
The
most important function of a network is to provide a link between people,
information and devices. Networking computers together allows users
to share resources, such as data and peripherals, without any special
level of knowledge by the user. To the user, the network is simply an
extension of their existing computer.
Once
users are connected to a network, they can share applications and files.
E-mail and word processing are examples of applications that can be
coordinated with a network. A file can be stored on a network server
by one user, and then accessed by another user. Your data is one of
your most important company assets, so making sure that critical files,
such as customer databases and documents, are available to your users
is of top importance for your business.
Networks
can greatly reduce the cost of peripherals, such as modems and printers,
by centralizing usage and sharing it among users. Printers, for instance,
can become very expensive if every desktop is equipped with one. By
networking, your business can use fewer, more powerful printers with
more advanced features, instead of a large number of smaller printers.
Because of the higher speed and additional features of these printers,
your users may actually become more productive and creative.

In addition, the
cost of maintaining multiple modems, multiple dial-out lines and multiple
Internet accounts can ring up quickly for your business. Allowing all
of your users to connect to the Internet over a high-speed connection,
such as an DSL/Cable or T1 line, can provide overall better performance
as well as a cost savings for your business.
Regular backup of
your information is vital to your data integrity. However, you can't
always count on a regular regimen of data backup from all members of
your company. Networks can assist in regular backup by taking that chore
out of the users' hands and centralizing it over the network, making
the regular protection of data an effortless, routine task As you can
see, networks can provide plenty of benefits, from increased productivity
to greater data protection and even to cost savings. In today's competitive
business world, almost every company can benefit from networking their
computers.