Services

Network & Server Design, Implementation and Support

Including Routing, Switching, VPN and Firewalls - Small and even most medium sized companies don't have experienced staff for all of these skill sets.  If you find yourself "over your head" then call on an expert.  I've designed and built networks from the very small to over 30,000 users.

On-Line & Local Data Backup

Is your data safe?  If you have to think twice about this question then the answer is no.  Hurricane, fire, flood, and theft are real worries but the most common causes of data loss are related to human factors.  Someone accidentally deletes or overwrites a file or worse yet, a disgruntled employee wipes out years of hard work.  Sometimes these things go unnoticed... then the data is needed and you find out that your backups aren't as good as you thought they were (short backup rotation).  Of course, hardware does fail, data corrupts and at some point you will need to restore your data.  Don't get caught without a reliable and well understood disaster recovery plan, your job may depend on it.

Security Planning

Security at the network and server levels is often overlooked.  In most cases server level security is too relaxed.  Too many times I've shown CEO's how "Joe user" can access payroll data, business plans, finances or other proprietary or confidential data from inside or outside of their network.  Security planning also involves making sure that servers and PCs are properly updated and protected from viruses, spyware, trojans and keystroke loggers.  I've seen servers behind industry standard firewalls hacked without knowledge due to improper firewall configuration or  un-patched servers. 

Documentation

This is probably the single most ignored and one of the most necessary items.  Keeping network documentation current is important because you never know when you'll need it.  Is your network administrator the only one that knows undocumented critical passwords?  Do you know where your software license keys are?  Do you have a network map?  You need this documentation for capacity planning, upgrades, support and security.  How much time do you spend "reinventing the wheel" when changes need to be made to your infrastructure?

Independent Auditing

It's my firm belief that all networks should be independently audited from time to time.  Nobody is perfect and frankly there is so much to keep track of that something invariably slips through the cracks (hopefully the crack isn't really a canyon).  It's not my job to criticize, I am not looking to make anyone look bad but I am all about ferreting out those "service providers" that are robbing small companies blind. 

Network Service Provider Sub-Contracting

*The previous paragraph shouldn't scare you if you're on the up and up.*  If you are a small network service provider and you need help with some of your more complex environments, I am glad to help.  I will not go after your customers.  I have several companies that I provide sub-contract services for on a regular basis.  I can help you make more money by offering services that you may not have the skill sets to offer yourself.  You will typically make $30 to $50/hour over the rate I charge you.

Links to best practices: