The most common services to be implemented on a local area network are central file storage and printer sharing. By providing every network user with a private directory in which files can be saved, work can be stored securely, backed up easily, and retrieved from any client computer. With fileservers providing extensive control over which users can read and write which files, resources can equally be made available to everyone in a site or department. Sharing printers, meanwhile, not only reduces the number required, but also allows users to direct their output to the most appropriate printer, and administrators to monitor usage.
Of course, reliability is crucial for file and print services, so Atomwide recommends best-of-breed products from leading manufacturers like Compaq and D-Link to ensure peace of mind for network administrators as well as users.
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“Atomwide have proactively sought out new and dynamic solutions to our difficult connectivity problems. As always with their work, we are delighted with the results.”
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As establishments become increasingly dependent on network services, the consequences of any interruption to those services become more costly in terms of time and money. An effective backup strategy is therefore essential.
As a minimum, Atomwide recommends the installation of a tape drive in each key server, and the scheduling of regular backups. Increasingly, though, large sites are turning to backup library systems which cater for multiple networked servers using a magazine of tapes; these devices are usually controlled by ArcServe software. Used tapes should, of course, be stored off-site so that they are safe in case of fire, flood or server theft.
