If you run a business in Tenerife, then you will probably be aware that there are some skills shortages on the island, and one of these areas is in the implementation and support of IT systems. There are many self acclaimed computer experts, but your network and computer system will probably form the backbone and nerve centre of your business and is not an area where you should compromise. When technology goes wrong, it makes a direct impact on your bottom line, and in some cases it may even spell disaster.
It is important to get your network right from the start, which means right from the wiring. Laying of cables and installing network switches, routers and servers are all vital to the smooth operation of the system. Security policies need to be set, and these will vary enormously depending on your needs and users, emphasising once again the need for clear communication between you and the company you choose to install and manage your system. Not everyone will have permission to access all your company’s data, and this has become even more crucial with the recent implementation of tough data protection laws in Spain. Not only are you responsible for securing the protection of private data about your clients, but security issues will also cover ensuring your network is not sensitive to viruses with software and firewalls.
This also means creating disaster recovery procedures so that you have your data, as well as the configurations of your network and the software you run on it, backed up. Better support companies will be able to offer you server space where you can back up everything off site at regular intervals: so no matter if there is a burglary, fire or flood, your data will be safe.
Choosing an IT company
You need to exercise particular caution when choosing a company to implement and support your systems. Ironically, if a company is good, efficient and effective, you will rarely notice them and wonder why on earth you are paying for their services. If a company is bad, you will have them constantly at the end of the phone as you encounter problem after problem, and you will wonder how you could ever survive without them! There are a few points you should look for:
• They should speak your language and be able to support you and your staff in whichever language is replied.
• They should also be able to support your systems in the right language.
• Choose only certified engineers.
• Ensure that they will implement policies on security, data protection and disaster recovery which fit into the way you work, and provide a system manual afterwards.
• Be sure you understand what levels of support you are entitled to, and how fast you can expect to receive it.
• Ensure that you have an ongoing maintenance program.
• If you have remote offices or trade internationally, then ensure that your IT company is also able to handle your communication requirements. Many companies will stop at the local network.
Alan Nicolson runs Clear Blue Skies, an estate agent based in the south of Tenerife. When opening a new office, he needed an IT company that could implement everything from the hard wiring upwards. “We chose ACT because of their expertise, their contacts and their ability to communicate where necessary in English, and where necessary in Spanish. We also needed to make sure that they could work with our builder, as the installation of the computer cabling would be done at the same time as the other wiring” remembered Alan. “The office was a shell: no walls, ceiling, or floor. So everything had to be done correctly, in the correct order, on time, on budget, in an aesthetically pleasing way.” No small order, but Alan’s technical requirements called for computer systems to be integrated with the company’s telephone systems as well. ACT were able to bring in specialist telecommunications consultants to assist in building and configuring the phone systems.
The end result was a smoothly running network that delivered on its promises. “Our criteria were to turn this project round quickly, efficiently, and provide a solution to our IT requirements” continued Alan, “ACT successfully carried our all of these functions in a professional and cheerful way.”
Of course the implementation of the system is only part of the issue. Ongoing support and maintenance is equally important. All systems need maintenance and tuning to keep them at optimum performance, like a racing car. Alan has something to say about that too. “In the few cases that we have required it, after sales service has been quick, efficient and polite. In the end we have a perfect solution, with a quality server, covered with all of the necessary anti virus software, and backups.”
 Advanced Computer Technologies (ACT Tenerife)Telephone: 922 736 728Visit Website or Send an Email |
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