A Managed Network is a Healthy Network

Network Types

Like a good city, a good network starts with infrastructure. You must have solid network cabling to have a solid network. Because we handle the entire network system, including the wiring, we can ensure you start with a reliable, high-performance network. It all starts with the cabling.Because of its importance, we do not subcontract our network wiring. Instead, we ensure it gets the same attention to detail as the rest of our networking service. To minimize disruption to your office, we often do our wiring at off-hours. As you can see, we do whatever it takes to make sure the work is done right.

Local Area Networks (LANs)

Local Area Networks (LANs) are quickly becoming the backbone of today's small company. When we are all trying to get more done in less time, gone are the days of passing files back and forth on floppy disks. Instead, interconnect the computers in your office so everybody can have access to needed information. Things like company contact lists, manuals and procedures, and client documents can all be shared and maintained. Sharing all kinds of information has never been easier. Electronic mail (Email) can transform the way a company communicates. Email provides an excellent written record of things previously passed along verbally. Forget those little pink message slips that get lost and are hard to read. Instead, email the message and it is there waiting for the recipient when they sit down at their desk. Email also allows for the transfer of files to customers and clients, with a simple file attachment to an email. The old way of using Fedex to overnight a file is costly and time consuming, instead, documents can be there in minutes when attached to an email. Let us design, install, and maintain your network. Because we handle all aspects of the job ourselves, we can ensure you a high quality, reliable network. We never subcontract work to others - we believe in doing things ourselves and doing them right the first time.

Wireless Networking

Wireless Networking is finally making its way into the mainstream. For buildings that are difficult to add wiring to, or for situations that require a portable solution, we can provide you with a complete wireless solution. For maximum reliability, we use high-end Cisco and also an affordable sytems like Netgear as well as Linksys wireless products. Your network is only as good as the weakest link, so do not settle for the inexpensive "solution" when it comes to your wireless needs.

Wide Area Networks (WANs)

If you have remote offices to connect to your network, let us handle the entire job for you. We will work to install the necessary data circuits and ensure the equipment is configured correctly. Once again, because of our intense customer focus, after calling us, your job is done. We have extensive experience connecting remote locations to the home office - from medical clinics to financial institutions; we are your one stop.

Novell Netware

Novell Netware has also been used for years when is comes to the Client/Server setup. It is also known for its reliability. We have also installed and maintained many Novell networks. With our broad range of knowledge, we allow the customer to tell us their needs and then we decide what solution is right for them. Having knowledge in all major networking operating systems allows us to fit your needs to a specific software package.

Peer-to-Peer

Peer-to-Peer Versus Dedicated Network Server (Client / Server) - The two basic types of networks found in small offices are the peer-to-peer, and the Client / Server (or dedicated network server). Typically, both types will have a designated computer to play host to the others on the network (the file server). In a peer-to-peer configuration, the file server will usually be running the same operating system as the other desktop computers in the office. The file server may or may not be a dedicated machine, meaning it may also be used as a desktop machine for somebody in the office. The Client / Server configuration will find a computer that is dedicated, and built for, the purpose of being a network file server. It will be running an operating system that was designed for network serving, such as Windows NT, Windows 2000 family, and XP. There are many advantages to running a true network server and often system requirements that demand it. Peer-to-Peer - Many smaller offices do not need the increased functionality of a true network server. For these cases, we will install a peer-to-peer network, where a designated user's desktop computer is the office file server. We will never push you into a dedicated network server, if your system does not need it. While a dedicated network server offers many enhancements over a peer-to-peer configuration, the increased cost is not always warranted.

Client / Server

The Client / Server system is our main area of expertise. Most offices with more then 8 PCs will fall into this category (in fact, many businesses with 5 or more PCs choose the enhanced functionality). For years, the defacto-standard operating system for network file servers has been Microsoft Windows NT. Recently, Windows 2000 Server has begun to make its way into the mainstream, but has yet to gain much presence in the small business arena. Those things most important to a network system can be found with a dedicated network server: Unattended data backup, power protection, system stability, system redundancy, system security, and enhanced features such as email and shared printing.

Windows NT Server

Windows NT Server has been used for years in the Client/Server arena. NT has been proven to be reliable day in and day out. Windows 95 and 98 where developed with the common home user in mind. These operating systems will lock-up or crash for time to time. Windows NT has been proved to be much more reliable, and if that onetime crash should occur, the chance of data loss is very slim. Net Octal Technologies has installed many Windows NT Servers into many different companies. NT has the strength and reliability to handle a 100-computer network, but has the ease of use to help a 5-user office.

Virtual Private Networks

Virtual Private Networks or VPNs have been a hot topic lately. Basically, a VPN uses a secure connection on the Internet to extend your corporate network out of your building. A VPN allows employees, customers or vendors to access your local network via the Internet. This is a secured pipe into the main office from across the street or across the world. With VPN client software running on a laptop, and an Internet connection, your salesmen or any office employee can get email, retrieve documents, and even run server application