Network solutions for SMB

The first “boom” was well over 60 years ago when returning WWII servicemen started their families and had lots of babies. Well, it is happening again. Today’s boom is from “baby” companies who are creating new trends. These small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are the future of digital business – and the world is trying to adapt to it. This creative segment is driving the older generation to question their current approach. In return, make something original and fresh.

In 2019, more than 50% of SMBs will have millennials in senior management positions. The young and inquisitive are now mature and mighty. Along with their growth, technology is still evolving and responding to business issues that have not been solved yet. According to IDC FutureScape, SMB IT spending will increase by 3.9% in 2017 and 60% will have adopted at least one IoT solution.

According to Daniel Ferrero, Business Developer in Network solutions for SMBs at Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise, “It’s difficult for SMBs to choose the right network solution for their growing business.” Here at ALE, we’ve worked hard to make it easier, and more affordable, for a small business to benefit from the latest network technologies”.

Most of the world has recognized that many traditional power sources create pollution and are becoming a limited resource, increasing costs to users in both a financial and health nature. Networks use a great deal of power making them ideal candidates for research into how to lessen their demand. Plus, it’s not just the cost of running the equipment but the cooling equipment required to keep them and their environment at an operating temperature. A “green” vendor is one that follows energy efficient Ethernet standards. Their equipment should reduce power consumption during low data activity. In addition, it should also have a way to automatically idle the power on ports that are inactive on a device.

You can also do your part by working with a vendor who recycles e-waste and returns your old products. As much as one million tons of electronic equipment becomes obsolete each year generating one million tons of waste. Most of the components of e-waste are electronic equipment that can be re-used and recycled for material recovery.

Just like large corporations, SMBs need information security and security resources. Unfortunately, most cannot afford extensive teams for cyber security. Look for a vendor that offers network security through its network management system. You want mechanisms that control and authorize devices attached to the LAN (via the MAC address). This means that no stranger can easily access your wired or wireless network. You could also being assigned an ID and password or other authenticating information. These allow you access to information and programs within your authority.

SMBs also need to consider access control security mechanisms. This involves the authorization of access to the data in a network, controlled by the network treasurer.

Mobility is a must nowadays. You probably have a smartphone, a laptop or even a tablet. If you do, you need to be able to connect your devices while at work. BYOD is continuing to grow as well with 95% of employees stating they use at least one personal device for work.

Universal network profile (UNP) allows dynamic association of a user with a network regardless of location. Thus, there is no IT action or support needed. Ideally, this is an automated process that binds users and devices to a UNP, saying this is user or device “X” assigned to profile “Y” that is already set up. Flexibility is possible with the right network infrastructure.