Cost-effective and reliable network connectivity is one of the first considerations for a company when it has to strategise around accommodating growth. Inter-branch connectivity becomes a serious issue in the planning process and full online capability is a must. Should a corporate opt for the wide area network (WAN) over the virtual private network (VPN), or is it best to take the wireless route?
"There are advantages and disadvantages associated with all these options. The VPN is completely outsourced which means less worry for the company, the HR resource is not stretched and decision-makers are free to concentrate on their core competencies. The technology is based on more than one Internet breakout and this means fewer bottlenecks and this translates into faster and more robust data transfer. Data transfer is also limited to just data and does not include voice," explains Robert Sussman, director at Integr8 IT.
The VPN is, in essence, managed by a partner and this, says Sussman, represents a huge advantage.
"The IT partner is responsible to manage the entire network environment. A service level agreement is usually put in place to ensure turnaround time and proactive attention to requirements and any problems that may arise. It is also more cost-effective because the partner is the party with the skills to handle the technology - there is far less pressure on the company to utilise precious resources."
Management of the network infrastructure is a pertinent consideration. It goes to the heart of issues such as return on investment, total cost of ownership, productivity and resource management, all of which have an impact on performance and company strength.
"The WAN network option for wide area connectivity places more control in the hands of the company. There is a need to focus on in-house skills and strategic deployment of this resource, but the company has complete control of how the infrastructure is set up and utilised. There is a cost consideration in that the organisation will have to review the status of this resource and possibly employ more people at some stage," adds Sussman. "Then there are also limits as far as international connectivity is concerned."
A key factor with the WAN option is that a company has the ability to run voice. With the current level of interest and growth in teleconference and interactive technology, the ability to transfer voice and data in real-time gives businesses the inside edge in reaching target markets.
There is continued take up and keen interest in wireless network infrastructure. It seems the jury is still out on the feasibility, cost-efficiency, performance and overall strength of the wireless network.
"There is strong interest in wireless from a local point of view for boardrooms and hotspots. But the technology is not yet replacing the cable for the desktop or server. It is limited to 54Mb on 802.11g standard at 100m. Other points of interest is that backbone connectivity on gigabit is emerging as standard and could soon be a standard to the desktop with gigabit over Ethernet," Sussman concludes.
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Integr8 IT (Pty) Ltd is a wholly owned network technology services and solutions company in southern Africa. Based in SA, the company employs a wealth of highly skilled and certified system engineers who are directly involved in high level consulting, support and integration.
With offices located in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and representation in Port Elizabeth, Durban and East London, Integr8 IT spans nationally across the southern Africa region. It has the people and expertise to plan, deploy, manage and maintain an information technology environment.
Whether a client seeks better control of its networked environment or is in need of practical solutions, complex or simple, Integr8 IT provides the answers with enhanced IT services.
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