Networking Your Business:
Consider It Required

by David M. Fitzpatrick

(This article originally appeared in The Bangor [Maine] and Mon Valley [Pennsylvania] Business Journals)

If you’re new to the concept of networking, it’s the connection of two or more computers to allow them to work together, sharing information, resources, and services. Older networks could work with a single continuous cabling system; most today work with each computer being connected to one or more central hubs—sort of like robotic data traffic cops that keep everything running smoothly.
Networking used to be in the realm of the richest companies, mostly because “network engineers” paid huge amounts of money to become certified as such. Nowadays, anyone can easily set up a basic network. Most computers come with on-board network interface cards (NICs), so all you need is a hub, some cable, and the ability to follow simple directions—or an experienced technician if the idea makes you netvous. So, if you aren’t running a network at your business, ask yourself: Why not?

I regularly encounter clients who run several computers that are not networked. The reasons are typically:

Regardless of why, productivity is lost when file sharing is achieved running back and forth across the office with floppy disks. Often, multiple employees need to access company files that live on one machine, resulting in conflicts about who is using which computer.

The Basic Benefits
While networking is about many things, including security, protection, productivity, and management, inherently it’s about sharing information and resources—the most fundamental advantages.

File Sharing. Instead of sharing floppies or Zip disks, or wasting time burning a few small documents to CDs, shared data folders (such as the ever-present My Documents folder on PCs) can allow anyone on the network to access your data. Such shares are passwordable as well as controllable in regards to read/write access.

Internet Sharing. Even if you dial-up to the Internet, that connection on one computer can be shared with any or all computers on your network. Ever had your phone line tied up while one person is online when someone else needs it? A connection share will alleviate that. (Of course, a shared dial-up can be bogged down when several people are using it at once; consider a broadband option such as a DSL line or cable access.)

Printer Sharing. With this, anyone on the network can print to any printer on any other computer—or to a workgroup printer connected directly to a hub. The savings of time and money are invaluable here. Instead of having one small, light-duty printer on each computer (and having that computer’s user rely on running around with floppies every time his toner runs out), a workgroup printer can be used. They tend to be far cheaper to run, to have longer duty cycles, to be more robust, and to be faster and more efficient. While small, personal printers are good for backup purposes, toner and ink costs tend to quickly skyrocket.

Backup. As mentioned last issue, there are many methods for backing up. I prefer to keep all network computer data somewhere inside the My Documents folder, making it far easier to back up multiple computers. It’s easy to access the data from all over the network with minimal work and trouble, making it easier to back up everything your business needs.

Myths
Let’s dispel some common misconceptions about networks.

You need to be a big business. Not at all. It’s ridiculously inexpensive and not difficult.

You need to have a server. A client-server network is one where one or more servers manage things like administration and users, file or email serving, domain control, etc. This generally requires a computer running appropriate a network server operating system (such as Windows 2000), which makes it a more expensive investment. While this is a good option, even if you have a big network you don’t need it. A peer-to-peer network (where each computer is independent and doesn’t need a server to connect to other computers on the network) is sufficient. (This isn’t to say I don’t recommend a client-server network to larger networks; I absolutely do, for a number of reasons I won’t belabor here.)

Hackers and viruses will get you. Not if you follow standard security procedures like passwording network shares, running antivirus software, doing routine maintenance, etc. Note that even a single, non-networked computer connected to the Internet is at risk; proper protection and security should always be in place regardless of whether or not you are networked.

It’s expensive. Not anymore. Network starter kits with hubs, cards, and cables are pocket change nowadays. Wireless networkign is the way to go for many, and now those prices have plummeted to the basement. Most hubs—even cheap ones—have uplink ports that allow you to link more hubs together. Most computers come with NICs, but even they’re available for $10-$20 each. As for installation, if you’ve checked around and been told that $90/hour is the going rate, and they’re talking ten hours to set up three computers, check around some more. Assuming no heavy-duty drilling and cable-running is needed, plan for an average of about a half hour per computer (but plan for basic maintenance, antivirus scan, etc., on all machines before networking).

It’s one more thing to go wrong. That’s not even a semblance of an excuse. Everything you do with a computer is one more thing to go wrong. Swapping disks back and forth just to use one printer is a precious waste of time and money.

Summary
Consider networking for your business as a required and valuable investment. Don’t put it off. The benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. I’ve touched on the basic points of networking, but that’s the tip of a very large iceberg.