Fasthosts warn that Old fashioned computing practices cost smallbusinesses 18 billion annually

Author: Michael Hanna
Source: articleage.com

Small to medium size UK businesses are wasting money every day
and putting the future of their business in jeopardy through old
fashioned computing practices, which are costing them ฃ18
billion annually. This is the conclusion of the Server Solutions
Study by Fasthosts, the
UK’s largest independent hosting company. Fasthosts
conducted a study into server computing solutions in SME
businesses. It examined the basic solutions needed to set up a
server securely in-house in comparison to using hosted services.
The study revealed that many small businesses in the UK host
their server in-house because of the out-dated belief that this
allows maximum access and security. Following an examination of
the SME server computing environment, the opposite was found to
be the case, as hosting a server within the company premises
requires careful consideration and preparation.
Analysis revealed that the minimum requirements for SMEs running
a server in-house are a power failure system to ensure the
server can be shut down safely in case of an emergency; SDSL
internet connection for maximum upload speed; a remote control
card for access to the server from outside the office; a
firewall for security and additional considerations such as air
conditioning; physical security and remote back up. The study
found that the cost for these quickly add up and on an ongoing
basis impact the bottom line. (Source: National Statistics and
Fasthosts’ Server Solutions Study, 2005) However, when
these systems are not in place the future of any small business
can be at risk. Especially small businesses in London have a
very low three-year survival rate at 62.8% in contrast to
Northern Ireland (72.4%), Wales (86%) and Scotland (65.3%)
(Source: Confederation of British Industry, 2005).
“In our experience many businesses are still stuck in 1980s
computing mentality,” comments Andrew Michael, CEO of Fasthosts.
“They need to move and embrace new computing practices. It is
impossible to put value on data so it needs to be kept under
maximum security – data is the lifeblood of any business. Only a
hosted environment offers the required security solutions in a
cost effective bundle, however the SME market remains largely
ignorant of this.” Fasthosts carried out the Server
Solution Study to analyse its dedicated
server offering and ensure it matches the needs of the
marketplace. Fasthosts offers hosted services for servers in a
highly secure, air conditioned data centre in the UK. The hosted
servers can be set up instantly online and come with a private
LAN, easy to use control panel, full remote control and
firewall. An SDSL connection can be added as well as secure
database hosting. The Server Solutions Study was
carried out in November 2005 and examined the costs of essential
solutions needed to host a server securely and safely in-house
versus hosting it at a remote data centre. The study examined
the UK SME server computing environment, including all factors
essential to secure maximum uptime and the security of business
critical data. Key solutions examined included air conditioning,
SDSL, UPS, firewall, remote control card which are provided by
most hosting providers as part of a standard hosting package.
About Fasthosts Since 1999, Fasthosts has
delivered market leading online services to the home, home
office and SME markets. The business has a successful track
record and proven business model in providing high value, award
winning products. Contact details: Ed
Johnson Ed.Johnson@fasthosts.co.uk Fasthosts Internet
Ltd. Discovery House 154 Southgate Street
Gloucester GL1 2EX United Kingdom Tel +44 (0)870
888 3600 Fax +44 (0)870 888 3838

When Plenum Rated Cable is Needed

Author: Elliot Laffey
Source: ezinearticles.com

When & Why do I Need Plenum Rated Cable?

This is an important issue related to the chemical composition of cable and your building’s construction.

There are two basic types of building construction as it regards the movement of heating, air conditioning and ventilation through office buildings. In newer construction and in most high rise construction the architects save space and the cost of expensive sheet metal return air ducts by simply drawing the air back to the heating/air condition unit through the open spaces above the ceiling and between the walls.

Now, let’s discuss the basis of the problem. Standard cable is jacketed in PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), with the Chloride element causing the trouble. When PVC burns or smolders it releases toxic fumes into the air (Hydrochloric Acid and Dioxin). A plenum air return would unknowingly circulate toxic air throughout an office.

Since both you and the Fire Department don’t want you to die from breathing in toxic fumes from your cabling, code requires Plenum Rated cable installed through any plenum air return space. Our Installation Team is required run Plenum Rated cable if they determine the air space in not ducted.

How do I determine if my building uses Plenum Air Return?

1. If you have a large wall or ceiling return air grate; remove and see if there the air is channeled through sheet metal ducting. If there is no sheet metal duct; just the open ceiling or wall space, then you are required by law to use Plenum Rated cable.

2. If there is no wall or ceiling return air grate; look closely at your fluorescent lighting fixtures to see if there is a gap around the edge of the fixtures and put your hand over the gap and you can feel air movement. Obviously your air conditioner should be running at the time! The lack of wall or ceiling return air grates is usually a sure sign that you require Plenum Rated Cable.

3. Computer Rooms typically use a raised flooring system for the server racks. This allows intensive cooling to be pumped through the space under the floor to cool the servers, switches, routers, etc. Cabling between the many devices and to the users runs through this open floor space. This by definition is a Plenum Air space and requires Plenum Rated Cable.

Now you know the whole story!

If you still have questions, give us a call at 800-390-1200.

Call 1-800-390-1200 today to talk to an expert at Telco Depot or visit us online at http://www.telcodepot.com