Network Management
How computer networking benefits your small business
By Alan Fernald
Almost every small business owner eventually decides to establish a network. What most do not realize is that how you first build the network has a direct impact on the costs of managing and expanding the network later on. Before heading out for networking hardware, one must take into account the three 'M's of networking: motive, method and management.
Motive
Many times, the motive of building a network starts out simple. People need access to the Internet to do product research, exchange email with clients or to view a supplier’s online catalogs. However, as the network expands, businesses look for more ways to leverage their investment.
Anticipating and planning for future growth should start even before the first computer is connected. The best way to begin planning is to contact the SBA (Small Business Administration) to obtain professional references for networking consultants. When choosing a networking consultant, the criteria should include the consultant's professional qualifications and their willingness to design a solution to fulfill both your current computer networking requirements, and that can grow to meet future growth.
Method
One of the common methods to build and grow a new network is wireless networking. Just as you may use a cordless telephone to allow yourself to move around while speaking on the phone, wireless networking allows you to connect multiple computers from anywhere within range. This range (about 150 feet) can allow many small businesses to network all of their computers with the purchase and installation of a single central Wireless Networking Access Point (WAP).
If you install wireless networking, you must take into consideration both wireless security and ongoing management of the network. Because of the wireless networking protocol limitations, any person with a compatible wireless device within the 150-foot range of the WAP has the ability to connect to your network. Almost all WAP devices provide built-in encryption commonly referred to as WEP, WPA and WPA2. Though these different types of encryption may provide you a sense of security with your wireless networking, WPA2 is most highly recommended, as the other two are more easily hacked. Ensure that your WAP supports WPA2 before you make your purchase.
Additionally, you must ensure that you update your client computers and WAP devices on a regular basis with the latest security patches. Your client computers can perform this task automatically; however, your WAP equipment will probably require someone to manage the updates. You can contract with a computer consultant to perform this task, or you may assign a current employee to perform the maintenance and management of the network and provide the appropriate training.
Management
The next step is database management for your network. Databases hold your accounting systems, inventory or Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems. These databases may be as simple as MS Excel spreadsheets or hosted on a robust Database Management System (DBMS) such as MS SQL Server. Regardless of location, you must implement a database management plan to protect your business critical information.
You should have a plan for daily backup of all information, and just as important, a proven method of restoring the information if required. Without a data management plan, you are a single virus or hard disk failure away from losing the information you need to pay your invoices, collect your money or possibly even pay your employees.
Networking will nearly always benefit your business. However, networking the wrong way may result in grave consequences. Obtaining the assistance of a qualified computer networking consultant who listens to your business requirements will help ensure success.
