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