A network for success

In any venture - business, sports, politics - the surest route to success is working with strong, innovative partners. Forward-looking businesses today have fantastic opportunities to enjoy world-class communications by partnering with the right network provider.

Indeed, much of what defines strong organizations today is a comprehensive communications network that dovetails with their needs. And that is the first stage of developing that network - determining your needs. So let's look at some key considerations that should be on your checklist:

• In overall terms, the ideal network for your operation should enable you to manage performance, because you want the most from your investment.
• Are you able, for example, to converge all your applications, such as voice, data, video and other tools, on a single network? Running a single network will reduce costs. Does your network enable this important step? If not, you could be passing up a competitive advantage.
• Some organizations are further ahead with a fully managed network, which means avoiding major capital costs while enjoying a network that meets your specific needs and is fully supported around the clock.
• Is your network defining what you are able to do from a communications standpoint, instead of your people? If so, you could be missing benefits such as flexibility and reliability that a strong communications network can deliver.
• As your business grows, will it be easy for your network to keep pace? It's important to be able to develop your network in step with business growth, while managing costs.
• Are you confident in the security your network delivers? In today's rapidly changing technology environment, it is essential that you can operate in a secure, reliable and worry-free manner.
• What about having fibre built into your offices? If it makes sense, it can vastly improve your communications performance and maximize your network solution's capabilities.

Once you have assessed your needs, the next step is to identify a network that can deliver on those needs. What should you be considering?

• Credibility of your service provider is important. Ideally, you want an organization with a substantial national fibre optic network so you need never doubt your communications capabilities.
• As your communications needs expand, your network's reliability must be impeccable. Make sure you are confident in elements such as engineering quality and service.
• Your network should enhance your operation's ability to grow rather than inhibit it. Flexibility and scalability are key qualities that allow your business to develop and enjoy capacity in all major cities in Canada. Your service provider has to deliver this.
• Your network should have the ability to be interconnected with other services that are available. This interoperability helps ensure that you can extend the value of your network investment.
• Support is critical to success. During the design phase of a network solution and after its implementation, you will want to know someone has your communications back at all times. This could be in the form of direct support, or through a partner that manages your network.
• Make no assumptions about the performance of your network, and instead measure, and measure again. Quality service measurement tools will ensure you are getting the full potential from your IP network.

This last point is just one in the many strengths of an Allstream network solution. Bolstered by a world-class fibre-optic network spanning 24,300 kilometres coast to coast in Canada, Allstream partners enjoy access to leading communications technology solutions.