Networking

Not all Internet providers are equal. There are many more choices today than ever before, so be sure to check out all options before chosing or changing your Internet provider. As the recent disaster with Frontier taking over Verizon's landlines, there are other mergers in the offing you should be aware of. VCC can help.

Networking is about sharing, backing up, and retrival. Most of us have a smart phone with networking built in. Storage on phones is limited, so data is usually stored or backed up to the cloud somewhere. If you lose your phone or it dies, your contacts, calendars, pictures and other data is safe with Verizon, AT&T or other provider. What many people don't realize is you can also do this with the data on your computers.

With the proliferation of viruses that encrypt your data, it is imperative that data is backed up somewhere that the virus cannot get to it. Cloud storage services almost always backup several iterations of files, so if the most recent is corrupted, you can go back to previous versions. If you are backing up to a dedicated hard drive or USB device that is always connected, be aware that the crypoto-viruses will encrypt your backups as well.

Types of Backups

• Local Backup Drive
• Peer-to-peer
• Local Server
• Dedicated Online Backup: Mozy, Carbonite, etc.
• Cloud Storage: Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Dropbox, etc.
• Cloud Server: Rackspace, Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure
• Line of Business Server: QuickBooks Online, SalesForce, Microsoft CRM

The important issue for backing up your data is that the first three are vulnerable to crypto-viruses. They work quickly and efficiently, so it is still a good idea to use them, but do not rely on them exclusively. VCC can help you setup a network/backup strategy that keeps your data safe.

BYOD

Corporate blogs are filled with stories about problems with allowing employees to "Bring Your Own Device" -- meaning smart phone, tablet or laptop. It's a great idea for businesses because it significantly reduces costs. It's good for employees as well. Ever tried to carry two smart phones?

All companies need to think about the issues with BYOD. If an employee leaves the company, you can't just take back the corporate laptop any more.

VPN & Wireless

Virtual Private Network (VPN) allows you to create a local network across the Internet. This provides a secure tunnel where everything is encrypted so no one on the Internet can eavesdrop, and makes it seem as if the two networks are a single network. This works great for branch offices or owners working from home.

Toby has a VPN tunnel from his home to office. We have set up all flavors of VPNs and have some strong prejudices as to what works and what doesn't. Hint: they don't all work well.

We have setup many businesses with Wireless for the company and another Wireless for customers where the customers cannot access the company network, but there is only one access to the Internet.