At some stage, a startup needs to rise to the pressure that\u2019s applied when scaling up begins. Almost inevitably, some of that pressure will land on IT systems \u2013 and, while a bare bones network will often do as you get off the ground, something more sophisticated will be needed when you spread your wings.<\/p>\n
The trouble is, IT networking can represent a really significant cost \u2013 so, it\u2019s not something you\u2019re likely to want to explore until the time is right. The question is, when is the right time to start putting down some IT roots?<\/p>\n
Here, we\u2019ll explore what a network is, what it might offer your business \u2013 and a few questions that\u2019ll help you decide if that time\u2019s right for you.<\/p>\n
The chances are, you already have a network of sorts. If you\u2019ve got an internet connection and a couple of devices, that technically constitutes an IT network \u2013 although, this simple form of networking devices doesn\u2019t really meet the business definition of an IT system.<\/p>\n
A true IT network is a series of portal devices that work with centralised infrastructure handling applications, storage and much more. Of course, it\u2019s not just the systems you use that make up a network \u2013 there\u2019s also a large element of security involved with networking too \u2013 vital if, like 98% of startups, you\u2019re handling sensitive data somewhere in your business dealings.<\/p>\n
So, putting a network in place is a little more than connecting your laptop to the printer \u2013 but what does a true network offer?<\/p>\n
The very first thing you can expect from a network is shared access to an array of applications<\/a>. For most businesses, there are applications and systems that underpin their core business model. In some instances, these will be accounting software or customer relationship management tools \u2013 although, in other cases, it\u2019ll be machine control systems or booking software. The possibilities are endless.<\/p>\n When you bring these systems together as part of a network, all your end users can access them when they\u2019re needed. As if that weren\u2019t a positive enough, most modern applications allow for inbuilt collaboration, so this efficiency is often reflected in streamlined ways of working for your staff too.<\/p>\n When you network your devices, you\u2019re also able to centralise your storage capabilities too. Centralised storage means instant access for all your team \u2013 as well as the increased security that you can factor in when a storage server is entrusted with your data safety \u2013 rather than humans with local devices that need to be kept safe.<\/p>\n While shared storage might sound like a good thing on the surface, it\u2019s common to feel a little concerned about unabridged access when you dig a little deeper into networking. There\u2019s no need to worry though \u2013 as sophisticated access systems will mean that data is held on a fully customisable \u2018need to know\/access\u2019 basis \u2013 so you can be certain that you\u2019re falling in line with the latest data protection laws and regulations.<\/p>\n There\u2019s also the issue of maintenance to consider when you create a network. With the introduction of SD WAN systems in many startups<\/a>, managed IT service providers are able to get hands-on with your systems in a matter of minutes \u2013 controlling with software what was once a job that needed a engineer onsite. This kind of remote access is likely to save you a fortune in associated IT costs \u2013 whether that\u2019s call-out fees from an MSP \u2013 or the desire to build an in-house team of IT professionals that can keep you up and running at all times.<\/p>\n So, you\u2019ve got an overview of what a network might start to offer your business \u2013 but there\u2019s no definitive answer as to when you should be looking at implementing such an infrastructure. Instead, it\u2019s worth simply considering a few questions:<\/p>\n There\u2019s more to networking than these considerations \u2013 but, most business networking decisions are based around accessing data, controlling data \u2013 and securing that data. In the 21st<\/sup> century, sitting on valuable data is worth more than sitting on an untapped oil reserve \u2013 so you\u2019ve got to make sure it\u2019s secure \u2013 and can be used to your benefit.<\/p>\n Cost. It\u2019s the big question that hovers over the top of any part of business growth \u2013 and IT networking is no different. If you\u2019re imagining servers and infrastructure that comes with large price tickets \u2013 you\u2019d be right \u2013 but that doesn\u2019t mean you have to pay those prices.<\/p>\n The tech giants that have traditionally provided the storage services, email servers and underpinning technology that creates a network are increasingly able to accommodate small startup businesses \u2013 and they doing by granting you remote access to infrastructure that they provide. Where buying an configuring your own mail server was once something that would involve 4-figure sums, it can now be done for a fraction of the price \u2013 through IaaS (infrastructure as a service)<\/a> schemes.<\/p>\n Rather than having your servers and hardware on-site, you\u2019ll access them through your internet connection \u2013 which, frankly, is now very similar to accessing said devices through a short ethernet cable \u2013 thanks to significant jumps forward in connection speed.<\/p>\n Of course, it\u2019s not just the fact that you can purchase services at achievable costs that make IaaS appealing \u2013 there\u2019s also the knowledge that you can quickly scale up and down according to your immediate needs \u2013 an absolute must in a world where business agility is very much the name of the game. If you want to be able to respond to the demands of modern industry marketplaces \u2013 you\u2019re going to need to be working from the same playbook \u2013 and IaaS lets you access that playbook without the need for a bottomless pit of money\u2026<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" At some stage, a startup needs to rise to the pressure that\u2019s applied when scaling up begins. Almost inevitably, some of that pressure will land on IT systems \u2013 and, … <\/p>\nIs a network right for you?<\/h2>\n
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How much is a network likely to cost?<\/h2>\n