Small Office / Home Office Solutions

Introduction

If you operate a small office / home office (often referred to as a SOHO), it's almost a given that you will wind up with more than one computer. If you run a business of even modest proportions, you need the benefits and the force multiplier that modern office automation tools can deliver. Costs of business-capable computing systems have dropped to the point where it is practical to own more than one machine. Case in point: those of us running a SOHO can't pass up the flexibility and convenience that both a workstation and a laptop afford. It is also true that nowadays, fast and reliable Internet access has become an essential part of virtually any business. The ability to buy and to sell, and to reach new customers on-line is also a huge force multiplier. Keeping it all secure and available is paramount to the successful operation of your business information management systems.

There are three fundamental information management issues that any small business must sooner or later address:

• Connectivity - this is your connection to on-line resources and your customers. If you're fortunate enough to have access to DSL, cable or other high-speed internet services, then you're in great shape. If none of these conventional high-speed internet access options are available, then satellite-based internet services are your only real alternative.  And you've got to have something. It is increasingly the case that your customers will ask you, "What's your website?" If you don't have one and/or can't maintain and update a company website, then you're at a serious disadvantage over others who do. Connectivity is the key to presenting and maintaining a powerful marketing tool.  Please visit the Intro to Satellite ISPs page on this website for more information concerning these services. 

• Computing power - you need workstations and almost certainly a server to manage your business information assets. Please visit the High Performance Workstations and Servers page on this website for more information concerning a better class of computing products suitable for a business environment.

• Security - ensuring that your business information assets remain confidential, available and secure. Please visit the Data Security Overview page on this website for more information concerning the safety and security of your business information assets.

As your business operations expand, you will also have to consider other issues that directly affect your business information systems. Effective collaboration  - the sharing of business critical information with your employees, your suppliers and your customers  -  can grant you a huge competitive edge. Acceptable use policies, disaster recovery plans and backup strategies are now necessary - not optional. We can help with these issues.

StarLAN Consulting Services will be happy to discuss your business connectivity, security and networking needs - just give us a call to set up an appointment.

*Download the SonicWALL Comprehensive Gateway Security datasheet (PDF)