Hardware Specifications - The specifications of the hardware contributes to the performance of the server. Size of hard drive and memory, processor speed and type of processor, RAID configuration all affect performance. A server running both Exchange and SQL server will need a higher configuration with a managed memory allocation. Internet Connection - The speed of your internet connection which is dependent on the network card that is in your server and the actual speed of the service provider will affect file transfers. A T1 connection will be the fastest compared to a DSL connection. The type of connection you choose is important to the logistics of your firm. Are all users in-house or do you have remote users? Firewall and Switches - Are off the shelf products the right choice for your company or do you need equipment that is designed to support businesses? Most of the lower cost solutions will not support the number of users in many firms. The other factor to keep in mind is how well do these products protect you from outside attacks? Cabling - The quality of network cabling is important with increasing amount of data being transferred across the network. A bad quality cable can lead to data corruption which ends up in huge correction costs. Hardware and software for workstations - This is the most important component in infrastructure stability and reliability. Incompatible hardware and software will cause huge network disruptions and are very hard to diagnose. Backup plans for disaster recovery - No business can afford to lose their data and have a lengthy downtime. Backup and disaster recovery plans are a crucial part of any firm's technology strategy. It is important to have redundant storage systems, redundant power supplies, sufficient battery backups and surge protectors, complete data and operating system configuration backups. Even with these areas covered there are possible disaster scenarios like a fire or earthquake. An offsite back up is just as important. Firms need to determine how much preventative measures should be implemented. To do that they need to evaluate the losses accrued during a normal during a normal business hour which includes but is not limited to downtime employee salary, lost revenue and cost of repairs. This will help them establish what costs should be allocated towards a disaster recovery plan to make sure that the business is not down more than it can afford to. Remote Access - More and more firms have staff that telecommute and have the need to provide access to their enterprise data on a daily basis. We support THINWORX server based computing solution that allows firms to publish their applications that can be accessed via Internet Explorer, allow applications seamlessly run on a remote computer, allow file transfers, users have a single login access, easy to use administration utility that does not require and internal IT support staff. Adware and Malware Protection - Adware and Malware programs facilitate delivery of advertising content via web browsers which results in annoying pop ups and malicious software downloads on users machines. We help firms design policies which include running industry leading virus protection software including establishing policies that prevent users from downloading unauthorized software.