Can you Trust Your Network Provider?

Written by Guest Author | January 25, 2012 | 0

Nowadays, businesses rely on high speed communication in order to access vital resources at the drop of a hat. The demands of modern business mean that the task of managing the costs and complexities of an extensive network are often outsourced to a managed network provider. So how do you know your network provider is up to the job?

Internet access, cloud computing and VoIP services all need a specialist provider to manage the network, ensuring the business is fully functional at all times. A flawed network can slow a business down, hampering the workflow of staff.

A broken or faulty network can potentially cost a business much more than time alone; if an organisation utilises VoIP and relies on cloud access to run effectively, then a broken network could mean no communication with the outside world, and no access to important documents.

Network Provider Can you Trust Your Network Provider?

Clients and customers will not be happy if your business is unreachable, and persistent issues could lead to your reputation being damaged, a drop in sales and even a decline in long-term client retention. Your network service provider should have a continuity plan in place in order to avoid any unwanted downtime. If not, then that provider is best avoided.

Sensitive information is often stored on cloud networks, which makes protection and security of the up most importance. Physical theft is also a genuine issue, particularly during this time of recession. The provider’s data centres should have 24-hour security, to deter thieves and vandals, in addition to stringent systems security to prevent hacking, denial of service attacks and other cybercrime activities.

Naturally, successful businesses will grow with time, so a provider should have the ability to grow with your business, seamlessly integrating new technologies and new office locations into the network. If a service provider can’t grow with your business and keep up with modern technologies, again, then give them a wide berth.

Finally, and crucially, any trustworthy network provider should offer roundthe-clock support and resolve any issues efficiently and effectively. A business must be sure of the level of support they will receive. If a company pays good money to a managed service provider, then the service must be provided in a way that allows the business to run without a hitch.

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A network service should be functional and accessible, and provide uncompromised usability. If a provider is not up to the task, it’s probably time for a business to assess its options and perhaps look elsewhere to satisfy its managed service needs.

Author is from InTechnology is one of the UK’s leading managed service providers, delivering data backup services, hosted VoIP solutions and unified communications services. To find out more visit www.intechnology.co.uk.