Network Storage
Network storage solutions for business require extensive planning to ensure stability and security. Some companies overlook the pitfalls that can be encountered with network storage solutions.
Network storage is often upgraded to fit a business's particular needs. Upgrading network storage can be an expensive, time consuming process but the benefits are great. Smaller, personal companies may use a Windows XP network storage using an extra computer as a network server. Although this may work for awhile, this decision may eventually lead to decrease in efficiency and productivity due to small storage space and integrity issues.
For large companies the use of network consultants is advisable to analyze the nature of your business to recommend a network storage system that best fits your business. These types of consultants should evaluate both hardware and software requirements to provide information on the pros and cons of various network storage options that your business may be considering.
Network storage solutions can manifest five common problems, listed below, that are either overlooked by businesses or not included in the overall planning. Disaster recovery is an important consideration for network storage solutions. Sometimes entrepreneurs are risk takers and don't provide for all potential problems. Although usually the basics are covered, insurance on their store and goods against fire, theft, natural calamities, etc., in some cases the need to have a disaster recovery plan included in their network storage solution is overlooked. If valuable customer information is lost to a disaster it could result in temporary chaos and a financial burden. Therefore, network storage should include a recovery system to restore normal business within 24 to 48 hours. A network storage solution should pay attention to 'redundancy'. It is a good idea for businesses to maintain a redundant source of power supply for critical servers. Some business owners ignore the warning that power failure to servers, if not backed by a redundant power source, can lead to loss of data. Stable network storage should include a redundant power source plan. Network storage must include network security. Viruses are always a threat to the world of computers and internet. Of course one simple solution is to make sure there is a suitable 'firewall'. For network storage it is important to issue passwords for workstations, servers for only those persons that need to have access. Network speed can be another overlooked issue with network storage. Businesses focus on maximizing efficiency and productivity at the lowest cost. Usually the best way to achieve this is to minimize wastage of employee time. Speed of network storage depends on many factors from simple network security policies to restrict P2P software to intelligent switching hardware. Also network infrastructure cabling (Cat 5, Cat 6, and Fiber Optics) also makes a significant difference on the performance of the entire network. Smart network storage solutions should be expandable. The availability to upgrade the network storage structure is an option that should always be open for clients. To plan ahead is important as a business should plan for expansion. A simple example would be to anticipate the company network storage requirements for data. Clients often overlook the importance of this option that makes sure their network storage system remains adequate for at least 3 to 5 years. Consultants are professionals that can give you valuable information, they should not be implemented blindly either. As a customer you are entitled to understand the recommendations. Request easy to understand explanations for every recommendation for your network storage solution. Most importantly, make sure to pay attention to the 5 major and basic rules for network storage.
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