Week 10: Clearly better

During the time I was listening to the lectures explaining networks and the benefits that they provide I was trying to make sure that I understood the information. Anything at all that didn't make sense was going on this blog this week and muddy and not understanding. However the overwhelming theme of this lecture was so clear I actually noticed that he was having a hard time discussing the negatives without turning them into positives. Now granted the information was coming from a dedicated IT specialist who does this for a living so I think maybe he should have removed himself from this material to avoid a perception of bias. I will say though that his points were clear and meaningful. Bottom line, networks improve productivity using synergy. Everything from the bottom line of a profit and loss statement to the overall attitude and happiness of the staff can be linked back to a solid well maintained network. The security of your company may even be at stake. We all know that moral, profit, and customer perception can all be trashed at the thought of a security breach of any kind. I needed some more info to back up the info given considering the source was compromised. I got some information from a network management company called GudAnof. (Chose them because of the name).

http://www.gudanuf.com/(S(nsqfu345inf20045sxqfvdfq))/Network.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1

They provided 4 distinct points related to this topic. Number 1 was reduced costs. As a person in business you have my attention. #2 is data integrity and a great example of life with floppy disks. 10 people running around with the same basic information on a disk but none of them the same. #3 is security. In today's Internet world, enough said. #4 is backup. Computers still crash, fires still happen, laptops get lost or stolen and valuable data or information can be lost if the proper backup procedures are not in place. According the lecture one of the primary benefits of a network is that if run properly the information is all backed up somewhere safe where only multiple disasters across state and international lines can wipe out all of your information.

Look around tomorrow when you go out. Think to yourself all of the things that computer networks have allowed us to accomplish. Then say thank you to the next nerdy looking dude who walks by you with a pocket protector and black glasses. Yes I know you are saying that he may not have had anything to do with the network revolution (picture people outside burning 5.5 inch floppy disks instead of bras), but you might make his day anyway.