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You don't need a network for emailA small company called me a while back asking me to come out and visit. They wanted an email system. It was a good example of how they could have bought way more than they really needed. I sat down with the controller and reviewed what they needed. They had eight professionals in the office. Each pretty much had their own collection of data. There was no centralized database that everyone needed to share and no need for shared printers (everyone had their own LaserJet). There was no tech person in the office - what little help they needed came from a PC consultant. They were talking to me because the consultant had recommended they get a network when they mentioned that they needed email. I asked why they needed email. It turns out that they didn't want it for internal communications, but for their customers. More and more data, files, documents and memos were being exchanged in their industry via the Internet and they didn't want to get left behind. Now the normal firm would have recommended a network, which is what happened. But this would have involved an initial buy of a couple of thousand dollars for a server, more for software, a permanent line to the Internet, cabling, UPS's, hubs, etc. Figuring the installation, hardware, software and hassle costs, not to mention the need for more monthly ongoing support, it wasn't too hard to see why this company was casting around for a better solution. Since there really wasn't a need for a network for the traditional reasons - internal email, print or database sharing, I suggested a much cheaper alternative. I suggested they call the phone company, have an outside line installed to each desk, get an ISP account with multiple email addresses, and be done with it. Yes there are weaknesses. There is little security (although any security issues are limited to individual workstations) and the monthly phone costs will possibly be higher than an ISDN or DSL line. But there will be no infrastructure that has to be tended, upgraded, supported or worked on. They won't have to send anyone to NetWare or NT administrator's training and they won't have to purchase a retainer with a support company. They'll get pretty much all the support that they'll need with the 800 number from the ISP. A cheaper and simpler solution that solves a business problem, but creates few additional costs and hassles for management and staff. You can't argue with that.
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