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 network support.
I think the jury is unanimous in saying that network support 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 support resource. I am not really in favor of this method of network support 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 network 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 support that I need has to be 24/7 and one network support employee would just not cover it.
The second option is of course network support software. This software available from most major manufacturers is often considered a reliable means of network support. This network support software will track your network and diagnose system issues and look out for virus and the like. Most network support software will also be able to tell you when you need to expand capacity. It acts like your local vigilante and this network support 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 support software. There are even free versions of the network support available on the internet.
The third option is remote network support 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 network support option. Of course as I mentioned earlier due caution and diligence must be exercised while selecting a network support vendor. Security is major concern with regard to network support. Another concern with regard to network support vendor selection is certification and experience. For example if you are looking at a Linux server, your network support 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
For my business, I think option three of remote network support via a remote tech Services Company is the best. It gives me the advantage of having an on call network support resource that is qualified to manage my network, give me proactive network support as well as provide diagnostic network support as and when I need it. They can advise real time on security alerts and track any virus or security hazardous. This kind of small business technical support will leave me and my team free to concentrate to on our core business knowing that someone is watching our back 24/7. What is even better than 24/7 is that for a very reasonable sum of money I am able to handle all my tech support needs through one qualified vendor?
