Companies today transfer large
amounts of data to and from business
partners and customers. With identity theft and security breaches so prevalent,
these companies use the same technologies to protect data as they do to transfer
the information.
“All successful companies use some type
of Internetworking,” says Todd Hash,
national practice director of Internetworking and IT services of Pomeroy IT
Solutions. Internetworking is the combination of many advanced technologies such
as unified communication, voice-over technologies and wireless security devices.
Two major technology companies are
Cisco and Nortel networks.
Smart Business spoke with Hash about
Internetworking and the assessments used
to design a system to fit a company’s needs.
What is Internetworking?
Internetworking covers various types of
technology. Companies rely on this technology to perform numerous daily tasks and
advanced services. These services vary in
each industry but include such systems as
security in bank transactions and secured
patient information in hospitals. Internetworking can be used to collect data and
transfer information, but security is always
a factor. In order for a company to be successful, it must protect the information of
the business and its customers.
Business-to-business transactions often
take place that require high levels of security as information is passed from each
entity. Programs can be designed and put
in place on an individual basis to ensure
the protection of a company’s largest asset:
data.
How can Internetworking be used to improve
a company?
Such technology is necessary for a company to stay competitive in its market
because it allows them to operate efficiently by improving its communication both
internally and externally, which directly
impacts employee efficiency, company
processes and customer satisfaction.
Internetworking technologies designed by
certified IT companies are also compliant
with the requirements of the industry in
which they are placed. Network infrastructure assessments are used to determine
what programs a company needs and if the
programs in place are compliant with industry standards. These assessments provide a
complete blueprint of the network. They
show what is in place, what operations
carry out what procedures and identify any
gaps in the network. A professional IT company should run the analysis and then sit
down with business owners and review the
assessment. At this point, an IT staff can
point out any gaps and predict where any
outages may occur, as well as point out if a
company’s system is noncompliant.
Why are assessments of Internetworking
important?
It enables a company to streamline
processes and create a secure network.
These assessments help make sure the systems are compliant. They help reduce costs
because they highlight redundancies in a
network and point out if programs are completing the same tasks. This can help cut
programs and increase networking thereby
increasing productivity for a company.
Business owners may be shocked to find
these assessments show that they are
using legacy equipment and there is new
equipment on the market that will do more
work for a reduced price. With the help of
IT professionals and assessments, outages
and security breaches can be protected.
Assessments help companies align their
networks with their business plans.
What do they need to consider or evaluate
before implementing such systems?
The assessment is critical because it is
the blueprint of the network. This blueprint
will show if the programs meet the company needs. Companies should use IT professionals to run the assessments, design adequate programs and implement the programs into a company’s network.
To use the best company possible one
should find an IT group with a wide variety
of trained engineers. With engineers experienced in every industry, a company is
sure to find the programs and services
needed to be successful in their industry.
One should also think about the investment. The costs of these assessments are
very minimal and can help companies
increase productivity and save money in
the long run.
How does properly designed Internetworking
protect a company?
There are always minimal risks with technology but in today’s world there is no
other option than Internetworking.
Companies have to rely on networks to
monitor potential breaches and protect
their information. With the proper assessment, gap analysis is provided and an IT
company can provide specialized software
packages that offer protection based on
the needs of your company.
A company with a great engineering base
will provide the best protection. A business
owner should look for an IT provider who
works on a national basis.
TODD HASH is the national practice director of Internetworking
and IT services of Pomeroy IT Solutions. Reach him at (800) 846-8727.
