Designing a Network for a Small Business – Getting It Right
Summary: Small and midsized businesses (SMBs) have unique needs when setting up a business IT network. It is important to get professional help designing a network for small business to avoid costly changes, function issues or security gaps.
Small Business Network Setup
Fast, secure and stable networks for SMBs are no longer a simple process or a DIY project. A poorly designed network will not work and sync the way you need it to and can create frustration and additional steps for employees. Poorly configured networks can also leave SMBs vulnerable to cyberattacks and data breaches. Because the burden of protection rests on those who collect and store private, sensitive information, this risk exposes your business to liability for every record exposed in a breach. Breach costs typically include:
- Notifications and credit monitoring for victims
- Legal fees
- Regulatory fines
- Consumer and employee lawsuits
- Harm to reputation
- Loss of business
- IT remediation fees
- Data restoration or rebuilding data (if possible)
- Loss of productivity
Over 60% of small businesses that have suffered a cyber attack cannot recover and end up going out of business within 18 months.
As computer systems become more elaborate and wireless networking a mainstay of operating most businesses, the need for a properly designed business network has never been greater. The good news is that there are many affordable solutions for small business network setups.
Network Setup and Design
SMBs have relatively modest computer system requirements compared with large enterprise companies. For example, SMBs may only have 10-20 computers, some printers, tablets, smart devices and other peripheral devices. Therefore, the network focus is on designing a safe and efficient network wherein users can share information and company resources.
The design of a small business network must be simple, functional, scalable and secure. The network must be able to grow and stay in step as the business grows. But, before starting to design your network, you must have a clear plan in place that prioritizes all your business needs and what goals you wish to accomplish, such as:
- Automation – Identify all the company functions that could be made more efficient through an automated computer operation.
- Business Applications – Depending on the type of small business you run, you will have specific software needs that should be defined as part of the network design. For example, an accounting firm will need accounting and financial programs, whereas a graphic designer will need design programs specific to their work and large data capabilities.
- Sharing – Decide the kind of data-sharing environment that works best for your company. Discern which positions will need what access privileges. Limit access to programs to only those who need it to perform their job.
- Email – Many small companies use emails for many things beyond person-to-person company emails. Automated collection, customer support, reminder and announcement emails may be part of your company’s requirements. Therefore, business email integrations should be part of your network design plan.
- Adequate Network Size – Spend time thinking about the size of your network from the start, how user-intensive it will be, and what level of data storage will be required. Envisioning how many workstations, printers, servers, etc., will be needed now and in the future is a crucial part of network design.
- Network Security – With a growing remote-access workforce, cyber security has become a priority, and often mandated in certain industries (health, finance, law). But unfortunately, cybercriminals are thriving and developing new ways to breach data. They target small businesses because they typically hold valuable data that can be resold and lack strong network security. Therefore, starting with robust cyber security is imperative.
- IT Capabilities – It is important to accept when it is time to get help from IT experts. Even a self-proclaimed “techie” should not risk a poor network design when their company’s business is on the line.
Network Solutions for Small Businesses
When deciding whether a professional IT service is required to design and install your small business network setup, take a moment to weigh your focus, frustration and time against hiring professional network design services. So often, users embark on their own network installations only to find that they are in over their heads with compatibility issues or had not fully anticipated all the costs and steps involved.
When searching for network design solutions for small businesses, look for a company that specializes in SMBs rather than a company that deals with enterprise-sized companies. An SMB specialist will understand your budget, goals and financial limitations. This type of service provider can also help you create a budget for expansion and prioritize equipment replacement schedules.
Benefits of Professional Network Services
IT technicians often have access to industry discounts and are aware of which brands have issues, or when updated product versions are about to be released. Also, many tech products (such as firewalls) can now be leased rather than purchased – freeing up cash for other purposes. Even tech-savvy users would be wise to engage professional IT consulting services to perform the network design and installation. These professionals can identify and analyze your needs and anticipate potential problems. They can offer affordable options and provide network solutions for small businesses that you may not have considered. A modest investment in professional IT assistance is a smart way to protect computers and business data while freeing up your time to concentrate on operational tasks.
Congratulations on your small business success. You have come a long way since the days of needing one computer, a phone and a router to run a business. Speak to a small business computer network professional for expert advice, access to industry discounts and security solutions to protect your hard-earned business assets.