Network Administration Taking care
of a business network is not a
simple task, so you should do your research before choosing a network
administrator.
Q: How do I find
a qualified Network Administrator?
A: First and foremost, do your research. Locating and hiring a
reliable company to oversee your business network is one of the most
important things you can do to ensure the efficiency of your business.
The success of your company may depend on it. Compare at least 3 highly
reputable companies and call on all references.
Q: Should I
ask for certifications?
A: Microsoft Certified network technicians will have the expertise
required to manage your business network. If your network administrator
is certified this will ensure that they have gone through some degree of
Microsoft training and will have the knowledge needed to bring back a
down network. Keep in mind that certifications do not necessarily mean
they have on the job experience.
Q: How do I
set up a new network in my office?
A: The process, from planning
to implementation, should be discussed with your administrator in
detail. The client should be well informed and feel comfortable with the
process. Normally a new network project is approached in phases so that productivity is never
compromised. Detailed project drawings (prior to commencement) are a
great way to make sure that the client and the administrator understand
exactly what is being done during all stages of the process.
Q: I am moving offices, how do I move my
network?
A:
It it always best to have your network administrator
assist in the move from start to finish as this is more involved than
you may realize. Keep them in the loop regarding move dates, differences
in the new environment, new equipment etc.
Q: What
other questions should I ask?
A: Here are a few things you should ask right up front as it may
make a big difference in your decision when hiring a network
administrator
- What is your response time for a
service call? (if they are several counties over it could be hours
or days before a technician shows up, important to know what you should
expect)
- How many technician do you have?
(response times are usually directly proportionate to the size of
the firm and available techs)
- What is the data backup and
recovery procedure? (make sure you understand this at least well
enough to oversee that the backups are being done daily in your office)
- What about virus protection?
(understand which program is being used and the process of an infection
recovery)
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"Ask any questions that would make you
feel secure in the event that data loss or a network outage would occur.
Don't wait until after the fact, it may be too late." |
Q: What
about passwords and security?
A: Your network administrator should have no problem with giving
the business owner all administrator passwords, wireless security
encryption settings, login information etc. In fact have them put it in
a document and print out for your records. Make sure they do not set up
their own personal passwords that nobody else knows. In the event that
you need to change administrators, system settings, authorize something
on your network, someone in the office should have this information.
Also if anything were to happen to your administrator, you would be
permanently and completely locked out of your own system. Not a good
position to be in, set this up from day one.
Q:
Should I identify an onsite contact person?
A: Absolutely. Normally the business owner is not available to
discuss day to day issues or answer any technical questions. Assign a
contact person who is onsite every day such as an office manager to
communicate any issues and follow through with your network
administrator. Keep communication through email when possible as a way
to document conversations with your administrator and to avoid any
confusion.
Q:
Should I set up inner office network policies for my network?
A: Yes. Make your administrator is aware of all company
security and other policies right from the start as all permissions are
set on the server level which they will have to do. If anything changes
let the administrator know right away. Examples of inner office network
policies are: personal email (other than company email), instant
messaging etc. Also no employee should bring any data from home or a
computer that is not part of your network or not authorized. A notebook
that is transported daily from home to office is the perfect Trojan
horse and the most common way for a virus or other infection to
infiltrate your network.
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