How to choose the right computer equipment for your business to increase your productivity and efficiency without it costing the earth.
Business software helps you complete a range of tasks. Choose the right software, provide support and train your staff with our introduction.
It is highly likely that you depend on the internet for some aspects of your business. Find out how you can use the internet more effectively.
Good communication with customers, partners and suppliers is vital for business success. This summary explores business communication methods.
How would you cope if your IT system failed or was breached? We cover the main IT security issues and how to protect against them.
Good IT management can help you choose, use and implement IT. Our overview helps you manage IT in a way that maximises the return on your investment.
IT support is vital if you rely on your IT system. But how can you set up an effective safety net in case things go wrong? We explore the options.
Getting the right IT is just the first step. Appropriate training, policies and working practices can help you maximise return on your IT investment.
Gone are the days when an internet connection was optional for businesses. You need a fast, reliable business internet connection to do everything from sending email to managing your website.
What's more, increased use of cloud computing - services accessed online - means your business may be more dependent than ever on its fast connection.
There are lots of internet service providers (ISPs) offering a range of internet connection options. The most common are:
With fibre, your broadband connection is supplied via a fibre optic cable.
Fibre optic cables are faster and more reliable than the copper wires used to deliver other types of broadband, like ADSL (see below).
There are two types of fibre connection:
In the UK, many providers offer FTTC services. The main provider of FTTP is Virgin Media, although it's also available from some other companies.
Fibre isn't available in all parts of the UK, although telecoms firms are making an effort to roll out the technology more widely.
If it is an option in your area, fibre is almost certainly worth considering. It's likely to become the standard for businesses in areas with coverage.
ADSL is supplied down the standard copper telephone line that connects your business premises to the local telephone exchange.
Connection speeds can vary considerably with ADSL, depending on how far you are from the local telephone exchange.
ADSL is adequate for many companies with fewer than 20 employees and offers reasonable value. However, given that fibre often only costs £5-£10 more each month, it's probably the better choice - if it's available in your area.
Sam Knows can tell you what connection types and providers are available to you.
As you investigate your connection options, you'll find that business ISP services can differ considerably. Answering these questions will help you identify the best:
Read your business ISP's small print carefully. Notably, connection speeds can vary depending on the distance between your premises and the local telephone exchange - yet many ISPs only quote the best case speed.
Cheaper packages also tend to limit how much data you can transfer each month.
Many business ISPs offer optional extras, like email addresses or inclusive telephone calls. While this can save money, be wary of relying on one provider. For instance, if one business ISP supplies your telephone and internet connection, a problem could cut you off completely.
If you're a larger company, or have critical requirements - like access to a connection guaranteed not to fail - you may need to consider a leased line. This is a dedicated internet connection which can provide very high speeds and which your business can depend on in all circumstances.
However, leased lines are expensive. BT's leased line charges start from around £225 a month, but prices can go much higher. Leased lines require specialist knowledge to install and configure.
Many leased line suppliers will be willing to customise the service you receive. They may also offer web hosting and other telecoms services.
In any case, seek advice from an IT expert - like your IT supplier - if you're not confident deciding what sort of internet connection to plump for.
You will probably need additional hardware to connect to the internet. Many business ISPs will supply a router for free. This connects to your phone line, allowing you to share the internet connection. Take security precautions to protect your business internet connection from online threats too.
Finally, remember that the internet can create management issues. Make sure your staff understand what they are and aren't allowed to use the internet connection for, and document this in an IT policy.
