5 Common Problems Overlooked By Business It Networks.

IT Networks though simple, require extensive planningNetwork Security: Viruses are not strangers to the
to ensure stability, yet we often encounter businessesworld of computers and internet. While performing
that are acquainted with the imperative role networkingtechnology analysis and auditing we come across
plays in the efficient functioning of their company.businesses that have servers on DMZ without
Informed business entrepreneurs often opt to upgradenetwork security measures like a simple firewall. We
their networking systems to suit their organizationalhave seen instances were employees had full access
structure. Although upgrading is an expensive, timeto the network server running virus inviting programs
consuming process, its benefits are ten fold. Though,like Limewire. An obvious result of this would be a slow
there are some small size companies that insist onnetwork. In most cases, passwords for workstations,
having a Windows XP workstation function as aservers etc. are identical and shared. Impermeable
network server, this decision may eventually lead tonetwork security plans should be implemented
decrease in efficiency and productivity of the entireespecially when business IT infrastructure holds
Information Technology environment.confidential information of clients or individuals that may
Network Consultants should always analyze thebecome a risk as well as an embarrassing situation if
nature of your business so as to recommend alostor stolen.
networking/Information Technology system that wouldNetwork Speed: Businesses always focus on
be the best fit for your business. IT Consultants shouldmaximizing efficiency and productivity at the lowest
evaluate both hardware and software requirements tocost and what better way to achieve this goal than to
guide your company through the pros and cons ofminimize wastage of employee time? Speed of IT
various networking options that your business may benetworks depend on many factors from simple
considering.network security policies to restrict P2P software to
From a network consulting standpoint, these are fiveintelligent switching hardware. You may be surprised
common problems that are either neglected bybut network infrastructure cabling (Cat 5, Cat 6, and
businesses or not included in the overall planning of theFiber Optics) also makes a significant difference on the
Network Infrastructure.performance of the entire network.
Disaster Recovery: Although entrepreneurs are riskExpandability: Change in networking structure is an
takers they provide for all contingencies. While theyoption that should always be open for clients. To plan
insure their store and goods against fire, theft, naturalahead is important as a business need not overhaul a
calamities, etc., in many cases they ignore the need tohuge part of their network to see an insignificant
implement a disaster recovery plan for financialbenefit. A simple example would be to anticipate
records, employee payroll and client data. Losingnetwork storage requirements of data. Clients often
valuable customer information to a fire would result inoverlook the importance of discussing options with
temporary chaos and a financial drain. Therefore, aconsultants to make sure their IT system remains
data recovery system should be available to restoreadequate for at least 3 to 5 years. The aim should be
normal operation within 24 to 48 hours. There areto minimize dollars spent without hindering the quality of
several options to evaluate depending on the size ofwork being performed by employees.
the business. A good Technology consulting companyConsultants are professionals and while their
should be able to assess the needs and accordinglyrecommendations should not be overlooked, they
recommend an IT recovery plan that is fool proof yetshould not be adopted blindly either. As a customer
affordable.you are entitled to know the whys and hows of every
Redundancy: Although businesses are advised tosuggestion made. Request laymans explanation for
maintain an alternate or redundant source of powerevery problem encountered. Most importantly, ensure
supply for critical servers, many entrepreneurs ignorethat the 5 major and basic areas are covered in the
this simple loss prevention method in order to save ainitial audit reports or recommendations made by any
few hundred dollars. For example, servers thatTechnology consulting company.
process customer credit card transactions are notOnsite Chicago is Technology Consulting company for
exempted from the probability of failure and if notbusiness in the Chicago area. Featured in major
backed by a redundant power source, it may lead to anewspapers they are considered one of the top
major financial loss. The point that I am trying to getbusiness network consulting firms. To view a complete
across is that important network equipment should belist if IT services from Network Management, Network
identified and a redundant plan should be implementedsecurity and data / telephone cabling please visit
to provide against unforeseen circumstances.Chicago Business Network Consultants page.