7 Ways to Improve Your Network

1. Document your System
Know what you have, where it is and how it's configured. From Firewall to Server, Router, PC and the connectivity of your system. Your documentation should include diagrams, inventory, user names /passwords, encryption keys and configuration logs of infrastructure devices. Keep this information SECURE, controlled and up to date.

Charlton Networks can assist you in creating & maintaining the essential documentation for your system! <contact us now...>

2. Backup & Regularly Restore Your Data
Backup your system and user data, ideally via a central file server with appropriate software. Configure this software to automatically backup each evening, email your administrator each day with the backup results and implement a test procedure to routinely recover data, testing that your backup is working. Routinely clean backup drives and replace tapes.

Charlton Networks can provide a range of backup and recovery solutions from small peer-to-peer, through to larger multi-server environments, providing protection of your valuable data! <contact us now...>

3. Review Your Network Security Polices & Procedures
The security of your systems and data is critical to your business, but security doesn't have to be complex or cost the earth! Start by developing a simple security policy, considering where, when and how your business uses its IT resources. Issues such as acceptable usage, data storage, routine password changes, security for mobile users and remote access are all worth looking at in the first instance.

Once you have a policy you need to implement it, routinely review and where appropriate test it.

Charlton Network can assist with all aspects of this IT Security. <contact us now...>

4. Have a Strategy & Design
It's vital that you know what you want your system to deliver and how it is to develop and evolve. Network systems don't stay the same for ever and it's important that any investment in your system is consistent with your business aims and that the introduction of new hardware and software meets these needs and provides the maximum flexibility for the future.

Charlton Networks provide consultancy and designs IT Networked Systems for all sizes of business and we offer a FREE initial consultation or network health check. Take a look at our clients and see how they have benefited from our expertise. <contact us now...>

5. Get the Support you need
The support you need will depend upon many factors that include the size, complexity and growth of your business. In all cases you will need to consider key aspects such as;

•  Day to day administration
•  Helpdesk and first line support
•  Second line support and escalation
•  Hardware support
•  Software support
  

The level of assistance and support cover your business needs will determine the type of cover you need to put in place. Support options can vary from ad hoc pay-as-you-go, pre-pay and contracts through to fully outsourced solutions. Hardware support can range from 2hr 24hr a day fix through to next business day parts to site, software can include the latest updates & revisions.

Charlton Networks can tailor a solution that meets your exact needs! <contact us now...>


6. Choose the right Networking partner
From design, installation and on-going support, you need to know that your IT Network partner can deliver the skills, expertise and backup that your business needs. There are many ways in which you can determine capability, that include;

Vendor Accreditation - Make sure that your supplier is accredited with the key manufacturers that you use.
Logging & Tracking of calls - Ensuring all problems and work requests are dealt with effectively.
Staff Training - Look for qualified or certified engineers in main stream vendors, such as Microsoft and Cisco.
Trust Worthy - Ask your supplier if engineers are government / MOD cleared, have clean driving licenses and other suitable references.
Proven & Stable - Look for a supplier who has been in business for a few years.

Charlton Networks meet all these criteria and are successfully partnering with many SME and Corporate organizations throughout the UK. <contact us now...>

7. Develop a simple Network tool kit
In many cases your company will still need to some form of initial problem diagnosis or even first level support (depending upon the contracts you have in place). There are a number of simple commands and free software tools that can help you quickly and effectively to isolate problems, giving you more confidence in your own abilities and reducing the cost of support calls too.

See our tutorials page for details of these tools.  <contact us now...>