The Importance of Networks and Data Storage

July 7, 2008 11:26 am RSS Feed Icon Business Networking

In a simple scenario, with a single PC, a printer, and a scanner, you simply connect everything together. When you have many users, working with many PCs, who want to use the same device all at the same time, it does create problems. Then you have to network everything together so that everyone has access to hardware devices, to the web, and to company data and information. Even then, they won't all be able to use the printer at the same time.

Why Should You Network?

Networking enables people within your business to work with each other and with other people in other locations and other businesses. Networking enables contact in entirely new ways and entirely new levels, across the office and right around the world. When your business is networked, no one is ever very far away.

There are three kinds of networks:

  • LANs (Local Area Networks)
  • WANs (Wide Area Networks)
  • The internet
LANs make it possible for everyone in your office to share a printer, for example.

With the right software, they can also share files, work on projects together, send instant messages and email simultaneously. All you need is cable. With wireless LANs, you don't even need that.

WANs are big LANs. They connect multiple LANs together, usually over large distances.

The internet is the world's biggest network. It is a global collection of LANs and WANs, connected to facilitate the sharing of resources. Intranets are simply special private connections maintained across the internet.

Networking and Storage Benefits

  • Networking is both sensible and essential to a growing business.
  • A client/server architecture helps to optimise everyone's time.
  • Proper data storage and back-up is a must in any business.
  • Choose your ISP carefully to meet your business needs.
  • Check whether the ISP offers Internet access for single and multiple users; what kind of e-mail it offers; domain name registration
  • Web space and website services; and if it offers local call rate helpdesk services
  • A well-managed business knows what it needs and where it is going, so plan for your future information technology needs.
  • Always ask for advice on the different options that are available.
Small businesses are concerned with LANs and, of course, the internet. When you are small, say two computers, you can network each to the other and share resources. You can access files from each other. You can share a printer, and so on. This is called a peer-to-peer network. It is fine until you reach a point where whatever you are doing slows the other computer down. Or until you can't print anything until the other user closes down some applications. Productivity plummets as frustration rises.

When that happens, you can convert your LAN to a client/server relationship. You need to install a server, which networks everyone together. Although everyone on the network - the clients - has business content stored on their own hard drives, the files and resources that are intended for sharing are connected to the server. That's why the term client/server is used.

Now, your resources are controlled centrally and your business content can be backed up and archived easily. Because the server processes network requests, workflow and productivity is optimised. The server automatically organises everything, queues requests and sets priorities.

Your computer reseller will be able to advise you on the network architecture that is best suited to your small business.

Storage

Every business creates a great deal of crucial data that needs to be "backed up." That means it is stored and saved where it is easily accessible and can be easily retrieved.

In business, you never know what is going to happen. Everyone is susceptible to power failures, fire, theft, flood, and accidental damage. If you haven't backed up vital data or information, the effects can be disastrous. Recovery can be very costly.

Back up information regularly either to disk (CD) or tape. If you generate a lot of information, you should consider a network storage solution.

Network storage automates many standard backup tasks and makes them easier.

Network storage provides vast storage capacity, instant and immediate search capabilities and enormous flexibility to add devices that can access your archives from any location.

Connecting to the Internet

The internet is a giant resource. But you can't use it on your own. You need the help of an Internet Service Provider (ISP) that has the equipment and the high-speed lines to connect you.

Choose your ISP carefully. If you want useful information, with specialised content gathered, organised and sorted, choose one of the best-known ISPs.

Talk with your business colleagues and trading partners. Read the technology and business press. Discuss your needs with your computer reseller, who will be happy to help and advise you on where to look.

Sekhar writes articles for Microsoft India Small Business

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