Computer Networks 101

Networks can be an important resource for your business.

With the advent of electronic communication, more businesses are using networks to communicate, store information, and to obtain resources. There are different types and levels of network structures that you can use for your business.

Local Area Network (LAN)

A LAN system allows employees in the same company to connect with each others computers. A LAN also allows effective communication with others within your corporation or business. In addition, you can share information, data and perform transactions within the same business location. Benefits of an Intranet are: centralization of data, effective dispersion of data, greater communication and response, efficient sharing of computer applications, greater analytical capabilities of data, and reduction of cost in operations.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

A communications network that covers a wide geographic area, such as a state or county. WANs are increasingly being used to expand the capabilities of corporate LAN systems. The Internet is essentially a worldwide WAN where computers are connected locally to other computers but also connected to other computers beyond the immediate area.

Internet

What is the Internet and why is it important to my business?

The" Internet is made up of more than 65 million computers in more than 100 countries covering commercial, academic and government endeavors. Originally developed for the U.S. military, the Internet became widely used for academic and commercial research. Users had access to unpublished data and journals on a huge variety of subjects. Today, the Internet has become commercialized into a worldwide information highway, providing information on every subject known to humankind.

Start-up costs range from virtually free to millions of dollars. It costs virtually nothing to develop a web page promoting your products and place it online if you have the requisite skills and access to an inexpensive host. According to Internet.com, a major source of e-commerce news and information, medium to large size corporations spend an average of one million dollars to develop and implement their corporate e-commerce sites. Somewhere between these two numbers is where you will find yourself. That is why business planning for electronic commerce is so important.

Common Website Development Questions

Q: Can I track sales so I know what percentage of my visitors are buying products and how they break down demographically?

A: Yes, you can, depending on what your business host offers. It is an item that you will need to look at when choosing your host.

Q: How can I effectively market my online business?

A: You can market in a variety of ways, including both traditional and online marketing techniques. Look at your competitors' ads in magazines, on television, and direct mail. Do they promote a web site? You may need assistance in developing your online strategy, but the channels are there.

Q: Can I ensure that online transactions are secure?

A: There are a number of well-tested security systems which have been operating long enough to prove their worth. The Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is one of the more common environments for online transactions. Consult with your business host service on security issues, including warranties.

Q: What is SSL?

A: SSL uses encryption along with a Digital ID to provide the ability to transfer data securely over the Internet.

Q: What is an Extranet?

A: Web site for existing customers rather than the general public. It can provide access to paid research, current inventories and internal databases, virtually any information that is private and not published for everyone. An extranet uses the public Internet as its transmission system, but requires passwords to gain access.