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| Technical Paper |
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What are the Benefits of
Networking?
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What is a Network
Simply, a network is a collection of computers, printers
and other electronic devices, linked by cables or
wireless, allowing them to communicate with each other. A
network allows individuals to share and exchange
information (files and programs), access common services
(email and applications) and share hardware (printers,
servers, image scanners and fax machines).
Increased Employee Productivity
When an office is connected, so are people. Ideas are
shared more quickly. More informed decisions are made.
Everyone moves faster. Being connected saves time.
Progress can happen with fewer face-to-face meetings. Data is
conveniently shared without trading floppy disks. Users
have access to shared equipment. Collaboration
happens. The organization is more competitive.
Reduced Communication Costs
Network-based communication such as e-mail and
"instant messages" are cost-effective
alternatives to phoning and faxing, with the potential to
deliver significant savings in long distance charges. The
combination of the public Internet with secure
"virtual private networking", VPN technology,
allows for office-to-office networking without costly
traditional dedicated Wide Area Network (WAN) connections,
as well as realizing major cost savings.
Equipment Costs
Networking allows equipment — mainly printers and
servers, to be shared with multiple users. Shared
resources are used more often and more efficiently. More users
can be brought online without large additional costs.
Investments in equipment benefit more workers.
Access to Resources Anytime/Anywhere Networking
allows mobility. Key files, data and services can be
accessed from any place on the network. With remote access
in place, one can travel or work remotely and still be
connected. Access to files, data, and messages when away
from the office provides employee flexibility. Users can
respond to co-workers and customers quickly, from
anywhere.
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| Today, networking
means more than running some wire between computers and hooking up
a hub. Shared internet access, connecting multiple offices,
allowing staff to work from remote sites, just as if they were
sitting at their desk, are just a few things that you can do
today.
The term networking includes "wide-area
networking", "metropolitan-wide networking", and
"global access". Our world has shrunk as our
network capacity has grown.
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