Server down? You've just lost potential customersServer down? You've just lost potential customers

A recent article from USA Today on the importance of "the network" to small business.

 

Pay attention: I'm going to discuss something today that's critical for your business, but that you probably never think about. Your network. Yes, I know it's geeky, but stick with me. This is important.

Consider the following scenarios:

• You're running a small hotel, it's the week before Memorial Day, and suddenly, your connection to the Internet goes down, and you can't accept reservations.

• You're on deadline for a report to your most lucrative client, and suddenly, you can't send e-mail.

• Your e-commerce store is up and running, but suddenly, you can't download orders to your shipping clerk or upload payments to your bank.

• You've got a critical file to share with a team member who works remotely, but suddenly you can't access your server.

• You use the Internet to get cheap phone service, and suddenly, you've got no dial tone.

Today, the network is a mission critical component for small business. We turn on our machines, and we expect the network to be there. Until it's not. Then we panic. Worse, we don't know what the problem is: "It's the router. It's the modem. It's the DSL. It's the software."

All I know is that in my business, I just need the network to work. And I need it to ALWAYS work.

That's why networking giant Cisco is on a mission. The corporation known for enterprise-level networking equipment — all the dull stuff like routers, switches, hubs and the like — has created an entire group within Cisco to serve companies with fewer than 100 employees.

I recently visited their Small Business Technology Group, (SBTG) which fills more than a large building in Milpitas, Calif. Their task: develop new products and services especially for small companies to give those who run small companies the technologies we need to build and run competitive businesses. And, make sure those technologies work together seamlessly, all the time.

"When you get to the point when you realize your connection to the network is critical, then it's important that it's dependable, reliable," said Ian Pennell, senior vice president, SBTG. "You don't have to tinker with it."

"The killer app of the Internet is the Internet," said Pennell. And that will only be more true as we increasingly use Web-based services for our bookkeeping, payroll, contact management. "The heart of Cisco is all about connecting everything to everything on the network."

At the Technology we help clients implement the RIGHT solution for their IT needs, often this means calling on suppliers like Cisco to supply the equipment, it's good to see they're listening!