IT networks, while simple, require extensive planning to ensure stability, yet we often come across companies that are familiar with the imperative role networks play in running their business efficiently.
Informed entrepreneurs often choose to update their networking systems to suit their organizational structure.
Although upgrading is an expensive and time-consuming process, its benefits are tenfold. Although there are some small businesses that insist that a Windows workstation act as a network server, this decision can eventually lead to a decrease in the efficiency and productivity of the entire information technology environment.
Network consultants should always analyze the nature of your business to recommend a network / information technology system that is the best option for your business.
IT consultants should evaluate the hardware and software requirements to guide your business through the pros and cons of the various networking options your business may be considering.
From a network consulting standpoint, these are five common issues that businesses ignore or don’t include in overall network infrastructure planning.
Disaster recovery: Although entrepreneurs take risks, they cover all contingencies. While insuring their store and goods against fire, theft, natural calamities, etc., in many cases they ignore the need to implement a disaster recovery plan for financial records, employee payroll, and customer data.
Loss of valuable customer information in a fire would result in temporary chaos and financial loss. Therefore, a data recovery system must be available to restore normal operation within 24 to 48 hours.
There are several options to evaluate based on the size of the business. A good technology consulting company should be able to assess the needs and, accordingly, recommend an IT recovery plan that is foolproof but affordable.
Redundancy: Although companies are advised to maintain an alternative or redundant power supply for critical servers, many entrepreneurs ignore this simple loss prevention method to save a few hundred dollars.
For example, servers that process customer credit card transactions are not exempt from the probability of failure and, if not backed by a redundant power source, can cause significant financial loss.
The point I am trying to get across is that important network equipment must be identified and a redundant plan implemented to prevent unforeseen circumstances.
Network security: Viruses are no stranger to the world of computers and the Internet. When conducting technology analysis and audits, we come across companies that have servers in the DMZ without network security measures, such as a simple firewall.
We’ve seen cases where employees had full access to the network server running virus-inviting programs like Limewire. An obvious result of this would be a slow network.
In most cases, passwords for workstations, servers, etc. they are identical and shared. Waterproof network security plans should be implemented especially when the enterprise IT infrastructure contains sensitive customer or personal information that can become a risk, as well as an embarrassing situation if lost.
or stolen.
Network speed – Businesses are always focused on maximizing efficiency and productivity at the lowest cost, and what better way to achieve this goal than to minimize wasted employee time?
The speed of IT networks depends on many factors, from simple network security policies to restricting P2P software to smart switching hardware. You might be surprised, but the cabling of the network infrastructure (Cat 5, Cat 6, and Fiber Optic) also makes a significant difference in the performance of the entire network.
Expandability: changing the network structure is an option that should always be open to customers. Planning ahead is important as a business does not need to go through a large part of its network to see negligible profit.
A simple example would be anticipating network data storage requirements. Clients often overlook the importance of discussing options with consultants to ensure their IT system remains adequate for at least 3-5 years. The goal should be to minimize spending money without hampering the quality of work that employees do.
Consultants are professionals, and while their recommendations shouldn’t be overlooked, they shouldn’t be taken blindly either.
As a customer, you have the right to know the “why” and “how” of each suggestion made. Request a layman’s explanation for each problem encountered. The most important thing is to make sure that the 5 main and basic areas are covered in the initial audit reports or in the recommendations made by any technology consulting company.
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