Title: Designing a Network for Small Businesses – Getting It Right
Summary: This 2-3 minute article explains the importance of correctly designing your SMB’s computer network from the start. Contact GEEKAID Computer and Network Support, the IT experts, at https://www.geek-aid.com/ to discuss professional network design and implementation.
Small Business Network Setup
Fast, secure and stable networks for SMBs is no longer an “out of the box, ready to go” process. As computer systems become more elaborate and wireless networking a mainstay of operating most businesses, the need for properly designing a business network has never been greater. The good news is that there are many robust network solutions for small businesses.
Network Setup and Design
Small to midsized businesses have relatively modest computer system requirements compared with large Enterprise companies. For example, SMBs may only have 10-20 computers, some laser printers and other peripheral devices. Therefore, the network focus is on designing a safe and efficient network wherein users can share information and company resources.
The design of a small business network must be simple, functional, scalable and secure. In addition, the network must be able to grow and stay in step as the business grows. But, before starting to design your network, you must have a clear plan in place that prioritizes all your business needs and what goals you wish to accomplish, such as:
- Automation – Identify all the company functions that could be made more efficient through an automated computer operation.
- Business Applications – Depending on the type of small business you own, you will have particular software needs that should be defined as part of your network design. For example, an accounting firm will need accounting and financial programs, whereas a graphic designer will need design programs specific to their work.
- Sharing – Decide the kind of data-sharing environment that works best for your company. Discern which positions will need what access privileges.
- Email – Many small companies use emails for many things beyond person-to-person company emails. Automated collection, customer support, reminder and announcement emails may be part of your company’s requirements. Therefore, email considerations should be part of your network design plan.
- Network Size – Spend time thinking about the size of your network from the start, how user-intensive it will be, and what level of data storage will be required. Envisioning how many workstations, printers, servers, etc., will be needed now and in the future is a crucial part of network design.
- Security – In the wake of our unprecedented expansion of the remote-access workforce, cyber security has become a priority. But unfortunately, hackers are thriving and developing new ways to breach your data. Therefore, starting with robust cyber security is imperative.
- IT Capabilities – It is important to accept when it is time to get help from IT experts. Even a self-proclaimed power user should not risk a poor network design when their company’s business is on the line.
IT Consulting Services - Network Design Solutions
When deciding whether a professional IT service is required to install your new small business network, take a moment to weigh your cost, frustration and time against hiring professional IT Consulting Services. So often, users embark on their own network installations only to find that they’re in over their heads.
Know When To Call For Help
Even tech-savvy users would be wise to engage professional IT consulting services to perform the network design and installation we’ve discussed in this blog. They can identify and analyze your needs and potential problems, offer options and provide state-of-the-art solutions for networking your system. IT professionals can keep your system running smoothly and securely from the start. A modest investment in professional IT assistance is a smart way to protect computers and all your data while freeing up your time to concentrate on more important tasks.
GEEK-AID® Computer and Network Support provides world-class IT consulting services and specializes in customized network design and support, computer repairs, installations, updates, and maintenance for homes and small to midsized businesses. GEEK-AID®'s team of experts is comprised of top specialists in different areas of IT services, serving clients on-site and remotely for Macs, PCs and all your connected devices, including new ones that are part of the ever-expanding IoT. They can answer all your IT questions from “How can I be sure my data is protected?” to “When do I need to upgrade my company’s hardware?” More importantly, when your home or business computer goes down, they will perform on-site computer repairs if required. And the GEEK-AID® team doesn't clock out at five o'clock on Friday. They are available to you 24/7, remotely or in person, to ensure your computers, network and data stay up-to-date, healthy and secure. As your business grows, expands its network and adds more devices such as smart controls, smart devices, wireless access and remote access, your network's cybercrime vulnerability and need for cyber security will grow, too. In addition to maintaining the hardware, software and security, employee training and regular IT support should be ongoing. New users and devices will require additional training to use those devices efficiently and securely. Inter-related concerns include hardware and software installation and maintenance, repair, cyber security and network protection. These concerns must be addressed consistently and proactively to best support the seamless operation of your system, minimizing costly and time-consuming mistakes.
Call (877) GEEK-AID (877-433-5243) to discuss how they can design, repair, maintain and secure your home or SMB computer network and all its devices.