Computers, copiers, fax machines and network servers. The machines you use to run your business are evolving into much simpler, but more intelligent machines — machines that will communicate with more than one software platform and allow for self-installation and maintenance.
But, while the machines are getting smarter, the criminals who use computers to break into your system to steal trade secrets, client information and intellectual property are finding ways to crack into these systems. Here are some new equipment trends to help your business run smarter and safer.
Network appliances
Why shouldn’t your computer server be as simple as your microwave oven or refrigerator? For many small- to medium-sized businesses, employees just want to be able to see, share and print files with other computers in the office.
While a Windows NT or Novell server may to everything you want it to do, many of their expensive features might be unnecessary for your company’s limited needs, says Macy Hallock, president of APK Net Ltd. in Cleveland.
“What you’re beginning to see is network and Internet devices that are appliances. They require very little set-up and very little administration,” says Hallock. “They do a fairly limited number of tasks. It does them just right and it does them with little or no training.
“There are a number of companies that are bringing this product to the market right now, but the awareness is only just beginning.”
Security
Because the new appliance servers are simple and inexpensive enough to be purchased at a local computer store, they open up a new host of security threats to the information within the server, Hallock says. He recommends calling a professional to set up some kind of security measure, or firewall, that stands between your computers and those on the outside.
“A lot of people don’t understand that their local area network is probably not built from a security standpoint; it needs to be managed. A lot of small businesses are not managing that properly because they don’t understand it.”
Fast and sloppy copies
The copier giants unleashed their digital and networked copiers and color copiers this year, marking a huge step forward for those office products. Next year, the devices will be faster — up to 150 pages per minute — but the newer color copiers seem to sacrificing quality for speed, says Paul Hanna, president of Meritech Blue.
“We’re watching that very closely because we’re a quality house, so we won’t carry a product unless it meets our expectations,” says Hanna. “Now it seems that the Y2K fears have gone away — everybody was geared up for that — so now they’re just improving the equipment.”
As far as fax machines and copiers, there hasn’t been a revolutionary product released since the latest wave of networked equipment, Hanna says. And that paperless office you’ve been hearing about is still a long way off.
“They keep talking about paper, and we keep selling machines and moving lots of paper,” he says. “I don’t see a shrinkage in usage at all.”
Digitize your voice
Some small- to mid-sized businesses are taking advantage of Voice over Internet Protocol technology, which allows real-time digitized voice signals to be sent over a data network using a PC or an ordinary touchtone phone. Tom Cox, vice president of retail sales for ICG Communications, says the technology still has some kinks, but consumers and businesses have been able to save 50 percent on long distance and international calls.
“Data networks do not charge for the distance a call travels, unlike public switched telephone networks,” Cox says. “This technology also allows for enhanced interactivity on Web communities.”
The Voice over Internet Protocol compresses voice messages into digital packets to travel over the data network in real time, then expands the packets so they can be heard over a telephone network or PC. While several companies carry VoIP technology, find out if your carrier will use a public Internet or private data network.
Private data networks, while more expensive, have a higher quality of service and better reliability, Cox says
Wireless winners
With everyone from middle-schoolers to retirees carrying a cell phone and a handheld PDA, wireless technology will continue to infiltrate the office of 2001, Hallock says. The newer handheld products will be networked to communicate with both your local area wireless network and the Internet. Handheld Web surfing will shift toward PDAs because cell phones are just getting too small for the sites, Hallock says.
“I think you’re going see wireless networks in a lot of small office and home office environments where they don’t want to do a whole lot with wiring. Between cordless phones and wireless networks, we’re going to be able to sit in the pool and get work done.
“It’s a great fantasy and it’s all here now.” How to reach: APK Net, (216) 241-7166; Meritech Blue, (216) 459-8333; ICG Communications, www.icgcom.com
Morgan Lewis ([email protected]) is a reporter for SBN.
