Just because you are a small business now, does not mean you should not seriously consider computer network support. The sharing of information has become crucial to business. There are many in small business who think they are too small to get reliable computer support. This is not the case. There are a number of companies that specialise in dealing with small business. There are basically 3 types of networks. There is peer-to-peer, such as used by Skype users (most without knowing), client-server based models (the most common in business), and terminal based access. You need to prepare your business to handle each of these. How good is your network? Do you even know? Here are some of the important issues to consider.
- Client-Server. Client-Server does not mean your customer, it means personal computers accessing information from a server. This is the best way for your company to operate, and is the most popular with business today. You will probably hit this type of network in some way or another when you are dealing with clients, now and in the future. Your computers will all need to be up-to-date. Setting this type of system up will mean your information is secure and stays on one computer (server). Specialists in network support provide the best of these systems. By having your own client-server based system, you will better understand the issues when one of your clients asks you to access their server.
- Peer-to-Peer. This is the most commonly used type of network in small business. Essentially, there is no server or central computer. This model is often too simplified if your business is going to expand. It is often very insecure, and means that all computers can access each other. You can turn the access of, but then you will need to use email just to send someone something in your own office. At the same time, peer-to-peer sharing over the internet can be very useful and will require some specialist applications.
- Terminal Access. This is a very tricky area of networking. Essentially we need to use sophisticated software programs that emulate ‘old fashioned’ terminals. Even though it is 2011, there are still many companies that are using older mainframe computers built back in the 70’s. To access the data on those large mainframes, we need a Windows terminal emulator when we are using a Windows based personal computer, for example. If you are asked to use one of these applications to access a client’s database, make sure you get the right computer network support.
Having a permanent computer repairs and support provider for your small business makes real sense. Dealing with issues as they arise can be very costly. It is best you get the right support from the start, and future-proof your growth.
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