Have you ever got the feeling that you are being drawn in closer and closer into situation without really taking an active decision to get involved? Ever since I set up my business, I feel that my investments in technology as well as my dependence on it are growing by leaps and bounds on what seems like an everyday basis! First it was PC's, then laptops, then servers and then tech support. Ever since my servers were installed, my latest project is networking support.
I think the jury is unanimous in saying that network is a must and an important investment as network performance issues can result in expensive business delays. There are really three methods of network monitoring support available to a business. The first being having a full time IT person on board who serves as your network resource. I am not really in favor of this method of network for a business such as mine as it is cost intensive and not a 100% reliable. There could be knowledge and availability issues with regard to support that could prove troublesome. The network it must be remembered continues to work for the business even when the office is closed. Therefore, the network that I need has to be 24/7 and one employee would just not cover it.
The second option is of course support software for network. This software available from most major manufacturers is often considered a reliable means of networking support. This network software will track your network and diagnose system issues and look out for virus and the like. Most software will also be able to tell you when you need to expand capacity. It acts like your local vigilante and this software will monitor not only website activity but also employee computer usage.
I have read serious articles on the net that even say that network support software can be worth its wait in gold! Of course caution and due diligence must be exercised while buying network software. There are even free versions of the network support available on the internet.
The third option is remote network via a remote tech services company. The advantage with such a network server support option is that it really marries options one and two and offers you a really workable, affordable and efficient support option. Of course as I mentioned earlier due caution and diligence must be exercised while selecting a vendor. Security is major concern with regard to network support. Another concern with regard to vendor selection is certification and experience. For example if you are looking at a Linux server, your vendor must have Red Hat certification. The norm really is certification on a Microsoft platform and The Microsoft Certified Systems Administration (MCSA) certification assures knowledge of networking
