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Understanding Ethernet Over Copper In Seattle, Bellevue, and Tacoma
Ethernet Over Copper is a new kind of high bandwidth internet connection which will range from 5-30Mb. There will inevitably be many comparisons to cable, DSL, bonded T1s, and fiber.
What separates this connection from DSL and Cable is a matching upload rate (a.k.a. synchronous). Cable and DSL can now offer download speeds of up to ~16Mb but their upload speeds still deliver a pokey .75-2Mb. For offices doing primarily web surfing this is fine, but for sending files, hosting web and email servers, Citrix, VPNs, SaaS, VoIP, etc you need a high bandwidth synchronous connection. Read More
Introduction to IBM Lotus Foundations
I haven’t been very excited about the computing side of technology for quite some time. Microsoft leads the small business server market with Windows SBS, but honestly I think it doesn’t do much and hasn’t advanced much in five years.
First, let me explain why Windows SBS doesn’t deliver much value. Really its used for a […]
Does Comcast Business Cable Slow With Time?
I’ve been seeing more of Comcast’s business cable service and noticed an interesting trend. When first installed the services often register speed tests upwards of 15Mbps - and impressive speed and well above the service level. What’s interesting is if you retest the same line a few months later, I’ve finding they’re “only” doing ~6Mbps […]
Why Open Source Makes Sense for Small Business
Is your business’s software all legit? Think about it, maybe installed a copy of Office 2000 on a few extra machines?
While its understandable small businesses sometimes find skirting the rules to be more palatable than forking over thousands for more software, the true costs of piracy can be far greater.
The Business Software Alliance has been […]
NitixBlue’s new Antispam for Small Business
Without a doubt spam (junk email) is a huge problem for businesses - spam wastes valuable work hours and puts your business at risk for security breaches.
Unlike other small business servers which make you pick the pieces and integrate them yourself, NitixBlue bundles one of the strongest sets of antispam tools around. NitixBlue has for […]
5 Reasons NitixBlue’s Groupware is Better Than Exchange on Windows Small Business Server
There’s no question Exchange on Windows Small Business Server is the groupware everyone knows…but is it so great? NitixBlue which integrates proven IBM Domino technology actually does so much better…
1) Groupware flexibility - Microsoft Exchange only supports Outlook and Entourage for groupware (email, calendaring, etc). With NitixBlue Outlook users can continue to use Outlook and […]
The Devil in the Details of T1 Pricing
Today I had the opportunity to offer a proposal to someone considering changing T1 providers. This client was getting just about the rawest deal I’ve seen and it brings up a good point in how the business works. Many T1 providers don’t publish pricing and let salespeople work deals largely as they see fit as […]
Four Ways to Implement Technology
Happy new year everyone! As this year begins I wanted to share my ever refining outlook on small business technology. I realized there are really only four ways technology is done in the small business, not surprisingly I prefer some over others.
1) The de-facto standard implementation
In the technology business certain products and techniques have reached […]
5 Reasons Your Business Shouldn’t Use Cable Internet
5) While cable providers tout their speed, they’re only talking about their download rate. Cable internet generally has a very low upload rate reducing performance for sending files and emails with larger attachments.
4) Cable has no promise of uptime or repair time. If you depend on your internet connection for business not having these guarantees […]
Why Nitix Server Works Better Than Windows Small Business Server
In my last post I explained a number of serious problems with Windows Small Business Server. In short it just didn’t deliver the features small businesses actually need in an easy, reliable, and affordable manner. Those key features small businesses actually need and use are: file storage and sharing, backup, user login authentication, calendar sharing, […]
Why Windows Small Business Server Doesn’t Work for Small Business
When small businesses think of servers, they often think of Windows Small Business Server (SBS) as the natural choice due to their familiarity with Windows desktops. Unfortunately that isn’t necessarily the best choice to provide server functionality.
What’s Really Involved in Picking and Changing ISPs
Hardly any business can survive without internet access, yet as critical as it is most businesses underestimate the complexity of choosing or switching internet service providers (ISPs).
What makes this oftentimes more complex is the companies selling internet service (phone companies and cable TV companies) usually don’t have salespeople that understand computer networks.
Here’s a few issues […]
