Some networking options

The peer-to-peer network

Typically used in an environment of up to ten workstations, a peer-to-peer network uses a broadband connection over which all devices and files can be shared between workstations.
Alternatively, a single PC (ideally a dedicated standalone terminal) can be deployed to share files, enabling all data to be backed up from one location.

This type of network is cost-effective and easy to maintain and can be simply upgraded to a domain network (see below). Its drawback is that further PCs can’t be subsequently added, and there is no internal security structure.

Domain network

This is typically for networks of more than ten workstations. A dedicated domain server stores and shares files, with limited access shared folders. It enables you to create email accounts and store all email in a single location, with network-wide virus protection, while helping to organise all your company files into a logical structure with password control.

The domain network has failsafe features to protect the system against hard drive failures and power outages. It can also be enhanced easily to provide broadband remote access to authorised users.

Domain network for 25-75 workstations

To achieve best performance on networks linking between 25 and 75 PCs, the system needs separate servers to perform specific tasks, depending on the type of files you host and how your company is structured.

A typical system will have separate domain and email servers, and if you have a Filemaker Pro database, or database that uses SQL, another server dedicated exclusively to hosting the database could be included.

This type of network gives you central backup, file and folders security, a redundancy system to minimise downtime and an email server that incorporates shared calendars. You also get superior anti-virus and controlled remote access. Replacement parts are easily acquired, with a four-hour turnaround, and an ongoing support contract will avert the need to employ an in-house engineer.