A successful business is a growing business. As a company expands it begins to outgrow its current structure. This could mean that more space is needed for new employees, office equipment or inventory. It can also mean that your current computer network can no longer meet the demands of your workforce and workflow. When this happens it’s time to consider moving from a workgroup to a domain-based network.
As a small company, you may be able to survive on a peer-to-peer network. You can designate a single PC as the de facto server, but this will limit you as the number of computers in your workgroup grows. Being proactive and making the switch early will limit the growing pains your company will experience later.
It’s hard to say where the exact tipping point is — that moment when you’ve outgrown your current computer setup. Functionality and output may begin to slow before you’re even aware is happening. Generally speaking, when your workgroup has expanded beyond five computers, then switching to a domain-based network becomes an attractive option.
There are a few questions to ask when considering whether to move to a domain-based network. Does your business requires a centralised location for sharing files? Are your employees required to change passwords frequently? How competent are they at installing their own software and updates? These are all questions you need to ask when considering when to make the move to a network. Once you make the transition, you can add secondary domain controllers or backup domain controllers as the needs arises, so you can continue to grow unimpeded.
Some advantages of a domain-based network are easier updates to all computers, better management of email and an overall reduction in network traffic. This will also allow users to share calendars and inboxes and can help reduce the risk of data loss from individual PCs that breakdown unexpectedly or become corrupted by viruses or malware. Central system management though a network allows for tighter security, better communication, increased data storage and easier file sharing and password management.
At AGT Computers, we can help you transition as seamlessly as possible. We can assist your business with the installation of operating systems and servers. We can help your company backup files and utilize the cloud for data storage. We can help with cyber security, system upgrades and devise IT solutions to ensure the further growth of your company. We are a Microsoft Silver Partner for Small and Midmarket solutions and can work with you to meet all of your company’s IT needs.
