If you’re just starting out as a company, you’re perhaps getting by with some in-house knowledge about IT, compliance, data protection, and security.
In fact, it’s not uncommon for a business to operate with this kind of basic in-house knowledge for a long time. The trouble is, it’s often hitting a problem that causes organisations to reassess this approach – and IT problems are often expensive.
As such, it’s worth having a good understanding of how IT requirements develop when you’re in business. That way, you can stay ahead of your own requirements – and make sure IT doesn’t force you to put the brakes on when you should be driving forward.
What is a business network?
Generally, startups begin with IT that’s somewhat cobbled together. A CEO can work on his or her own devices – and it’s not at all uncommon to be operating with a BYOD approach when people join the company.
The trouble is, although common, this way of working generally doesn’t equate to the best approach to productivity or security. Nor does it foster the best from any online collaboration. This is where an IT network comes into its own. Connecting your devices offers a world of useful features, including:
Off-site access
If you’ve got people working for you who could use access to your applications and files when off-site, a network with remote access is invaluable. Creating remote access means you’ve got all the security you’d expect from a desktop terminal in your building – but with the flexibility of working from home, a client site, or even shows and expos.
Shared applications
Most businesses have mission-critical applications that their business simply cannot operate without. Perhaps you’ve got a CRM that holds all your customer data? Or maybe you’ve got book-keeping systems that keep your finances flowing smoothly. When these applications are centralised then accessed through a business network, you’ve got access when and where it’s needed. What’s more, you can be absolutely confident that every one of your users is working with the most up to date information.
Central storage
When you gather all your business information and keep it centrally, it means you’ve got immediate and up-to-date information powering your business at all times. What’s more, you also remove the most common security issue that all companies face – human error. Storing data locally puts your data protection efforts in the hands of every single user in your company – which is unlikely to stand up to scrutiny in the face of a breach.
Access control
Having a business network does not mean you swing the digital doors open to all your data for everyone on your network – in fact, it’s quite the opposite. Sophisticated access control methods mean you can manage your data on a granular level – allowing different levels of access depending on job role, security clearance, department – and so forth. As a result, you make data security a much simpler task.
Shared accessories
As well as the benefits we’ve outlined, there’s also the bonus of being able to share accessories and data across your network. Printers, scanners, and other networked machines become accessible to those who need access.
Do you need to build a network?
So, does your company need a network? It’s hard to say yes or no definitely – but if any of the features we’ve talked about above sound useful, then the answer could be yes.
It’s worth asking a few questions that’ll help you understand your company’s networking needs – such as:
- Do you require your team to work together on digital projects?
- Can you be certain your information is safely stored locally?
- Would it be useful for your team to work from home or other sides?
- Does your current set up make security compliance easy?
There are potentially thousands of questions that a good managed IT service provider would ask – before comparing the answers to your current business outlook and available budget – but generally, questions will boil down to three things – is your access, control, or security where you need it to be? If not, it’s probably time to start considering growing your company’s IT network accordingly.
Do you already have a network?
Of course, we shouldn’t discount the fact that some companies decide that an IT network is essential from the get-go – and in cases like these, the question shouldn’t be “Is it time for a business network?” – but instead, “Is it time to improve our network?”.
Improving your network could mean a host of different things. Would you like the control over devices and locations that comes with an SD WAN overlay? Maybe you’d like to compare MPLS providers and look at the control that MPLS can bring over your data? Then again, would bringing a specialist managed service provider onboard to audit and improve your systems be the way forward?
Networking as a service
The good news is, there’s not always going to be a need to start rolling large server stacks and hundreds of meters of cabling into your business just because you’d like to improve security or access to your fundamental applications. In fact, cloud technology is making this less and less important as the tech develops.
Now, many businesses access their infrastructure ‘as a service’. NaaS (Network as a Service) is becoming more and more popular for companies who need to stay agile as they grow – combining Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) into a combined solution that lets you access cloud-based networking services to roll out through your company.
From a business point of view, ‘as a service’ resources are generally far less costly up front, meaning you can access cutting edge technology as long as you’ve got a suitable internet connection.
Ultimately, there’s no prescribed ‘right time’ to grow your network. In fact, it’s generally more about making sure your IT keeps you and your customers safe – and maximises your chances of growing your business in a sustainable manner.