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