David Barker

A Small Business Guide to Selecting an Internet Service Provider

A Small Business Guide to Selecting an Internet Service Provider

David Barker September 10, 2013 Tech

Being online is business critical to many companies these days, so what questions should you be asking your internet service provider (ISP) to ensure you have the right supplier and the right broadband connectivity? Do you provide coverage in my area? Before you even start making comparison charts when choosing an ISP you need to know if they will be able to provide connectivity in your area. Most ISPs will supply information on their website, or just call customer service. Another option is to search online for lists of all the broadband providers that exist in your area. You could try broadbandgenie.co.uk, uswitch.com or comparethemarket.com What are the installation costs? All providers will offer different deals to secure a contract with you, but be aware that some will offer free inst... »

A Small Business Guide on How to Move Data to a Data Centre

A Small Business Guide on How to Move Data to a Data Centre

David Barker August 8, 2013 Tech

Data centre migrations are not something anyone should take for granted. A poorly planned and executed move can leave lasting damage, including unexpected downtime with interruption to sales, not to mention dissatisfied customers. So, why move? This is probably the most important question for SMEs that have grown to a point where they either have a server room in-house, or a large number of desktops, all stuffed full of data. Most companies introduce in-house IT infrastructure and systems as they grow and might continue on an “add-as-you-need basis” for years. If you’re starting to experience unreliability in the uptime of the equipment, or are questioning the reliability of your connectivity (broadband), then moving to a data centre may well be a better option. How do you move? Many who m... »

How Does the Internet Work?

How Does the Internet Work?

September 27, 2012 Tech

Many small businesses use the internet without thinking about it these days; visiting websites, using web-based tools, checking their online email… But what exactly powers the internet? How does the internet work? Find out in this video from 4D Data Centres with a handy transcript below. Hello and welcome to the IT Scrapbook from 4D Data Centres.  This time we’re answering the question: How does the internet work? The term “internet” is a shortened form of the two words “interconnected” and “network”. Networks are things that are connected together.  They include railway and road networks, electricity networks like the national grid and the network of nerve cells found in your brain. And a computer network consists of two or more computers linked together so that data can pass betwee... »