Data Sharing

This is one of the most natural uses for a network.  One machine typically operates as a 'file server' - its job is to store data files so that they are available to everyone on the network.  This ensures that everyone stores their valuable files in the same location and, when several people need to use a file, ensures that they all use the same copy.

Here's a typical problem :  "There's a big job on.  Everyone is working on documentation for it, and Bill, Jan and John each have a copy. But who's is the latest version ?"  In a networked environment, everyone acceses a single copy of the data, so there is no confusion and no lost work.

File sharing also simplifies accessing very large files.  For example,  "One of our computers has a scanner.  But the files are too big to fit on a floppy.  How can I get those files onto my machine ?"  It's easy if your computers are networked.

Printer Sharing

Imagine an office with several computers.  One of the machines has a printer.  You'd hear complaints like this:  "When we want to print a document we have to copy it onto a floppy and take it to the machine with the printer.  It's a real time-waster".  In a networked office everyone uses the printer as if it were connected to his/her own machine.

Simplified Backup

Have you ever lost valuable data because of a computer failure or an innocent mistake ?  With separate computers each user has to be dilligent about keeping backup copies of his/her own files.  Sometimes they remember,  but other times ....  Centralised file storage makes it simple to set up a reliable backup system that works.  You can even automate the backup to run overnight.

Internal Email & Groupware

Have you ever experienced the frustration of chasing around your buildings looking for a particular person just to ask a vital question or to arrange a meeting ?  Set up an internal email system and you can literally do these things without leaving your desk.  That way everyone gets more work done.  If that's not enough you can even set up calendars and schedules for your staff to simplify arranging appointments and meetings.

Corporate Internet Email & Web Access

Many businesses are experiencing the value of the Internet as a business tool and a means of communication.  But much of that value goes untapped if all your staff have to fight for a single computer to access the Web or send email.   Why not do it properly - without spending a lot of money you can give everyone on your network access to the Internet from their own desk.  And just to make sure your valued staff don't wile away their hours 'surfing' you can control and even log (record) their use of the net.