Will Your Startup Need an IT Network?

At some stage, a startup needs to rise to the pressure that’s applied when scaling up begins. Almost inevitably, some of that pressure will land on IT systems – and, while a bare bones network will often do as you get off the ground, something more sophisticated will be needed when you spread your wings.

The trouble is, IT networking can represent a really significant cost – so, it’s not something you’re likely to want to explore until the time is right. The question is, when is the right time to start putting down some IT roots?

Here, we’ll explore what a network is, what it might offer your business – and a few questions that’ll help you decide if that time’s right for you.

What is a network?

The chances are, you already have a network of sorts. If you’ve got an internet connection and a couple of devices, that technically constitutes an IT network – although, this simple form of networking devices doesn’t really meet the business definition of an IT system.

A true IT network is a series of portal devices that work with centralised infrastructure handling applications, storage and much more. Of course, it’s not just the systems you use that make up a network – there’s also a large element of security involved with networking too – vital if, like 98% of startups, you’re handling sensitive data somewhere in your business dealings.

So, putting a network in place is a little more than connecting your laptop to the printer – but what does a true network offer?

What benefits should you expect from an IT network?

The very first thing you can expect from a network is shared access to an array of applications. For most businesses, there are applications and systems that underpin their core business model. In some instances, these will be accounting software or customer relationship management tools – although, in other cases, it’ll be machine control systems or booking software. The possibilities are endless.

When you bring these systems together as part of a network, all your end users can access them when they’re needed. As if that weren’t a positive enough, most modern applications allow for inbuilt collaboration, so this efficiency is often reflected in streamlined ways of working for your staff too.

When you network your devices, you’re also able to centralise your storage capabilities too. Centralised storage means instant access for all your team – as well as the increased security that you can factor in when a storage server is entrusted with your data safety – rather than humans with local devices that need to be kept safe.

While shared storage might sound like a good thing on the surface, it’s common to feel a little concerned about unabridged access when you dig a little deeper into networking. There’s no need to worry though – as sophisticated access systems will mean that data is held on a fully customisable ‘need to know/access’ basis – so you can be certain that you’re falling in line with the latest data protection laws and regulations.

There’s also the issue of maintenance to consider when you create a network. With the introduction of SD WAN systems in many startups, managed IT service providers are able to get hands-on with your systems in a matter of minutes – controlling with software what was once a job that needed a engineer onsite. This kind of remote access is likely to save you a fortune in associated IT costs – whether that’s call-out fees from an MSP – or the desire to build an in-house team of IT professionals that can keep you up and running at all times.

Is a network right for you?

So, you’ve got an overview of what a network might start to offer your business – but there’s no definitive answer as to when you should be looking at implementing such an infrastructure. Instead, it’s worth simply considering a few questions:

• How often do you team come together and work on shared projects?
• Can you be 100% certain that you’ve got robust security controls in place on ALL devices you have data on?
• Do any of your team need to work from other premises? On the road – or from home?
• Can you be confident that you hold data in line with the latest government requirements?

There’s more to networking than these considerations – but, most business networking decisions are based around accessing data, controlling data – and securing that data. In the 21^st century, sitting on valuable data is worth more than sitting on an untapped oil reserve – so you’ve got to make sure it’s secure – and can be used to your benefit.

How much is a network likely to cost?

Cost. It’s the big question that hovers over the top of any part of business growth – and IT networking is no different. If you’re imagining servers and infrastructure that comes with large price tickets – you’d be right – but that doesn’t mean you have to pay those prices.

The tech giants that have traditionally provided the storage services, email servers and underpinning technology that creates a network are increasingly able to accommodate small startup businesses – and they doing by granting you remote access to infrastructure that they provide. Where buying an configuring your own mail server was once something that would involve 4-figure sums, it can now be done for a fraction of the price – through IaaS (infrastructure as a service) schemes.

Rather than having your servers and hardware on-site, you’ll access them through your internet connection – which, frankly, is now very similar to accessing said devices through a short ethernet cable – thanks to significant jumps forward in connection speed.

Of course, it’s not just the fact that you can purchase services at achievable costs that make IaaS appealing – there’s also the knowledge that you can quickly scale up and down according to your immediate needs – an absolute must in a world where business agility is very much the name of the game. If you want to be able to respond to the demands of modern industry marketplaces – you’re going to need to be working from the same playbook – and IaaS lets you access that playbook without the need for a bottomless pit of money…