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05/01/2000
TeCH Support, Please !!!!
By Pat Garner, InterData Access Corporation
There are so many hot topics, new issues and technical challenges, we thought it might be beneficial to address some of these issues in a Question and Answer format. If there are any topics you would like addressed in the future, please feel free to email me at pgarner@esuite.com. Even though some days it feels like a "techno maze" - just remember, if it were easy, everybody'd be doing it!!!
Q Firewalls, are they really necessary?
A In certain environments, a firewall is essential to protect individual users from possible intrusion by other users on the same network, or from users outside the network (hackers). For instance, an office business center wants to set up high-speed Internet access for their center using a T-1 and has 50 companies signed up. The center would set up a Local Area Network (LAN) to allow the individual users access to the shared T-1. These companies sharing the same LAN could access one another's files -- without some type of protection (firewall).
Q Our Internet Service Provider (ISP) is providing us with firewall protection on the line coming in to our center, why do we need firewall protection?
A At present, ISPs and Competitive Local Exchange Carriers (CLEC) are providing protection through the router; however, they are not responsible for what goes on inside the router.
Q Using a firewall slows the system to almost a crawl, isn't that defeating the idea of "high speed?"
A There are different types of software products available, usually quite expensive, and hardware products that can provide protection, depending on the application. For example, if the LAN is set up solely for the purposes of sharing the T-1 or Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), then it would not be necessary to use a firewall. A special switch can be set in place that will accomplish the same task, without affecting performance or speed of access.
Q What is this "Voice Over the Internet" all about?
A At present, to use the Internet to place a call requires both sender and receiver have the same equipment. (A receiver can also be at a local office business center.) Because of its limitations and the voice quality not yet comparable to the POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) lines, it is not widely accepted; HOWEVER, it is in use among multinational corporations and has transformed their bottom lines by almost completely eliminating their long distance bills. (The abbreviated form is VOIP).
Q How will speech recognition software impact our industry?
A In many ways, speech recognition will become a convenience much like touch tone keypads. It will become an enhancement to many household products, and essential to many others. As they are able to resolve some of the monumental hurdles involved, it will be used to communicate instructions for such applications as handheld devices with wireless Internet access.
Q Should we set up our own Internet server and email server?
A The technology needed to successfully manage that level of operation is considerable. The 24x7 personnel requirements makes it almost prohibitive in all but the largest of operations, not to mention the costs associated with staying up with all the changes in software and technology related issues. We recommend that clients use a reputable ISP and let them have all the headaches, oops, challenges.
Q Is videoconferencing a thing of the past? Can anyone make any money?
A Video conferencing is not only here to stay, it will be moving at an incredible pace to the desktop, which is another profit opportunity/incentive for faster access and larger pipes (T-1, DSL, etc.) - not to mention providing the equipment. The need for the larger videoconferencing (public room) is already established.
Q Are wireless LAN's possible, and are they cost effective?
A Yes, they are both possible and in some instances, cost effective. It is best to have a qualified vendor do a survey of your premises to determine if it qualifies for a cost effective wireless solution.
Q How important is unified messaging in the scheme of things?
A Unified messaging is the future to not only business in general, but to office business centers in particular. It is one of those services that no one, once they realize what it can do for them, will want to be without. It can be priced affordably as a value-added service, and is a true non-stop revenue generator. There is an initial investment since it requires a LAN, servers, and the right telephony equipment and set up. The end result is your clients can benefit greatly by being able to access all their information, voice mail, email, pages, etc. from one central menu screen, and can manipulate that data in an extremely effective manner. The savings to business in man-hours alone makes it almost a necessity. Providing it will almost be a requirement for any business center by mid 2002.
Pat Garner is President of InterData Access Corporation, a member of ESA for 9 years and has served in various capacities, currently on the Board of the local Atlanta network. InterData Access provides web design services, highspeed voice and data lines, dedicated Internet access, and web hosting to the Office Business Center Industry. InterData also sponsors www.esuite.com, the web's oldest and largest site exclusively for marketing office business centers around the world. If you want to contact Pat, you may do so by email at pgarner@esuite.com, visit the InterData web site at www.indac.com, or call (800) 889-3692. |
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