Smb Networking Buyers Guide
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SMB Networking Buyer’s Guide
Introduction
You know you need computers, and you also know you need them to connect with each other and the world to be truly useful. Choosing the needed technologies can be confusing, and choosing the right equipment to implement those technologies can be mind-numbing. Our SMB (small to medium-size business) Networking Buyer’s Guide can help you start saving time, money and frustration. The guide is designed to help decision-makers quickly identify their specific needs, a critical step to take before contacting vendors and comparing product options. The guide includes a discussion of buyer types, product requirements, cost considerations and vendor relationship needs for several areas of networking technology, including: • Physical layer (including cables, switches, and wireless networks) • Routers (wired and wireless) • Internet Service Providers, and other important service providers • Shared storage and peripheral hardware • Server hardware and operating systems • Backup, network management, and client security For a detailed explanation of these areas, please refer to the Focus Networking Market Guide.
Table of Contents
1 Essentials
Top products, cost and vendor considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 03
2 Top Advice from Other Buyers
Top buying advice directly from buyers like you . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 05
3 Buying In-Depth
Detailed needs, products, cost and vendor considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 06
4 Worksheet
Finding and working with a local support company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
SMB Networking Buyer’s Guide
Ziff Davis Research ©
All Rights Reserved 2012
2
1
®
®
®
SMB Networking Buyer’s Guide
Introduction
You know you need computers, and you also know you need them to connect with each other and the world to be truly useful. Choosing the needed technologies can be confusing, and choosing the right equipment to implement those technologies can be mind-numbing. Our SMB (small to medium-size business) Networking Buyer’s Guide can help you start saving time, money and frustration. The guide is designed to help decision-makers quickly identify their specific needs, a critical step to take before contacting vendors and comparing product options. The guide includes a discussion of buyer types, product requirements, cost considerations and vendor relationship needs for several areas of networking technology, including: • Physical layer (including cables, switches, and wireless networks) • Routers (wired and wireless) • Internet Service Providers, and other important service providers • Shared storage and peripheral hardware • Server hardware and operating systems • Backup, network management, and client security For a detailed explanation of these areas, please refer to the Focus Networking Market Guide.
Table of Contents
1 Essentials
Top products, cost and vendor considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 03
2 Top Advice from Other Buyers
Top buying advice directly from buyers like you . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 05
3 Buying In-Depth
Detailed needs, products, cost and vendor considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 06
4 Worksheet
Finding and working with a local support company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
SMB Networking Buyer’s Guide
Ziff Davis Research ©
All Rights Reserved 2012
2
1
®
®