Do you have a whole bunch of computer cables running everywhere? 

Do you have a printer connected to a computer that is networked, but you can only print when the computer is on? 

Have you started off small and are now much larger as a business, yet your computer network has not been assessed or upgraded? 

Are you located on the Mornington Peninsula, ie: around the Frankston, Carrum Downs and Mornington areas and not sure who can help you? 

Simply put, this is not an overly complicated computer networking service, but one that is often missed.  Many medium sized businesses grow from a very small office to several offices located around Melbourne and somehow manage not to seriously consider their options. 

A key strategy here is to ensure an experienced resource is engaged for early stages discussion on what you want to achieve with your computer(s) and how you perceive the best network option is for your business.  An experienced resource will tap into the data cabler in the area, this is a service where they physically install and place your network cable through your floor, walls, computer cabinet etc.  The combination ensures you start off on the right foot. 

Next might not seem like a very logical decision, but one equally very important.  Networking printers.  Often this is missed, or left to a last minute decision.  My advice is to work out how many staff you have and who needs to print what and where.  The cost difference between a standalone printer connected to a computer for networking versus a fully networked printer is quite low, yet the benefits are quite substantial.

The next aspect is important to understand whether or not you will have a server on site.  If you are, it is very important to ensure that this is "housed" in a secure position.  No, do not put it under someones desk hoping it will be all OK.  What is required is to have the server located in a separate, locked room.  It then needs to be stored in a secure cabinet that is actually locked with keys not in the cabinet!  (Be surprised, I think 80%+ businesses do this exactly!) You will then need a "hub" of some sorts which will connect all your data cabling into one point, allow easy access to change where everything is connected.  

OK, this is more likely a whole new topic, but briefly, your internet connection and how you network all your computers is critical.  Without going into this topic too much within this article, my suggestion is to have ALL staff with laptops.  Why do you ask?  With the right strategic advice and direction taken, laptops can proof extremely beneficial to any business.  So there then needs to be a level of wireless connectivity to these laptops.  Before you ask, yes you still should cable up the office!  So what you will need is a device connected to your "hub" of cables from each desk, yet cable of secure wireless connectivity.  This gives your staff the ability to sit at their desk connected via a network cable, or go sit out the back BBQ area relaxing in the sun whilst still doing their work. 

Lastly, this I very certain no one considers, or even bothers with.  My advice here is to place a high quality bolted in safe into the computer cabinet.  Only 2 people should know the combination, that is the owner of the business and the IT guy/girl.  No not a power user who is in the office who knows plenty of IT stuff, your IT resource you rely upon to do the proper IT work.  In this safe you will store passwords for things like the Internet, networking, printers, administrative logins for certain applications, even some computers!  You simple have an envelope, write on a blank piece of paper neatly the username and password and for what service/device, seal it with a signature on the back, write on the front the purpose of the contents.  This way if this is strictly adhered to, you will always have a copy of the important aspects to your business.  This is critical in an emergency.

 

If you want to know more, or need this strategy put into place within your business, we @ Keep it Simple IT are here to assist your business, contact us today to move forward.