Small business suggestions

[Silmeron]

Hey guys,

I'm working with a few guys to start up a small software company (about 50 people tops). I'd like to get decent Internet for a company like that, but would like to keep costs down to a reasonable amount, so T1 or ATM is probably more than we'd want to pay.

Would business DSL be able to serve that many users well enough? If so, any recommendations (or even some to stay away from) for providers and pricing?

Thanks in advance,
-Sil

 

[manarth]

Hi Sil

Firstly, ADSL is typically 512 Kbps (in the UK & many other countries).
This compares to a typical narrowband modem speed of 56 Kbps.

Whether this will provide enough speed for ALL 50 of your users will depend on what they're using the connection for.

If your users are occasional surfers, you may be fine with 512k - if they all use it at the same time, the 512k will be split 50 ways, giving each user just over 10k each (a fifth of the speed of dialup!).


Depending on where in the world you are, you may be able to get a faster DSL connection at a competitive rate; e.g. in the UK some areas can get 1 Mbps ADSL / cable broadband.

Try searching for an ISP review / small business advice / consumer organisation site which is local to you and can advice on quality / service provided by ISPs in your area.
<marc>[ul]help us help![li]please give us feedback on what works / doesn't[/li][li]not sure where to start? click here: faq581-3339[/li][/sup][/ul][/sup]

 

[InnoTech]

yeah, it really does depend on what your going to be useing it for.

you can think about it this way: just try it out for a bit. if you don't like it upgrade and remember you can always add dsl or cable connections to your network giving more bandwidth. also, the management of the network could effect it as well.ie. putting restrictions on users and router settings could free up some needed bandwidth. &quot;Jack of all trades. Master of none.&quot;