Small Business Network Installation: Network
Design & Consulting

With my network consulting service, you avoid needlessly buying expensive equipment which is not the best match for your needs or budget.

Moving? Relocating? Expanding? Not certain what to do or choose for your computer network? Not so sure that expensive server someone is trying to sell you is really what you need? Then you need a network consultant! 

My small business network consulting service will save you money, ensure the best quality,  prevent future problems, anticipate future growth, and give you the most bang for your buck! In addition, you will avoid the risks associated with people who want to sell you equipment intended to maximize their profits, but which may not be the best match or bargain for your needs or budget. Here's how my network consulting and systems integration service works:

1. I interview you to determine your needs, budget, current equipment, and anticipated future growth.

2. I visit your new or expanding location with you (or an employee of yours), to record workstation locations, printer locations, plan wireless access point locations, switch locations, and server locations. (A copy of the floor plans will prove helpful for this, but is not required.)

3. I consult the latest sales and reviews of new servers, workstations, and  network appliances to recommend the best quality equipment suited to your needs, at the best price.

4. I call suitable Internet service providers for their most current prices, and to find out if their service is available in your particular geographic location.

5. I prepare a printed report for you, which will include:

   • The internet service provider options that will best suit your needs and save you the most money (Fiber, T-1, Cable, DSL, ADSL, or 4G Wireless).

   • Recommended hardware for your needs and  budget: This includes workstations, server, and internet appliances (routers, access points, VPN devices, and firewalls).

   • I determine any new OS and software licenses you need, and list reputable sources to purchase them from at the best price I can find.

   • A network architecture plan. This will include:

     • The location of your server closet/room and/or rack, (taking into account cooling needs)

     • The location of Ethernet wall outlets.

     • The recommended Ethernet cable type, NICs, and switches for your current and future needs

     • Network Printer/Scanner/Fax locations and drops.

   • The name & phone number of a proven, reputable and honest local low voltage wiring contractor who has agreed to perform installations for my customers according to the quality standards I insist upon, for a fair price. In this way, you may rest assured that your network will be installed according to  IEEE standards, that quality materials will be used, that all cables will be properly tested, and that all drops will be properly labeled at the outlet and switch.

   • Recommended backup software and equipment, as well as a good remote backup service for your mission-critical databases and files.

   • A complete list of items for you to purchase, with hyperlinks & phone numbers for the best prices I could find. Or at your option, provided you prepay for the hardware, I  will purchase the items for you at my wholesale cost (or a lower retail cost if I find it), with no markup except tax.

Cost: $65/hr.

Next Step: Network Device & PC Configuration