A blog discussing things to consider when upgrading your IT infrastructure

In today’s highly connected and technology-driven world, businesses are constantly seeking ways to improve their operations and stay ahead of the competition. One of the key factors that contribute to a successful business is having reliable and efficient IT infrastructure. Whether it’s changing to a hosted service, opting for a colocated space, or upgrading to fiber internet, there are several important things to consider before upgrading your IT infrastructure:  

Top 5 Things to Consider:

1. Evaluate the Business’s Needs and Goals: Before making any significant changes to a business’s IT infrastructure, it is crucial to assess the needs and goals. Consider factors such as the size of the organization, the nature of the business operations, and future growth plans. Evaluate whether a hosted service, colocation space, or fiber internet aligns with and effectively supports overall objectives.

2. Cost Analysis: Cost is a significant consideration when upgrading your business’s IT infrastructure. Begin by evaluating the upfront and ongoing costs associated with the chosen solution. For a hosted service, determine the pricing structure, including subscription fees and potential additional charges. When considering a colocated space, factor in expenses such as hardware procurement, maintenance, and facility costs. While initially costly for internet transport, fiber proves cost-effective in the long run with superior speed, reliability, and scalability.

3. Reliability and Scalability: Nothing is more frustrating than investing significantly in IT changes that do not contribute to significant growth later on.  Assess the reliability of the chosen solution by researching the service provider’s uptime guarantees and support availability. Determine if the solution can scale alongside the businesses growth without compromising performance by asking the service provider about scalability options in the future, if upgrades can be performed remotely, or if additional equipment would be required.   

4. Security Considerations: Security is crucial for businesses, as it protects their assets, maintains customer trust, and strengthens their operations. When opting for a hosted service, investigate the provider’s security measures, including encryption protocols, firewalls, and access controls. For a colocated space, assess the physical security of the facility, such as surveillance systems, restricted access, and disaster recovery plans. Fiber has an immunity to electromagnetic interference, making it extremely difficult for hackers to tap into or intercept data transmissions. 

5. Technical Support and Expertise: Before making any changes to a business’s IT infrastructure, consider the technical support and expertise available. Evaluate the provider’s customer support channels, response times, and overall reputation for assistance. This helps to ensure that the facility provides adequate on-site support and has skilled technicians available for maintenance and troubleshooting.  

123NET Difference when Looking to Upgrade your IT Infrastructure

When looking at upgrading your IT infrastructure, 123NET can be both a service provider and a trusted consultant to help your infrastructure get the right solution for their internet needs. 123NET offers not only a comprehensive range of services but also these advantages: 

  • Reliability and Uptime: 123NET is known for providing reliable services with high uptime.  Businesses can expect a robust and stable hosting environment, minimizing the risk of downtime and potential revenue loss. 
  • Scalability and Flexibility: 123NET offers scalable solutions that can easily adapt to evolving requirements and provide the flexibility to scale up or down quickly and efficiently. 
  • Expert Support and Service Level Agreements (SLAs): A team of experts can troubleshoot issues, offer guidance, and promptly address any concerns.  Also, 123NET offers service level agreements (SLAs) that guarantee certain levels of uptime, responsiveness, and performance. 
  • Competitive Pricing: Pricing models are designed to provide businesses with cost-effective solutions while ensuring the highest quality of service. This allows businesses to allocate their IT budget more efficiently and optimize their return on investment. 

Choosing the right solution for a business’s hosting needs, whether a hosted service, colocated space, or fiber internet, is a critical decision that can significantly impact your operations. 123NET is a strong contender for this choice, offering reliable connectivity solutions. By carefully evaluating these factors and considering the unique requirements, businesses can make an informed decision that lays the groundwork for improved efficiency, productivity, and future success. 

Learn more about 123NET’s Internet Solutions