Small Business Networks Getting Past Small Business Networking Myopia

Small Business Networks: Getting Past Small Business Networking Myopia

Summary: Small business networks are much better suited for small businesses than peer-to-peer networks. Don't let your clients get away with thinking price is the only consideration with small business networks.

small business network, small-business-network

Article Body: Many small businesses mistakenly think that theyre too small to cost-justify a "real" client/server small business network. However, because small businesses want, and in most cases, need, the same technology tools as their larger competitors, deploying a peer-to-peer network doesnt usually make small business sense (except for the tiniest small offices).

Dont Let Clients Underestimate Technology Requirements

When purchase decisions are based solely on the initial price, small businesses tend to underestimate their technology requirements. If your client or prospect requires a secure, reliable, scalable and flexible technology backbone, the client or prospect needs a "real", dedicated server for their small business network.

As virtual CIO, part of your responsibility is to see that "sound" decisions are made. So dont let your small business clients invest in "dead end" peer-to-peer small business networking solutions that are difficult to support and expensive to upgrade.

If your clients value their data, productivity, uptime and technology investment, a "real" server should be a "no brainer".

The Bottom Line about Small Business Networks

In much the same way that every home begins with a solid foundation, your clients small business networks need a secure, scalable, rock-solid file and printer-sharing infrastructure before you can start adding value-added "bells and whistles".

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