existing programs such as Microsoft Access for intelligent vineyard data management or the amazingly user-friendly, affordable and powerful Google Apps IT platform for building in-house online networks (intranets) and client websites (extranets) that facilitate knowledge sharing and foster huge organizational efficiencies.

Of course, while I think most would readily acknowledge that technology is indeed a strategic asset, it is not a magic bullet. Users must be educated in a nonthreatening and encouraging environment and must understand how to distill actionable knowledge from the heaps of information now being collected. Also not all technology solutions fit every operation. Rather, solutions must match an organization’s specific requirements as well as size and budget. But the good news: the benefits from the right solution far exceed the costs.

With a focus on the next-generation winegrower, NextGen VIT breaks down the barriers to learning about and leveraging not only emerging web and wireless-based technologies in the vineyard but also in the office. Join the NextGen VIT 2.0 movement and let us assist you in selecting and deploying the right solution for your winegrowing organization and let us teach you how to successfully leverage to reduce costs while improving quality.